Yesterday, I posted this article #msg-967563 about the current disaster in Venezuela. Clearly, food might be the most serious problem in a collapse. Those who don't have it will die... but so might farmers who don't have a really good way of protecting their property.
I'm hoping that, as rural as my property is, it won't be a convenient target for thieves. But I don't have any basis for such a hope and might be wrong. It would suck if my survival preparations are what wind up getting me killed, you know?
How does an individual with food protect himself and his property? The only ways I know of involve firearms and good community relations. The only sort-of friend I have there right now is an old guy who lives down by the street. He's not really a friend, but at least I know his name. He's going blind. That means he isn't likely to be much help. He won't be able to fight, and he probably won't be able to alert me if intruders are in the area.
I'll be working to establish a relationship with the community. I'm really hoping that there are other like-minded people in the area, people with whom I can form alliances. I've spoken to a few people and have been surprised that my views aren't uncommon. One guy who spoke to us had a rifle in his truck, resting on the passenger seat. He said he has it with him at all times. Another guy, a contractor, is in the process of moving to Mexico - because that's HIS idea of a good 'bug out' location. It's discouraging that one of the people living in the area I'm trying to get to is moving away because it's not secure enough.
But I understand where he's coming from. You might even remember that I've always said that the best thing a person can do is to get OUT of the United States. Since my wife isn't willing to do that, New Hampshire may be the next best thing.
My concern about roving gangs is serious enough that I've even invited my cousin and his wife, who live in the area, to move onto the property for FREE - except for the cost of building a home. He'd be invaluable in so many ways, but he didn't jump on the offer and I've since had misgivings. There are zoning issues that would make building a second house difficult. And if our relationship ever soured, it would probably get ugly.
In a crisis, isolation is both an advantage and a drawback. I have to see how I can keep the one and mitigate the other.
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