Posted
5/26/2009 05:26:00 PM
by Douglas
There's something to be said for being prepared but these people are taking it
way too far:Emergency supply retailers and military surplus stores nationwide have seen business boom in the past few months as an increasing number of Americans spooked by the economy rush to stock up on gear that was once the domain of hardcore survivalists.
These people snapping up everything from water purification tablets to thermal blankets shatter the survivalist stereotype: they are mostly urban professionals with mortgages, SUVs, solid jobs and a twinge of embarrassment about their newfound hobby.
From teachers to real estate agents, these budding emergency gurus say the dismal economy has made them prepare for financial collapse as if it were an oncoming Category 5 hurricane. They worry about rampant inflation, runs on banks, bare grocery shelves and widespread power failures that could make taps run dry.
Being prepared is a pretty common occurrence on the Gulf Coast during hurricane season, yet there always people clamoring in lines for food and ice because they don't have squat. That's understandable, but why in the cornbread hell would you stack your house with a month's worth of food? My question is always "what are you going to do after that month?" If society
really collapses and you can't get a box of Post Toasties anymore, what are you going to do after your MREs run out? 'Cause if we go all Mad-Max, you better have taught yourself how to hunt and farm by the time that of beanie-weenies runs out.