I love the paranoia in this thread. I don't advocate naivete, or remaining clueless, but adopting shady tactics as my primary strategy is not in the cards for me.

It is perfectly true that sweetness and light will not always prevail, and certainly geezers ought to have learned that adaptability is a good trait. It is a good idea to keep your powder dry and have weapons in good shape.

I think if you look at the responses to disasters and tough situations, that cooperation and working together is far superior, with better results for everyone, than forting up and guarding your stash. It didn't work for Gollum and it won't work for you, either (precioussss,,,,where is my preciousss?)

Another thing. Susan, you are entirely too young to be commenting on a geezer thread...