Ok, if TSHTF does happen, what will you do to help your neighborhood through this mess? Would you be willing to donate your time or some supplies to help those most in need? Would you be willing to offer advice to those who want to be independent? Would you be willing to work in community projects (such as large "victory gardens" or teaching classes on how to build solar ovens, water purifying tips, etc...)?

The situation is this - if we don't work together, and BE good neighbors, we will certainly doom ourselves. If we wish to live in a better society, we have to start with ourselves. Work on our communications skills, have a little compassion and be willing to hear the other guy's story. (Nerd, this is a hint here for you. TALK with your neighbor before you go running to the authorities, you might be surprised at how willing they'll be to work WITH you.)

Yes, we ALL live next to some sheeple. But if we want to prove that being independent is BETTER, than we going to have to set some good examples at the BENEFITS of being independent.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 30, 1999

Answers

This is especially important if you are bugging out to a rural area where you have no history of being a member of the community. Are you going to hole up in your shack until your ammo runs out, or are you going to approach the local ambulance squad, fire department or soup kitchen to say "How can I help?"

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), November 30, 1999.

I'll do all of the above EXCEPT give my preps to folks. That would be on a VERY limited basis, and on the Q.T. As far as volunteer work is concerned, I'm there...

-- Dennis (djolson@cherco.net), November 30, 1999.

I could not care less about the community...and for a number of reasons.

1) This area is full of elitists, DGI types, soccer moms and other assorted upwardly mobile idiots. To this crowd, even simple preps smacks of para-military sabre rattling and they don't hesitate to tell you that.

2) The police and fire units are corrupt. Why would I want to help them out of a tight spot?

3) As I said in an earlier post, my neighbors are very bizarre and at least one is a certified psycho (drinks enough booze in one day to embalm the average human).

IMHO, any individual or group within this little menagerie is more than ready and willing to heap criticism or even turn somebody over to the "authorities". If TSHTF, these losers would not think twice about storming my place (and others like me) to deny me the food, fuel and water I have worked so hard to stash.

I know it is unpopular, but I have always maintained that this preaching of "community" is a huge mistake and is totally misguided. If others don't bother to prepare, too bad for them! The French Foreign Legion said it best..."You can live down anything but Death."

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), November 30, 1999.

Irving is absolutely correct. If TSHTF, the community will be destroyed. Anyone who remains will do whatever it takes to survive. Being a "good neighbor" will most likely get you and your family killed.

-- (its@coming.soon), November 30, 1999.

Right on Irving! Why doesn't MY neighbor be a good neighbor and look out for their own well being? Why should I be expected to play babysitter and hand holder? Let me turn this around. Why don't they be a good neighbor and pay my bills, buy my groceries and when I run out of food, I'll just go knocking on their door and ask them for more. The situation is "not working together," the situation is looking out for yourself and family. I've heard the other guy's story, "AIN'T NOTHING GOING TO HAPPEN, IT'S ALL A BUNCH OF HYPE, IT'S BUSINESSES TRYING TO GET RICH." Of course your neighbors will be willing to work with you, your the one with the food! Start feeding a stray cat, and he's your friend for life. If anyone wants to take on and feed the neighborhood, by all means go for it, but don't request it for the rest of us.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), November 30, 1999.

From: Y2K, ` la Carte by Dancr (pic), near Monterey, California

There is a lot more ways to help than by giving away family's food.

-- Dancr (addy.available@my.webpage), December 01, 1999.

Hope?

-- Hatti (klavine@tco.com), December 01, 1999.