HEY DOOMERS,

This weekend, most of you will be given a choice. When people knock on your door for Holloween, take a good look into the faces of the little kids. Ask yourself about your predetermined plans next year. Put a face on those you plan on saying "NO!!" to -- or even shooting to defend your "preps" from the hungry little kids!!!

How about practicing giving some food away? You know, get in the habit for next year! Try it, and see how it makes you feel. Then ask yourself if you can answer the door, look those little kids in the face, and tell them "NO!!!" go home and starve, you little "looter wantabe!!". Get a grip, doomer! Are you really that selfish and heartless? Yes? Well, think about it each time some little kid knocks on your door for Holloween. Also think about the look on the little kids mother's face, too...and think about the look on her face if YOU let her little kid die a slow death of starvation or stunt their growth because you were so selfish!

Yes, doomer.....think this weekend. Put a FACE on the mental image you have of "the masses"...and ask youself some serious questions. For starters, are you really that selfish and cold? Remember when you were a little kid? How you would have felt? How would your MOTHER have felt?? Come on! We're talking KIDS and mothers who FEEL!!! Have a heart!!

Think about it!!! What are you going to do??????? Say NO!!!! ?? Now get off my property before I blast your little a$$!!! ??? Are you really going to do that next year???? Look into their little faces and tell me....and yourself....while there is still time to reconsider...

P.S. Hey moderators....this is an important and timely issue. This thread may make somebody think and even save a life or two next year...or even encourage someone to prep for others if not for themselves. I know you don't care for me, but DO NOT DELETE THIS THREAD AGAIN....after all, "it's for the children"....

-- Genius (codeslinger@work.now), October 29, 1999

Answers

********PLEASE DON'T FEED THE TROLLS***********

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), October 29, 1999.

What's your point. Its the Doomer's who are begging, pleading, threatening, cajoling, etc the polly's to do something, anything to prepare, this often at the cost of great personal and usually irrational abuse. The Doomer's exhibit their selflessness already in attempting to warn their neightbor. Alas, it may be to no avail, the hurricane parties have been planned in advance. These are the selfish, undisciplined, short sighted people who may be a danger to you and a menace to society if hardships occur and some of these, I fear, wear there halloween masks on the inside. The doomer's are, on the other hand, civic minded in wishing to spare their neighbor the potenital humiiation, suffering, anguish and death which some avoidable year 2000 problems might cause

-- PD (Fu@-.com), October 29, 1999.

In years past, the buzz-phrases were "America, love it or leave it" and "Ask not what your country can to for you...."

Today, the PC buzz-phrase is "It's for the children", and "It's WORTH it, if it saves even ONE child".

Well, in the words of George Carlin, F**K THE CHILDREN! There's more to the world than doing EVERYTHING "for the children". (I myself have two, and do what I can for them, without spoiling them.)

(But I'm not PC anyway, so you PC'ers out there can BITE MY BUTT)

-- Dennis (djolson@cherco.net), October 29, 1999.

RUOK,

RU **REALLY** OK??? I post something that may save some kids life next year. And you label it a troll post!!! RUOK -- where is your heart? Wouldn't you rather kids got fed instead of turned out to starve...or even shot by some doomer who cared more for his preps than the life of little kids? What if, this holloween, this post results in even ONE 50 pound bag or rice being set aside...or one heart softened to one's fellow mankind...is that so bad? YOU"RE THE TROLL!!

ANd you other people....you talk about preping....what kind of world are you prepping for...and more importantly, what kind of people are you preping up to be? What if Y2K ISN"T TEOTWAWKI? How will you live with yourself...what will you think of yourself...if you KNOW that you would turn some helpless little kid away into a snowstorm...hungry! Or worse yet, even shoot them -- because they were a "threat" to some bad of rice you own!!!! What kind of person are you people!!! ???

-- Genius (codeslinger@work.now), October 29, 1999.

Actually most Pollys are prepared already... just not going overboard, like you Doomers are trying to cajole, convince, threaten, beggin and pleading for us to do, because as you say..."why not?".

I'll tell you why not... because it doesn't make any sense! And you ought not to beg, plead, cajole, threaten, convince anyone to think like you because you have a notion that you are doing what is "right" in your mind.

And as long as people like you exist, I'll be around to put in my 2 cents.

-- (_@_._@_.(*&^(*&^(*&), October 29, 1999.

Amen RUOK, you had it right brother, I'll know better next time.

-- PD (Lift@finger.com), October 29, 1999.

