Conservative Political Forum

General Category => Survival Tips => Topic started by: Yawn on November 15, 2012, 04:07:07 PM

Title: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Yawn on November 15, 2012, 04:07:07 PM
Did you see this episode of GBTV?  Seems to be the path we're on.

http://www.video.theblaze.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=25486787&topic_id=24584158 (http://www.video.theblaze.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=25486787&topic_id=24584158)

I have a couple months worth of emergency food (rice, beans, mash potato mix, dry milk etc).  I'm going to expand that to at least one year over the next couple months.  I have a bad feeling about the next 4 years.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on November 15, 2012, 04:46:13 PM
That's why I've been buying tons of freeze dried food, as a hedge against inflation.
People think I'm some kind of nut survivalist living off  the grid, but it's a way of life I choose, no one monitoring my power consumption, or gas usage, I just love being independent.
And just like you, I too am stocking up on literally hundreds of pounds of food, enough to last a couple of years.

Let them buy gold, I think food is by far a better hedge against inflation, you can't eat gold, but you can barter with a days worth of packaged food.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Yawn on November 15, 2012, 06:30:26 PM
If you saw that episode, when people began to see that their money was losing value, they began hoarding too quickly. They drove prices higher even faster.  Then the shortages began.  The authorities then went house to house and CONFISCATED things--mostly food, and everybody was in the same boat.

I'm not buying freeze dried products, but staples that I hope can last several years if I keep them sealed up.  I eat like that anyway (low on the food chain--mostly vegetarian).

I've even been thinking about ways to hide this stuff (in the walls of the garage, etc), if it gets out of hand like it did in Germany.

You guys are right about being prepared, at least a little bit.  If you know a major hurricane is coming and you don't have even a weeks worth of food, and a full tank of gas, you're a fool.  You can't prepare for everything, but the longer you can be independent in an emergency, the greater your chances are of surviving.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Elfie on November 15, 2012, 07:05:30 PM
I'm glad you are starting to put things up... Its a smart thing for everyone to do. I have always stocked up, always.  I like knowing that I can still cook and eat and do without gas or electric. I like that even in a situation such as whats hitting the east coast, I can do pretty darned good and not be freaked out about where I am going to get this or that because I all ready have it... I can do it. We can do it.     Theres alot you can do,,,, I hope you do well.
I'm another one that people think is crazy for having what I have,lol,,, my granddaughter calls me a food junkie.. She looks in my pantry and starts gigglin...  On the other she is one of the few that my door will be open for if big crazy IF it gets nuts....
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on November 15, 2012, 07:40:39 PM
We have the essential staples stocked, but the freeze dried foods we eat on a regular basis, you can't tell the difference.
A lot of it we don't order because they use nitrites and it screws with my angina, but I'm hooked on the milk and chicken and the vegetables are as fresh or fresher than the store, they rehydrate quite well.

I got hooked on this stuff when I tapped into my truck pack I always carry around, and i was shocked it was better than most stuff I would buy.

