The term "survivalist" was originally coined by Kurt Saxon. His definition is someone who is simply prepared to survive. Think farmer vs. factory worker in a depression era setting. The farmer can provide for his family, the factory worker is on hard times. Saxon has little use for the Rambo-wannabe militia types. Some of his politics and views are admittedly out of the mainstream (as is his right) but his basic survivalist philosophy is not much different than what we talk about here or most church teachings - be prepared to take care of you and yours and help others to the best of your abilities in times of illness, economic hardship, or disaster (natural or manmade). Whether you feel your needs are covered by a 72 hour BOB or a year's supply in the basement is up to you. Either way, by definition, you are a survivalist.

Your level of fortification might be a deadbolt and alarm system or window bars, Rottweilers and a 12 ga. pumpgun. Either way, I happen to believe that I am justified in protecting myself, my loved ones, and my property. Some on this forum agree with that point of view, others don't. It's a personal choice that we each must make and live with.

To start branding people as survivalists in the negative, media buzzword context for simply discussing a slightly different level of preparedness is, IMHO, unjustified.

Just my $.02

Ed