There's no doubt about the conveniences of the city and what it provides. Not wanting to call the kettle black, but I'm still in it- for now. It's all good while the going is good and I'm grateful. But, I have ambivalent feelings for what I see and deal with on a day-to-day basis. I mean, there seems to be a great divide between people's thinking: reality based and "what-has-become" because of the dependance of what is available. If SHTF has come, who can you depend on? I know this is the age old argument, unless you've connected with like minded people, but in the cities, in my opinion, that ain't the case. Funny, so many people in close proximity, but they don't know each other.

Somewhat recently, an explosion occurred in my neighborhood, to the point that evacuation was imminent, at least in my opinion. I evacuated my family, but me and my brother stayed because of what was left behind (I had my family bug-out inside of 15 minutes). There was still a chance that the FD could contain the situation but the scanner already indicated looting. Using that time, I prepared to leave, pointing vehicles outward to prevent backing and to pack additional stuff. You should have seen the "gang banger" types flowing into the area, which was not common here. Fortunately, it worked out.

But I was also paying attention to my neighbors. They broke out the beers and watched the fire while the news vans came into the area. The looks I received while wildly packing my family's bug out vehicle told me all I needed to know about them. The only thanks I got afterwards was from an elderly couple next door who I contacted and asked if they needed any assistance. I can't wait to get out of here.

Ok, ranting done, but I still have faith.