If Y2K turns out to be an 8 or 9 (I don't pretend to know the exact impact level) don't bother comming to my door. If it's a survival situation and you're going to impact the survival of my loved one's

I'd have no trouble ending your suffering asshole.

It's truly sad how people like yourself can't see the forest for the trees. I work in an infrastructure industry. It's GONNA have some big problems. Hope you're ready.

-- Gordon (g_gecko_69@hotmail.com), October 29, 1999.

"Genius", cant you do any math ?.

Lets say you saved 1 months worth of food for just yourself. Now on 1/5/2000 somone comes to your door and says "Can you help me?". and you decide to "share". Now your food will last two weeks. Now another "genius" and their kid comes to your door and says "Please, I am starving". Now both you and your first new "friend" are down to 1 weeks worth of food. Now 1 more person shows up and from that point you say "NO, I cannot do it". Are you justified at stopping at that point or should you have stopped with the first person or should you keep "sharing" with the 4th, 5th and 6th visitor?.

We're not talking Zagnut candy bars during the Halloween "rollover" we are talking real food to feed your body to stay alive.

Trust me, "genius", you wouldnt share your food if you could do the math.

-- hamster (hamster@mycage.com), October 29, 1999.

sniff sniff. sniff sniff. the fervor and diction of SuperPolly. plus the favorite *doomers is selfish* theme. yup, it's soup.

-- trollin trollin trollin keep them (dogies@trollin.hide), October 29, 1999.

Gordon,

Why did you threaten me with your remark to "end my suffering" and call me an a$$hole? And, IF you work in an "infrustructure" industry...and have a job that REALLY puts you in the know, THEN TELL US WHICH INDUSTRY AND WHAT YOUR SCOOP IS -- ISN'T THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REAONS FOR THIS PLACE????

Or is it to flame, threaten and insult caring people like me? I think I know what set you and some others off. Lots of you doomer folk have your ideas of what Y2K will be like, what others will be like, and what you will be like. When someone, like me, comes along and in some way upsets, refutes or causes you to question how events, you and others are or will be, it causes internal discomfort. You don't like this. So you get angry and lash out. You don't like your comforatable little mental "bunkers" opened up to the light of reason or reality, do you?

This might cause you to lose the comfort of your delusions...and leave you nothing but uncomforatable feelings of uncerianty, risk or even having to operate in an environment -- reality -- that you don't feel comforatable in -- and have NEVER been too successful in!!! It's scary for you when someone flushes you from your dark mental "bunkers", isn't it?

Bet you usually find reality scary and hard, huh? I'll bet FEW doomers have ever amounted to much in life beyond "getting by"...bet few "captians of industry" or people who have accomplished much would be found among the "doomer elite" here.

Bet lots of doomers feel deep inside that TEOTWAWKI just might give them the chance to "be somebody", "in control", or "right", "feared", or even bowed to" by those needing their "preps" in a Mad Max situation. Guess those preps really do provide a lot of "psychological comfort"...like the assault rifle that makes you say inside "Ain't nobody going to kick sand in my face -- or take my lunch money ever again!!!". Sounds like delusional visions of granduer -- and "preps" making up for basic inadequacies and failures in life to me....bet the shoe fits well, doesn't it doomer -- THAT'S WHY THIS POST MAKES YOU SO MAD. Pathetic!!! Really PATHETIC!!! You really ought to see someone in the mental health field about all this, doomer!!!

It isn't easy to say NO!! to a kid who is a person, instead of just a "mental concept", is it? Or..."putting some little child...whose face you have looked into and pleas for help you have heard with your own ears ..."out of their misery" as you put it -- murdering some little kid instead of feeding them -- isn't as easy a concept to swallow compared to viewing others as "the enemy" that you have depersonalized in your mind.

It's much easier to "kill" a non-person who is just a "hungry looter who would do the same to me" in your mind than it is a real live FEELING human being who just wants a couple of lousy handfulls of rice because their little kid belly is HUNGRY, isn't it?

I guess that's how you would end world hunger, right? Just KILL "EM ALL!! LET GOD SORT "EM OUT!! Is that the way it is in your doomer delusions Gordon??? Pitiful person you are, Gordon. You sound like a "crime against humanity" in the making, Mr. Doomer. PUKE!!

-- Genius (codeslinger@work.now), October 29, 1999.

