Rationale for Preparedness

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3)

As they do with TEA Party people, the "mainstream" media often lump preppers together with the violent fringe of militia and survivalist types. Sadly, this association keeps people away who would otherwise see the reasonableness of emergency preparedness.

The preparedness movement includes a broad spectrum of scenarios. Some prepare for short-term survival of natural emergencies, like storms or earthquakes. Here, the focus is on food, water and emergency supplies for a week or less.

Others may lay aside provisions for a longer period in case of long-term unemployment, for example. They will typically aim at a year's supply of food and other necessities.

Short-term and mid-term preppers may also concern themselves with emergencies marked by situations Without Rule of Law (WROL). They know that crisis events often overload civil authorities, so that an opportunistic lawless element engages in widespread looting.

Then there are those preparing for The End of The World as We Know It (TEOTWAWKI). They forecast a total breakdown of the civil order a la Mad Max or The Book of Eli. They variously see this coming in response to economic collapse, large-scale warfare, a worldwide pandemic (I know it's redundant, but recent official usage has watered down the meaning of pandemic), etc.

Christian economist Gary North has recently written on about possible turmoil ahead coming as a result of international economic policies.

A great international default is coming. It will come
  in the West. The welfare promises of national governments
  will be reneged on by a new generation of politicians. The
  present deficits cannot be sustained for a decade or more.

       Martin van Creveld, Israel's military historian, a
  dozen years ago wrote a book, "The Rise and Decline of the
  State." He meant the nation-state. In the final chapter, he
  made a forecast.

           People or organizations who used to rest
       peacefully in the bosom of the state will have to
       do, indeed are already doing, more to defend
       themselves, for example, by purchasing all kinds
       of specialized equipment; fortifying the premises
       in which they live and operate; mounting their
       own guards, whether in or out of uniform; and
       possibly even setting up their own armed forces
       under suitable commanders. . . (p. 419).

       In other words, as the state begins to disintegrate,
  localism will replace nationalism. "Compared to what we
  have witnessed in 1914-45, most of the violence in question
  will almost certainly be local, sporadic, and on a rather
  small scale." He thinks Bosnia and Sri Lanka are heralds of
  the future.

           For groups as diverse as government employees
       and the recipients of social security
       (particularly those who hope to receive benefits
       in the future), the writing is on the wall.
       Either they start looking elsewhere for their
       economic status and, in some cases, even their
       physical protection; or else there is probably no
       future for them. As was also the case during
       previous periods when empires fell apart and
       feudal structures emerged, often looking
       elsewhere will mean losing their freedom by
       becoming the clients of the strong and the rich,
       whether in the form of individuals or, which is
       perhaps more likely for the majority, of
       corporations of various sorts (p. 419).

       Your grandchildren will do just fine.

       You, on the other hand, will have major problems. (The #1 Historical Question Is Unanswered)

Are you prepared for a major storm or interruption of your income?How about a major restructuring of society?

A word to the prudent  . . . .