Self-Reliance

I have been a survivalist since the late 1970’s. It annoys me the way survivalists have been painted in the press, Hollywood and the media. The advent of the 7-11 and JIT (Just In Time) has created an truly American shift in mentality. Previously, Americans carried the remnants of the post farming era, a deep seated belief and understanding of self-reliance. At the inception of this nation we were farmers. The farmer’s way of life was in many ways a clear example of the survivalist approach. Farmers lived off of the land. They knew that fire, flood, drought, poor crops, diseased livestock, etc. could spell disaster for their family. Such disasters were not remedied by running the local supermarket to clear out the bread and milk shelves. They were resolved by leaning on their reserves, food stores, water and there own knowledge (Preparedness). Now we depend on the government, the convenience store and the television for our survival.

Survivalists believe in self-sufficiency and self-dependence. The idea is to educate yourself to the point that you can live life without leaning on others. The outgrowth of that goal is the realization that strength is borne out of self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

True survivalists do not sit in dark bunkers contemplating Armageddon. They love life and live it to its fullest, uninhibited by the chains of dependence upon others. A person who lives their life in the survivalist mode expands their mind and removes their boundaries. They educate themselves in areas that most people take for granted, canning and preserving, first aid and triage, self-defense and more. Being prepared for any eventuality is not such a bad thing.

For years Hollywood and the media have barraged us with images of whacked-out Vietnam vets taking over hospitals in Trapper John MD to David Koresh at Waco, TX. Most (99%) of all survivalists live quietly and productive lives. They tend to be involved in helping others, often acting as good Samaritans in times of need. They are not activists or radicals fighting for causes.

Hollywood socialists and some in the government have been pushing an agenda that to most of us smacks of socialist / communism. The agenda has been to tell Americans that (in the words of Bill Clinton) only the government can do it right. The welfare mentality prevails. Depend on them. Depend. Marx understood that limiting knowledge, creating dependence assures those in control the power to stay there. The survivalist mentality, not radical but practical, threatens that goal.

Fast forward to 2003. Post September 11, 2001 the American public fueled by a self serving press clamors for full disclosure by the USA government. Reacting to stories claiming government agency failure and cover-ups, the public demands that they know about every threat.

The Terror Alert & Homeland Security Advisory Chart is born. The newly created Department of Homeland Defense begins warning the public of impending threats. It also begins disseminating details of preparedness to a public that for over 40 years had been inculcated with dependence. It is a recipe for disaster. The ensuing problems remind one of the old adage “be careful what you wish for, you might not like what you get”. The American public now moves into a learning curve. As with all significant adjustments of attitude and perception they are accompanied by death throws of the old.

Now we are presented with new stories ridiculing people that overreact in response to the warnings and advisories. Now there are complaints of too much information and that the warnings should stop. If we are to survive in the real world, the one that citizens of every other country in the world deal with everyday. We must change our attitude and educate the public. Such a change, becoming aware that we are not invincible, just capable, that vigilance and knowledge will persevere over most threats will help us survive as a society and better us in the worlds eye. We must teach every citizen the importance of being a good and productive member of the society. The USA should foster individualism and self-reliance rather than socialist, collectivist agendas ridicule should turn to education and adulation for strengthening this nation and its people.

If we are to survive as a nation and a society we must return to the goal of strong individuals, bonded by a love of freedom and independence, reliant upon ourselves for our freedom, security and survival. The founding fathers built this country on such a principle. Individualism does not destroy the group it strengthens it. Testing the boundaries, questioning its decisions, adding diverse abilities and experiences, this has made us great ! Reduction to lowest common denominator, punishing innovation and difference is the short road to disaster. Viva la difference !

Knowledge is Power - Educate yourself!

There are many resources available online to help you determine what is reasonable and realistic in the way of survival preparations. 

TACTICAL TERROR ATTACKS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES

The Survivalist Information Library

Survival Tips & Info

Long Shadows Trading Self Reliance Info