Yuppie survivalism hits the suburbs

[lawrnk]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/fashi ... =permalink

[tarkus]

I've heard that many people are hoarding cash and food just in case civilization collapses. My strategy is to hoard guns and ammo so I can take the cash and food from the people who didn't do a good job thinking through the "collapse of society" concept.

http://archive.salon.com/21st/feature/1 ... ature.html

[tarkus]

The store will limit customers to four 20-lb. bags of jasmine, basmati and long-grain white rice, the company said in a statement. Its restriction mainly will affect businesses that buy rice in bulk, but the company said "a typical Sam's Club Business Member does not buy more than 80 pounds of rice in one visit."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/24/samscl ... index.html

[Lodge2004]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/fashi ... =permalink

“I think of survivalists as being an extreme case of preparedness,� said Ms. Vontourne, 44, “people who stockpile guns and weapons, anticipating extreme aggression. Whereas what I’m doing, I think of as something responsible people do.

“I now think of storing extra food, water, medicine and gasoline in the same way I think of buying health insurance and putting money in my 401k,� she said. “It just makes sense.�

Although I believe stockpiling guns and weapons IS something responsible people do, I can't fault her too much because at least she realizes storing some essentials is smart. Everybody is better off when the general population begins to at least try to be self sufficient.

[stevie_d_64]

“I think of survivalists as being an extreme case of preparedness,� said Ms. Vontourne, 44, “people who stockpile guns and weapons, anticipating extreme aggression. Whereas what I’m doing, I think of as something responsible people do.

“I now think of storing extra food, water, medicine and gasoline in the same way I think of buying health insurance and putting money in my 401k,� she said. “It just makes sense.�

Even though I agree in principle, as well...

[melkor41]

With ammo and guns I can get my own food... I can hunt for it or trade for it.
I can use skins to make clothing or shelter for myself or others.

I bet ya that I will be able to trade a handful of .22 rounds for a meal if I have to.

Ammo will be the new currency.

Not saying its a bad idea to stockpile the other stuff.. just saying that some folks dont have the right priorities... back in the early days of america on the fronteer ball, cap, and powder did not breed agression like the woman says.. they were neccessary to daily life.

[Jason73]

Primitive humans walked the earth 1.8 million years ago. I can assure you they did not have any grocery stores, fast food restaurants, bottled water, energy bars, etc back then. They ate plants, bugs, birds, fish, and anything else they could gather. Obviously it worked because here we are.

My point being, if we were reduced to an "uncivilized" manner of living either by natural disaster, nuclear war, terrorist attack etc, it IS possible to survive just fine without having tons of food and water stockpiled.

The whole concept of "survivalism" makes me laugh. I only wish I was one of the folks marketing the idea and the products, then I too would be laughing all the way to the bank!