22Sept05

Evacuation advice from a friend on the Gulf Coast:

"You've provided us with advice with regard to needed items in an emergency bug-out kit. Here are some additional tips that many here are now learning

the hard way:

Before evacuating, take a shower, put on clean cloths, brush your teeth, an d shave. You may not be able to do any of those things for days, and it =99s best starting out as clean as you can be. Also, add deodorant and body pow er to your kit. You, and all those around you, will be glad you did!"

/John

22Sept05

From a psychologist and student, on the subject of preparedness:

"'Innocence' is usually used in the same sentence wi th words like 'harmless ' and 'helpless.=80=99 Innocence implies blissful ignora nce, unpreparedness, and denial. Innocence, in an adult, is crystallized self-indulgence! Innocence may be trendy, and it is certainly government-approved, but the p rice of innocence is sudden death! For its victims, calamity seeks the unprepared, p articularly those in denial. Denial slows the OODA loop to the point where any kind of rapid, effective response is unlikely.

On the other hand, personal preparedness, including planning, equipping, an d training yourself to effectively cope with any threat, requires a bona fide

commitment. It is the physical manifestation of the doctrine personal responsibility. It requires one to give up his belief in Santa Clause, rep ent of his infantile 'innocence,' and start thinking of himself as 'dangerous' and, yes, even 'harmful.'

For example, when you carry a pistol, be sure you can work the gun and make

it hit where necessary in order to quickly stop a fight. You and your pist ol can be effective out to twenty meters. The pistol IS designed to do this, but you have to practice with it to the point where you are convinced you c an do it, on demand, not just on a balmy, sunny afternoon at the range, but in a cold, muddy ditch, at night, in the rain!

Don't, on a whim, decide to take an untested pistol out on the stre et! Think it through. Make sure you are genuinely prepared, 'dangerous ' if you will. Be ready. Yes, be 'harmful.' It will save your lif e!"

Comment: Well said, my friend!

/John