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=001fDW

"As many of you know, my gig is crude oil. I'm a crude analyst"

-- Gordon (g_gecko_69@hotmail.com), October 28, 1999

***************************************************

So which is it Gordon, infrstructure or oil? And how is it that if your in oil you know that the infrastructure of this country is GUNNA have problems? Are you one of those people who has a million times more brain capacity than other humans who can absorb enough information about an entire country to make a decision like that all by yourself?

Amazing.

-- (_@_._*&%*&%), October 29, 1999.

This is asinine, calculated to alienate rational people from a forum that posts a lot of good content, and supports a broad range of calmly and rationally-expressed opinion.

We've really been under attack from disruptors lately. Maybe they've started paying them by the word.

Liberty

-- Liberty (liberty@theready.now), October 29, 1999.

Liberty,

YOU!!!! of all people talking about rational and calmly expressed ideas and positions????? Try being that way for just a week instead of posting all the PUKE you write about the gubmint conspiracies, TPTB, your idiotic view of the constitution (only YOU know what it really means, right?), or your religious rants (only YOU have THE correct interpretaion of the bible, right?)....

You of all people writing what you did....what a SICK JOKE YOU ARE!!!

Are you so far gone you actually see yourself as rational, fair minded and a calm presenter of ideas and concepts for honest, fair discussions???? If this wasn't so sad, I would laugh....maybe you and Gordon can get a group therapy discount!!! Go for it!!!

-- Genius (codeslinger@work.now), October 29, 1999.

"Genius":

Speaking for myself and my family, we are not responsible for the welfare of others. That duty belongs to the gov't and religious organizations.

That being said, it's not MY responsibility that a child might starve due to Y2K. That belongs to the idiot PARENT who refused to provide for the welfare of his/her family. THEY are the ones who must look the child in the eyes as he/she starves, NOT I.

I have spent thousands of $'s on preps, including food, water, sanitation, fuel, power, heat, and defense. I REFUSE to subsidize the fools and imbiciles of this country. The way I see it, it's just Darwinian selection in action. Sorry to be so harsh, but life is never fair.

If you feel that private citizen participation is so important, email Donald Trump or Bill Gates. They've got some disposable income I believe....

-- Dennis (djolson@cherco.net), October 29, 1999.

**********************************************************************

the difference between the legitimate members of this forum and the illegitimate posters is simple to explain.

Those who come here in a spirit and attitude of harmony, tranquillity and freedom from disturbance are sharing this forum in the American tradition of freedom of speech. Wherein, no party may utter words which are in violation of the law and yet are free to honestly share thoughts and opinions of interest to those assembled. IN THIS FORUM as in the public at large, Americans must obey rules of conduct which allow the needs of the group, thus assembled, to communicate as the group honestly seeks. Those who would devise or act to disrupt such free and open discussions, should in the American tradition be warned first to desist. AND IF THEY CONTINUE, THEY SHOULD BE EJECTED.

The illegitimate posters have ill intent toward the legitimate members of this forum and as such have differentiated themselves by their own definitions and actions. The ill will that they intend and act upon, as a group is unwarranted and unwelcomed. They are clearly here to destroy and disrupt. THEY SHOULD BE EJECTED.

Freedom of speech is a two edged sword which cuts both ways.

I say lets let it cut them now and be rid of them!

**********************************************************************

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), October 29, 1999.

Dennis,

So easy to turn a cold shoulder to those in need when you label them idiotic and worse, isn't it? The old depersonalization rationalization method. Say Dennis, if your house caught on fire because you were too idiotic to build it out of something that wouldn't burn, or you just happened to be unlucky enough to get caught in a tornado or hurricane or whatever....would you be ranting about DARWINISM in action? I'll bet not.

What if the shoe were on the other foot? Or your wife or kid were stranded somewhere dangerous -- like the car broken down after making a wrong turn into the wrong neighborhood -- would you just nod in agreement when the cops asked you to identify their body and say, "Yep! Darwinism in action! Should have had the car checked out or been using a GPS to find their way -- YEP!!! the world is a better place now....I don't want to file any charges officer -- and I'm not going to waste money burying somebody that didn't make the darwinian cut today....you keep em!"

Basically, I understand your position. I just think your smug attitude has a lot of holes...and would not hold water if the day ever comes when YOU are on the other side of "DARWINISM IN ACTION", Dennis.

Think about it...think real hard about it Dennis.

-- Genius (codeslinger@work.now), October 29, 1999.