But like I say, were doing it mostly to hedge against price increases.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Elfie on November 16, 2012, 04:57:01 AM
I've basically been stockin for the same reason and because in construction some years have been pretty lean thru the winter time. It was just common sense. That and a learned thing... keeping things stocked is just common for me,lol
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on November 16, 2012, 05:38:19 AM
Quote from: Elfie on November 16, 2012, 04:57:01 AM
I've basically been stockin for the same reason and because in construction some years have been pretty lean thru the winter time. It was just common sense. That and a learned thing... keeping things stocked is just common for me,lol
Same here Elfie, I live so far out  that going to the store everyday was out of the question.
I am pretty much in the habit of picking up 10 days worth of food in one trip, though now ST stops on her commute to and from work, it definitely makes things better, I still haven't changed my habit of stocking up, especially since my first year here a couple of decades ago, I was snowed in for three weeks. :scared:
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: JustKari on November 16, 2012, 06:14:43 AM
I was better about stocking up when I was feeling better.  While I was couponing, it was normal to buy a months worth of food in one trip, and I shopped once a week.  My stores have been decimated as my back got worse.  I will feel a lot more secure when/if my back feels better and I can start back up.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Elfie on November 16, 2012, 03:07:44 PM
coupons,,, I really should get the hang of those things.....Maybe one day....
My whole family has always stocked, canned baked the whole kazoo... always... its just how we are in general...
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Elfie on November 16, 2012, 03:08:50 PM
Quote from: Solar on November 16, 2012, 05:38:19 AM
Same here Elfie, I live so far out  that going to the store everyday was out of the question.
I am pretty much in the habit of picking up 10 days worth of food in one trip, though now ST stops on her commute to and from work, it definitely makes things better, I still haven't changed my habit of stocking up, especially since my first year here a couple of decades ago, I was snowed in for three weeks. :scared:
Its a good thing you and ST are ready for anything... jeez 3 weeks is a long time....
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on November 16, 2012, 05:14:53 PM
Quote from: Elfie on November 16, 2012, 03:08:50 PM
Its a good thing you and ST are ready for anything... jeez 3 weeks is a long time....
Yeah, that was a record snow fall for the last 50 years, but the next year we had record cold for three weeks, never got above 8 degrees during the day and plummeted to below zero at night for  the entire time and I was living in my motor home which seemed to have been made in the tropics.
The damn thing was an icebox with a heater that was on high the entire time.

I thought at the time, where in Hell did I move, but it hasn't happened since, thanks to global warming. :rolleyes:  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solars Toy on November 16, 2012, 07:53:57 PM
I am starting up a big order of the freeze dried food this next week.  The instant milk is great if you are okay with non-fat.  It has been a life saver both in price and having to stop every 7-10 days to buy several gallons - Solar drinks a lot of milk.  :biggrin:

I became a consultant for "Thrive" and am glad I did.  They do freeze dried yogurt bites which I love and my girls beg me to send to them.  Toy   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Elfie on November 17, 2012, 05:15:38 AM
Quote from: Solars Toy on November 16, 2012, 07:53:57 PM
I am starting up a big order of the freeze dried food this next week.  The instant milk is great if you are okay with non-fat.  It has been a life saver both in price and having to stop every 7-10 days to buy several gallons - Solar drinks a lot of milk.  :biggrin:

I became a consultant for "Thrive" and am glad I did.  They do freeze dried yogurt bites which I love and my girls beg me to send to them.  Toy   :thumbsup:
I've never heard of "Thrive".   Theres nothing wrong with dry milk,,I keep it myself. So the veggies n such are a good idea? I dont have freeze dried veggies,,,, always thought even when cooked they would be like a ,,well I dont know,lmao
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on November 17, 2012, 05:48:11 AM
Quote from: Elfie on November 17, 2012, 05:15:38 AM
I've never heard of "Thrive".   Theres nothing wrong with dry milk,,I keep it myself. So the veggies n such are a good idea? I dont have freeze dried veggies,,,, always thought even when cooked they would be like a ,,well I dont know,lmao
I'm a serious milk drinker, about a gallon a day, have all my life, even kept boxes of powdered milk on hand just in case/
But this is far better than dehydrated milk, it tastes just like regular nonfat milk, which is all I drink anyway.
But it's the convenience factor, you don't have to worry about it going bad, even powdered milk turns after a year or two of opening.

It also costs less when you factor in gas running to the store.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Elfie on November 17, 2012, 10:25:03 AM
Quote from: Solar on November 17, 2012, 05:48:11 AM
I'm a serious milk drinker, about a gallon a day, have all my life, even kept boxes of powdered milk on hand just in case/
But this is far better than dehydrated milk, it tastes just like regular nonfat milk, which is all I drink anyway.
But it's the convenience factor, you don't have to worry about it going bad, even powdered milk turns after a year or two of opening.

