I'll use Tokyo as it is right now as my example. I don't know the country, I don't know the language. I don't know where anything is. All the Japanese people I've met in my life have always been helpful and polite.

1. Other than for legal authorities, who do you stop for?

I would assume that all contacts should be based on an individual basis. If someone needs help and I can provide it, I will attempt to do so. I will avoid anyone who seems to be looking for trouble. Sometimes it may be hard to tell the difference.

2. What is your response to those who want what you have?

Outright theft in Japan isn't all that likely, from what I understand. Might run into other problems with people from other countries, like the U.S. I will object.

3. What protocol do you follow with those who want to join you?

Movement is almost certainly slow and strewn with obstacles, large and small. Traveling with a group who are headed for the same destination can be a very good thing. It is very hard for one or two people to do it all themselves. If you are traveling with local people, they may know of things that can be extremely helpful. Out of a group of people, several small groups can make forays in different directions to find viable trails or food or water, then report back to the group.

4. Where do you draw the line between looting and foraging for a resource you decide you need?

Food, water, shelter, medical supplies fall under foraging. Resalable articles would/should be considered looting.

I always tend to shake my head at these one-man Rambo scenarios. In a widespread disaster, you're going to need help, whether you like it or not. And you will be able to provide help, like it or not. I tend to wonder about people who are perfectly happy kicking babies and sick/injured people out of their path as they tromp along in their Storm Trooper mindset.

"Yes, there is a huge unbroken tank of fresh water here, but he didn't seem to want to hear anything we had to say, so we just let him continue on his way."

Dumb. Really, really dumb!

Sue