Codeslinger, I perceive that what you are trying to say is that "we don't have to share, we get to share". That is all well and good, but no one should be forced to share the fruits of their labors against their will. I realize that (by your own admission) you are a caring person, apparently so much so that you are willing to share your food with hungry strangers, possibly at the expense of your own family. I have a question to ask: do you feel that all property is communal in difficult times?

I look forward to your response.

-- PKM (.@...), October 29, 1999.

Codeslinger,

Just let me wipe your spittle off my face...there we go.

You know, I don't know what you're talking about RE the Bible. I only ever talk about it when the trolls decend with long knives on some pilgrim for speaking of God with reverence, or dropping a bible quote to illustrate a point. I personally see it as literature, some of it inspirational, some not. Maybe at some point I fixed an interpretation of the bible which all must follow - if I did, I'd liek to see it. And if you disagree with my opinion on the Constitution or anything else, don't be shy: make your opinion known, and we'll debate it.

As for the rest of it, well, there's not much substance for me to work with, is there? I think your post is obvious mischief, because you're trying to equate storing personal food supplies with starving children who don't prepare. As for my needing therapy, I notice that you are using a lot of exclamation points. A lot, Codeslinger. Often excessive punctuation can indicate a cry for help, and I want you to know that even though you kind of flew off the handle there, I'm here for you if you need me.

Liberty

-- Liberty (liberty@theready.now), October 29, 1999.

Genius: whatcha doin' all weekend??

-- lisa (lisa@work.now), October 29, 1999.

Wonderful idea! Yes, it'll be expensive, but think of them getting home and finding a can of SPAM in their bag! What a surprise!!!

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), October 29, 1999.

SPAM in their bag? Are you people crazy? A can of SPAM is about $1.98 a can and a bag of beans 98 cents. I'm afraid the kiddies are going to get lots and lots of candy from me (bought it Nov. 98, at a bargain and it's time to unload it so I can restock this years candy). My dentist neighbor I am sure will thank me for it. And as far a trick or treaters after January 1, coming to my door asking for treats, if I have any 1998 candy left over I'll pass it their way.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 29, 1999.

Liberty, I enjoy your posts a lot! You always are gracious. It does seem the real way to deal with these guys is to ask them to defend their positions. I'm sure none of them have the capacity to do that, in comparison to your affluence on the Government issues. For these guys to resort to typographical "hysteria" is bizarre. You'd think they'd be playing golf or something, rather than spending hours here. By the way, isn't Genius the one who wondered "What day is TS going to hit the fan?" Man, gooooooood question. IQ of about room temperature I'm guessing.

-- Gregg (g.abbott@starting-point.com), October 29, 1999.

Thanks for the kind words, Gregg.

I'm concerned that in our culture there is little civility. We don't have arguments any more, even heated arguments - we just call eachother names, and make cheap shots, rather than formulate real arguments. I consider the post that started this thread to be elaborate name-calling; essentially, it addresses people who are preparing (for themselves, their families and others they can then help) and calls them "babykillers." It only takes a moments thought to realize that if any children are likely to die, it will be from individuals NOT preparing. Is this guilt feeling being projected onto the "source" of the guilt? They see people taking responsibility; they know they are not; they feel guilty...

Liberty

-- Liberty (liberty@theready.now), October 29, 1999.

bardou,

Beans might not be such a great idea if you want to keep a low profile. Can't you just see the parent who is slowly turning GI saying to his kid "Honey, now which house did you get this at again??".

-TECH32-

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.COM), October 29, 1999.

Please don't feed the trolls.

TB2000 deleted thread - Posted by (151.198.183.194) anon1 on October 29, 1999 at 08:57:40:

Thought you might like to know the topic of what threatens TPTB over at stinkbomb2000. I posted a thread saying Holloween might be good practice....for handing out food to the hungry who knock at their door. My, My, My....what a response! Seems the doomers who are figuring on defending their "preps" don't want to think about WHO might be asking....such as a little kid who just wants something to eat. No...better to think of anyone knocking as part of the "faceless masses"...."looters"...or even "gubmint types" who might want some of their rice and beans....SHOOT EM!!! the doomers plan....what a sick bunch of fragile people....when they are confronted with a question that causes a reality check on their going "rambo"...they scream for their "moderators" to DELETE! DELETE! So much for reality for doomers....can't stand it if it makes them examine their delusions!

Those doomers must be tough, huh?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!

