While I was somewhat offput by the tenor of the original post, as it seemded to be somewhat off kilter from the normal threads here, the author raises some valid points about long term survivability. But I don't spend too much time worrying about EOTW scenarios. My own intent in preparing is to allow me to get home and wait out some limited time emergency.

If a truly national calamity hits this country our survival will depend on us working together, probably in small communities, fending for our towns and neighborhoods, making use of each others talents and skills. It simply takes too much energy for individuals to survive by themselves.

Those who think they'll make do by hunkering down and protecting their turf, in my opinion (and I respect that each person has a right to live in the manner they choose) is shortsighted and selfish. Pooling resources, skills, tools, supplies and extolling the values of community, rule of law and fairplay would provide the best chance for the us and the nation to renew and rebuild.

What I would hope is that folks who frequent this forum would be in the forefront of helping others to prepare, pass on their skills and be ready to serve as leaders. My personal challenge is to live up to my own rhetoric (as I stumble in my haste to get off the soapbox).