It also costs less when you factor in gas running to the store.
Growin up we used to drink it all the time,lol.... Its good stuff.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on November 17, 2012, 10:31:34 AM
Quote from: Elfie on November 17, 2012, 10:25:03 AM
Growin up we used to drink it all the time,lol.... Its good stuff.
Yeh, once you get used to it, it's pretty good, though it still cost about the same at the grocery store, but I always kept it around for cooking as well. :drool:
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: AndyJackson on January 03, 2013, 11:14:16 AM
I share the interest in preparation, but maybe not for the same reasons / scenarios.

I don't think the economic and societal collapse is a 4 year or even a 10 year horizon.  Look at how long Greece, Spain, California, Detroit, et al have been limping along.  I think it's possibly a 15-20 year event, but I still hold out hope for American ingenuity, dedication, and aversion to BS after accepting it for a long time.

I'm most worried about natural disasters that close down supply channels and law enforcement.  Especially those that are unprecedented and result in massive, long term confusion......like Katrina, Sandy, or the huge earthquake that's possible in most regions of the US.  With changing weather and the emergence of new surprises like Sandy, I wonder if there could be bigger, unimagined tornado systems.

Here in TN there's not much to worry about in the way of hurricanes or tsunamis or coastal phenomena like that.  But tornados and the New Madrid fault are big.  The New Madrid could knock out utilities, supplies, and law enforcement massively.

And I'm a huge fan of Walking Dead, George Romero, etc.  I'm just not prepping for zombies, lol.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on January 03, 2013, 02:09:59 PM
Quote from: AndyJackson on January 03, 2013, 11:14:16 AM
I share the interest in preparation, but maybe not for the same reasons / scenarios.

I don't think the economic and societal collapse is a 4 year or even a 10 year horizon.  Look at how long Greece, Spain, California, Detroit, et al have been limping along.  I think it's possibly a 15-20 year event, but I still hold out hope for American ingenuity, dedication, and aversion to BS after accepting it for a long time.

I'm most worried about natural disasters that close down supply channels and law enforcement.  Especially those that are unprecedented and result in massive, long term confusion......like Katrina, Sandy, or the huge earthquake that's possible in most regions of the US.  With changing weather and the emergence of new surprises like Sandy, I wonder if there could be bigger, unimagined tornado systems.

Here in TN there's not much to worry about in the way of hurricanes or tsunamis or coastal phenomena like that.  But tornados and the New Madrid fault are big.  The New Madrid could knock out utilities, supplies, and law enforcement massively.

And I'm a huge fan of Walking Dead, George Romero, etc.  I'm just not prepping for zombies, lol.
I tend to agree, I don't see a collapse overnight, I'm more concerned with inflation and the cost of basics, or an actual volcano.
We are way overdue out West, based on millions of years of data, many on the West coast are long past when they should have erupted.
Then as you pointed out, fault lines, we have some that go every 10,000 years and many are 1000 years over due as well, not to mention Ca is still moving and the valley is slowly slipping under the Sierra Nevada mt range.
Natural disaster come in all sizes including plague, and if one of those breaks out, I won't have to run to the grocery store at least.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: walkstall on January 03, 2013, 09:00:27 PM
Remember Yellowstone volcano is a supervolcano.  It is the largest volcanic system in North America and it is just one of many time bombs ticking away.  :popcorn:

I set in between 5 volcano.   :ohmy:
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on January 04, 2013, 06:04:04 AM
Same here, we have 6, but if any go off on the west coast, everyone is effected.
If Rainier or Shasta ever goes, all of North America will come to a halt.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: AndyJackson on January 04, 2013, 08:29:41 AM
It's a sub-topic, but what's in your little tool kit of gunno  ?

General rule of thumb from the literature -

.22, 12 guage, and a high powered pellet rifle are the basics.  Pellet for relative silence and stealth but still good lethality / hunting, .22 for general defense (rifle anyways) and basic hunting, and the 12 guage for great versatility.  The 12 ga can go from little birds to huge defense with buckshot, or stopping cars and bears with slugs.