[And here's the complete thread outline:]

TB2000 deleted thread - anon1 08:57:40 10/29/99 (7)

Go easy on them, NASDAQ approaching record, nothing is going their way - Doc Paulie 11:02:51 10/29/99 (3)

Yardeni is going to need Houdini after today. Over at YourdoneGate,,FLEECED are very quiet...BUT a@a.a PROMISED. How can this be?? AS Nasdaq nears record. - cpr 11:09:01 10/29/99 (2)

Andy and the other metal shills missing while gold is just resting before it goes to the Moon. - cpr 11:12:13 10/29/99 (1)

And just where is Messiah Your=Toast-Ed? As the news gets better, HumptyDumb-Dumb gets sillier and N.M. gets colder - cpr 11:15:32 10/29/99 (0)

Re: TB2000 deleted thread - anon1 09:16:13 10/29/99 (1)

A noble thought. - Patricia 16:22:36 10/29/99 (0)

Re: TB2000 deleted thread - Ditto 09:02:44 10/29/99 (0)

[Notice another post from Anon1 in the outline - here it is:]

Re: TB2000 deleted thread

Posted by (151.198.183.195) anon1 on October 29, 1999 at 09:16:13:

In Reply to: TB2000 deleted thread posted by anon1 on October 29, 1999 at 08:57:40:

Think this might be a good tactic to use in posting at timebomb2000....post that make them THINK about the fallout of their delusions....and maybe give them pause....before they shoot, go bonkers next year and hurt somebody. They sure do hate anything that questions the wisdom or reality or "can you live like that" regarding their delusional doomer puke. Posting just might do some good there!

Who knows, it just might make one or two think and not kill someone wanting "rice and beans" next year! Guess that's why they deleted my thread....got to protect those "tough doomers" from asking themselves if they really want to shoot some little hungry kid who knocks at the door....my, this DOES show what the moderators priorities are, doesn't it....."for the children NOT!"

BWAAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!

[SNIP from Patricia's Noble Thought post - "But a pure waste of time. It is an excellent tactic, but it's been tried by some over the past few months. Some continue to do so -- and my hat's off to those people. I don't know how they do it."]

[And now we see, some 7-1/2 hours after the first thread was begun, another by the same poster - exact same IP. It writes as if it never posted the fist thread. Must have had a training e-mail from someone.]

Check out THIS WEEKEND TRY... thread at TB2000

Posted by (151.198.183.194) anon on October 29, 1999 at 16:33:26:

I think this thread, and the doomer replies, are very illustrative of their mentality. some hungry kid comes to the door. The question isn't whether to feed them. The question is whether to kill them or just send them packing -- and hungry.

I think lots of these doomers are very dangerous indeed. They have depersonalized real people. That will make people easier to kill if there are any shortages of food next year.

They have found a mental "bunker" where all the failures and inadequacies of the outside world are non-existant. A mental bunker in which they can feel supreme. Sadly, I think several of them are "crimes against humanity" waiting to happen. Sad....very sad....

[If Troll Genius/Anon1/Anon posts on this thread or on another, please DO NOT feed it, it only grows morbidly obese.]

-- The Great Pumpkin (sittin'@the.patch), October 29, 1999.

Actually "Genius", I feel enough interest in your argument to answer a few of your points...

...if your house caught on fire because you were too idiotic to build it out of something that wouldn't burn, or you just happened to be unlucky enough to get caught in a tornado or hurricane or whatever....would you be ranting about DARWINISM in action? I'll bet not.

No, I'd be calling the insurance company. That's why we have it, after all. And as long as a home meets "code", that's enough for me. (I realize this is all hypothetical, but what the hey...)

What if the shoe were on the other foot? Or your wife or kid were stranded somewhere dangerous -- like the car broken down after making a wrong turn into the wrong neighborhood -- would you just nod in agreement when the cops asked you to identify their body and say, "Yep! Darwinism in action!

We own and carry weapons, and know how to use them (cell phones for everyone as well). We also ALWAYS do a route-plan if we will be venturing outside our local area. These facts would be considered "prudent preparation" by some, and "wild-eyed survivalism" by others. I care not what others think.

Basically, I understand your position. I just think your smug attitude has a lot of holes...and would not hold water if the day ever comes when YOU are on the other side of "DARWINISM IN ACTION", Dennis.

Bottom line: we try to live our lives in a balanced, prudent manner, anticipating and preparing for unforseen circumstances as best we can, without going "overboard". (The definition of overboard varies from person to person).

