Forever, I would suggest that you listen for key words and sentiments when talking with others. I still think that we are a very small minority amongst the population, but you tend to see who’s like minded by their responses. I wouldn’t necessarily shut down someone who says they’re coming to my place if things get bad. I would correct them and say that ‘if you are, you’d better bring a lot with you and be useful and willing to work, because it’s not my job to save you’. I think our neighbors and friends will be essential in a difficult time. Some of mine are of a similar mindset, maybe not well stocked though, but getting through tough times will mean pulling together, not withdrawing. I know we’re not supposed to discuss religion or politics, and in past civil society they weren’t polite topics. But, how do people respond to the events they see unfolding around them? Do they support and encourage self reliance, or do they argue for more nanny state support? Are they responsive to and interested in homesteading or hands on skills? Are they independent minded? I think you need to build your support network of people around you. I mean geographically, physically around you! Look for people who do things, make things and aren’t stuck with their heads in the digital world. Great, you found like minded people on FB or elsewhere, but are they going to help you fix a leaky roof, put in your garden or tend you when you fall ill? Social media is great, I guess. I don’t participate myself other than reading blogs and sites I visit by choice, not because somebody ‘Liked’ it. Look around you in the real world ie: your neighborhood fix it guy or gal, homesteaders, gardeners, home brewers (one of my favorites!), EMT’s, someone handy with tools, outdoor types, farmers if you’re in or near the country. Take ‘How To’ classes for useful skills. Find these people. Get to know them and strike up a conversation about what they’d do if some local emergency happened and see how they respond. Try to make yourself useful for others, but accumulate people in your local area that will be useful to you as well. I really don’t think there is much time left to do this. So, get started. I see society pulling apart and withdrawing. This is a natural progression of what lies ahead. IMHO. Reach out now and build local ties where you can. Oh, and don’t forget the elderly! There’s a wealth of information in their heads that isn’t on the internet!
I cringe when I read others saying they’re prepared to take someone out at a 1000 yds after a bad situation happens if they come near them. How do you know if they might be your neighbor coming to check on you. I have grappled with the idea of maintaining our humanity and decency when things get tough. Yep, OPSEC, got it! You have to take care of you and yours first and foremost. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t show your hand or preps, but if you cultivate good friends and neighbors (the one’s you think you can trust), then you will have an advantage.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Daisy’s work and especially Selco’s past blogs! Read Selco’s stuff and think about it. Was he sharing recipes and home canning tips on Pintrest? You need to have real world connections! Look up from your screens and look around you. What do you see? Whom could you work with or trust? If you’re drawing blanks, spend time making connections. Explore your neighborhood and local area. Get to know people and make friends with ones you think are good to know. Learn to trust, but verify!
Incorporate the OODA Loop mindset in evaluating people and your environment. OODA stands for Observe, Orient, Decide and Act Loop. Start Observing your friends and neighbors. What is their Orientation? Decide if you can rely on or trust them. Act on your information and intuition. Are they worth cultivating and keeping close? If not, look around you ie: the types listed above. Reach out in the real world now while you still have time. You might actually make a few new friends. You have to make new friends to have old friends later on!