Originally published at Notes from the bunker…. You can comment here or there.

It occurs to me that the writings of Commander Zero may very accurately be referred to as “Zerotica”. Im mildly amused by this.

Its a stereotype that us ’survivalist’/’preparedness’ types are heavy into guns. Fairly accurate sterotype, sure… But about a year ago I decided that I was prety much where I wanted to be in regards to my personal weapons and since that part of my plans was about 90% done, I could focus on other things, which is what Ive been doing. Oh sure, there are still a few gun-related things I want to get (more ammo mostly) but I’m satisfied that my primary and secondary collections of thundertoys would be enough to get me through pretty much everything.

So wheres the focus these days? Food. More food. And still more food. Its a priority thing. Food is a pain to deal with because, unlike guns and tools, theres a shelf-life and a need for rotation…just when you think youre done stocking up, you have to start all over again because of expiration dates. Rotating food out isnt that big a deal…its just an annoyance. Most of the really long term stuff (the #10 cans of freeze-dried) are good for upwards of over twenty years…so Ive at least another ten on them before I even have to worry. The grains store well enough that I dont really have to give them any thoughts either.

Theres still other stuff that needs to be ‘beefed up’. Radio communications, fuel storage, electricity production, transportation and that sort of thing, but Im working on that as best I can. However, at my current level of preparedness, Im pretty sure I could easily weather anything lasting several weeks to a month or two. Needless to say, a two day blackout or something of that ilk would barely disrupt things at home.

But, my personal ‘worst case scenario’ isnt some sort of blackout, earthquake or other event…rather its a creeping Depression-like economic calamity. Remember the 80’s when the Soviet Union was in its glory? Citizens lined up for toilet paper, grocery stores were almost always empty, fuel availability was spotty, every winter people were huddled around tiny stoves trying to keep warm, that sort of thing…naturally, if some sort of economic collapse doesnt occur (and Id be quite happy if it didnt) I’d still be prepared for all the lesser events (blizzards, power failures, etc).

Of course, everyone has their own reasons for preparing…some do it out of compulsions (the need to ‘control’ their surroundings), some out of religious reasons (Mormons, for example), some out of political beliefs (a large amount of Libertarians, etc)…my personal reason is probably the a little of the first and alot of the third. I dont like being dependent on others for my safety and well being..and the idea of some government flunky with a clipboard handing me a wad of food stamps, a bus pass and a housing allowance just strikes me as nightmarish. Plus, I take a dim view of people whose attitude is that the ‘government will provide’. Gov’s job isnt to feed, house and clothe you…govs job is to protect your rights to earn your own food, housing and clothing.