The real issue raised in your initial post (IMO) was that I have some obligation to "care for" other people's children (a sort of "individual socialism"). I have a problem with that situation (as I explained above). Neither I nor my family is "obligated" to care for others not in our family. That is NOT our responsibility. As a husband and father, I consider it my duty to care for MY FAMILY FIRST. IF I were to have enough to assist a few others, Iwould probably do so IN A VERY LIMITED WAY.

That is, enough for a couple of days. Accompanying this food would be directions to the nearest shelter. That's as far as my "responsibility" to others goes. If you don't feel comfortable with that, it's YOUR problem, not mine. The information on the potential problems associated with the rollover has been available for a LONG time. If others are too obtuse to "get it", THAT is the Darwinian selection to which I refer.

FYI, I'm a computer consultant, and have been in the business for a quarter century. I know a bit about large systems and automation. I also do better than "just getting by" as you put it. I'm not a survivalist, nutcase or gun freak. I'm just a regular guy who hopes all to hell that Y2K will be NOTHING. But I can't bet my family's lives on that... Will you bet YOURS?

-- Dennis (djolson@pressenter.com), October 29, 1999.

TECH 32: Go back and read the first 2 sentences of my post. NO ONE IS GETTING SPAM OR BEANS FROM ME! Just October 1998 candy, that's it, nothing else. Maybe you misunderstood my post TECH 32. No beans, No SPAM, no rice, no TP, no nothing -- only Oct. 1998 candy.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 29, 1999.

P.S. I'm Not Yelling Either!!!!! LOL

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 29, 1999.

Just when you think it's safe to go into the water....This whole thread makes me want to delete TB2000 from my bookmarks.

Note the diversity of opinion among those who are of one accord!

Reminds me of a scene from an old Twilight Zone show. One neighbor had a bomb shelter when the threat of a nuclear attack seemed imminent. All these "good neighbors" in the street with guns, axes, etc suddenly became coniving and hostile because there was only enough room for the owners family....

Can you imagine this scene in your front yard if things really get bad?

I am really surprised at some of the posters whom I have "read" and respected in numerous previous threads.

If this is a representative sample of the people on this forum, I'm out of here.

THIS IS THE MOST DISTURBING THREAD I HAVE READ ON TB2000

I think it's time to go to Amazon Com and order a few books on "Crowd Psychology".

And Gordon, I really want to think that you're just blowing smoke. I've known a lot of people in the "oil patch" and there's not a one of them who wouldn't give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

-- I'm (Sick@Stomach.com), October 29, 1999.

bardou,

Yes I misread. My mistake.

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.COM), October 29, 1999.

Why does everyone want OUR stuff? I actually worked kind of hard to get my money and buy what I've bought. I've also sacrificed a portion of my retirement money. Do they want to see me old and homeless? Good grief. During good times I share with those strangers in need. During hard times I share with those closest to me. Is that really complicated logic?

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), October 30, 1999.

This "Genius" guy is only a genius at causing trouble. He has nothing of value to offer whatsoever. His nickname should be "Dumb Ass" instead.

-- Ohio Bob (ohiobob@buckeyestate.com), October 30, 1999.

1) Why worry about people knocking on my door and asking for food? I intend to be outside, knocking on other people's doors asking for food. When I see someone approach my house, I'll send out a kid, have my kid ask them for food. I will be as mean and aggressive as a South of Market Street panhandler. I will, in short order, be a shunned woman. Good.

2) Why build a false premise- do I give them food, or turn them away? The REAL answer is, I might have a little to spare, but I have a little bit of work that needs to be done. Then stop, they'll get the picture.

Give them tasks, like gathering firewood. Like chopping ice down at the creek, and hauling it back to be melted into water. Like telling them that the Foofoos down the street have been threatening to break into your house, and you need protection. Have them give you stuff for food, stuff that will be valuable later. Have them sign a contract and a check made out to you, which just may be valuable later.

3) Answer the door sounding looney. "Hello Jeremy, you're just in time for the recital! Now what did you do with little Harry? You MUST bring him! Oh, did you bring the dip? What did you say your name is dear? Oh, magazines, yes, we always subscribe to magazines." Rent your clothes and mess your hair and look crazy. Soon you will be shunned.

4) There are some very good volumes written a few decades ago by a Russian emigre, a sociologist specializing in the reactions of people during catastrophes. Somethin like 'Man and society in Crisis,' a name like 'Sorotkin' or something. Very scary reading. Do not expect neighbors to be neighborly. You will do anything, anything, for some food.

-- JL (JKL@too.early), October 30, 1999.