Affordability is key here, too.  You can find decent models for each of these for 150.00 each.  A far cry from the ~1000.00 for some of the fancy weapons.

It's nice to play with the groovy  5.56/.223's. & 7.62/.308's........ or .357-.44-.45-.50 handguns, but 1000 bucks for a rifle or 500 for a handgun is a bit much, unless you just have the money to burn.

There is a nice ww1/ww2  7.62 Russian rifle, the Mosin Nagant, that goes for 100-150.  Small capacity magazine, but there's your affordable big caliber rifle, if that's your thing.

Affordability of ammo is key, too.   .22 / 12 ga / pellets are pretty light on the wallet.  You can spend yourself into oblivion with those other boutique calibers.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: AndyJackson on January 04, 2013, 09:21:51 AM
And don't forget the knives.....if you have nothing else.  Good quality knives can give you spears, bows, old style clubs and hatchets a la the native Americans.  If we end up way back at the basics, well there you go.  Not just for defense, but hunting and fishing too.

There's a lot of other fun little stuff out there too.  Inexpensive bows and arrows (crossbows tend to get expensive like guns).  Inexpensive stun guns that run on batteries, pepper spray (the bear spray things are crazy, pretty good for getting away from a whole mob), staffs and martial arts bo's are good if you take the time to learn their use and techniques (very effective and efficient defense for smaller / older people).

Hi quality slingshots are good weapons, if you can master them.  Some good ways to avoid the registered / tracked guns is pellet guns, and creative ideas like flare guns.

Camping, hiking, hunting, fishing gear is gold.

Hope this doesn't all sound too survivalist, but I'm a staunch proponent of having enough weaponry to protect yourself and family.  A real food / water / security breakdown turns to to anarchy and savagery in a minute, and guns and ammo won't last indefinitely, unless you're one of those hard core guys with a million rounds and years of food.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: Solar on January 04, 2013, 10:03:34 AM
Quote from: AndyJackson on January 04, 2013, 08:29:41 AM
It's a sub-topic, but what's in your little tool kit of gunno  ?

General rule of thumb from the literature -

.22, 12 guage, and a high powered pellet rifle are the basics.  Pellet for relative silence and stealth but still good lethality / hunting, .22 for general defense (rifle anyways) and basic hunting, and the 12 guage for great versatility.  The 12 ga can go from little birds to huge defense with buckshot, or stopping cars and bears with slugs.

Affordability is key here, too.  You can find decent models for each of these for 150.00 each.  A far cry from the ~1000.00 for some of the fancy weapons.

It's nice to play with the groovy  5.56/.223's. & 7.62/.308's........ or .357-.44-.45-.50 handguns, but 1000 bucks for a rifle or 500 for a handgun is a bit much, unless you just have the money to burn.

There is a nice ww1/ww2  7.62 Russian rifle, the Mosin Nagant, that goes for 100-150.  Small capacity magazine, but there's your affordable big caliber rifle, if that's your thing.

Affordability of ammo is key, too.   .22 / 12 ga / pellets are pretty light on the wallet.  You can spend yourself into oblivion with those other boutique calibers.
I bought a mosin Nagant at Big 5 in mint condition for little over a 100 bucks, and the gun shop down the road had Russian surplus ammo in lead sealed containers, 1000 rnds for about 60 bucks, which turned out to be armor piercing.

Even though I can afford it, I see no reason to spend a lot of money on a single weapon, when I can buy three for the same price as one nice brand name.
It's not like I'm putting thousands of rounds through them anyway.
Title: Re: Following in Germany's Footsteps?
Post by: AndyJackson on January 04, 2013, 12:37:52 PM
That's awesome, lol.  For 160 bucks, you're set up for the big one !  Two great buys that would be huge in the disaster / anarchy scenario.  They've got big cans of Russian ammo at Academy Sports now.  The salesmen say it's OK, apparently it dirties up your weapon more than the high-end stuff.  But that's a lot of security and peace of mind for not much money.