Survivalist Life

[TheGreenOct]

http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20080524/ap_on_re_us/environmental_survivalists.html

Energy fears looming, new survivalists prepare.
BUSKIRK, N.Y. - A few years ago, Kathleen Breault was just another suburban grandma, driving countless hours every week, stopping for lunch at McDonald's, buying clothes at the mall, watching TV in the evenings.

That was before Breault heard an author talk about the bleak future of the world's oil supply. Now, she's preparing for the world as we know it to disappear.

Breault cut her driving time in half. She switched to a diet of locally grown foods near her upstate New York home and lost 70 pounds. She sliced up her credit cards, banished her television and swore off plane travel. She began relying on a wood-burning stove.

"I was panic-stricken," the 50-year-old recalled, her voice shaking. "Devastated. Depressed. Afraid. Vulnerable. Weak. Alone. Just terrible."

Convinced the planet's oil supply is dwindling and the world's economies are heading for a crash, some people around the country are moving onto homesteads, learning to live off their land, conserving fuel and, in some cases, stocking up on guns they expect to use to defend themselves and their supplies from desperate crowds of people who didn't prepare.

The exact number of people taking such steps is impossible to determine, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the movement has been gaining momentum in the last few years.

These energy survivalists are not leading some sort of green revolution meant to save the planet. Many of them believe it is too late for that, seeing signs in soaring fuel and food prices and a faltering U.S. economy, and are largely focused on saving themselves.

Some are doing it quietly, giving few details of their preparations ”” afraid that revealing such information as the location of their supplies will endanger themselves and their loved ones. They envision a future in which the nation's cities will be filled with hungry, desperate refugees forced to go looking for food, shelter and water.

"There's going to be things that happen when people can't get things that they need for themselves and their families," said Lynn-Marie, who believes cities could see a rise in violence as early as 2012.

Lynn-Marie asked to be identified by her first name to protect her homestead in rural western Idaho. Many of these survivalists declined to speak to The Associated Press for similar reasons.

These survivalists believe in "peak oil," the idea that world oil production is set to hit a high point and then decline. Scientists who support idea say the amount of oil produced in the world each year has already or will soon begin a downward slide, even amid increased demand. But many scientists say such a scenario will be avoided as other sources of energy come in to fill the void.

On the PeakOil.com Web site, where upward of 800 people gathered on recent evenings, believers engage in a debate about what kind of world awaits.

Some members argue there will be no financial crash, but a slow slide into harder times. Some believe the federal government will respond to the loss of energy security with a clampdown on personal freedoms. Others simply don't trust that the government can maintain basic services in the face of an energy crisis.

The powers that be, they've determined, will be largely powerless to stop what is to come.

Determined to guard themselves from potentially harsh times ahead, Lynn-Marie and her husband have already planted an orchard of about 40 trees and built a greenhouse on their 7 1/2 acres. They have built their own irrigation system. They've begun to raise chickens and pigs, and they've learned to slaughter them.

The couple have gotten rid of their TV and instead have been reading dusty old books published in their grandparents' era, books that explain the simpler lifestyle they are trying to revive. Lynn-Marie has been teaching herself how to make soap. Her husband, concerned about one day being unable to get medications, has been training to become an herbalist.

By 2012, they expect to power their property with solar panels, and produce their own meat, milk and vegetables. When things start to fall apart, they expect their children and grandchildren will come back home and help them work the land. She envisions a day when the family may have to decide whether to turn needy people away from their door.

"People will be unprepared," she said. "And we can imagine marauding hordes."

So can Peter Laskowski. Living in a woodsy area outside of Montpelier, Vt., the 57-year-old retiree has become the local constable and a deputy sheriff for his county, as well as an emergency medical technician.

"I decided there was nothing like getting the training myself to deal with insurrections, if that's a possibility," said the former executive recruiter.

Laskowski is taking steps similar to environmentalists: conserving fuel, consuming less, studying global warming, and relying on local produce and craftsmen. Laskowski is powering his home with solar panels and is raising fish, geese, ducks and sheep. He has planted apple and pear trees and is growing lettuce, spinach and corn.

Whenever possible, he uses his bicycle to get into town.

"I remember the oil crisis in '73; I remember waiting in line for gas," Laskowski said. "If there is a disruption in the oil supply it will be very quickly elevated into a disaster."

Breault said she hopes to someday band together with her neighbors to form a self-sufficient community. Women will always be having babies, she notes, and she imagines her skills as a midwife will always be in demand.

For now, she is readying for the more immediate work ahead: There's a root cellar to dig, fruit trees and vegetable plots to plant. She has put a bicycle on layaway, and soon she'll be able to bike to visit her grandkids even if there is no oil at the pump.

Whatever the shape of things yet to come, she said, she's done what she can to prepare.

___

On the Net:

Peak Oil: http://www.PeakOil.com

A bit extreme? Maybe. But I can't help but feel there is some validity here that I also believe deep deep deep deep deep down. That and the fact that this is a pure way of living. Sorta like camping . Thoughts?

 

[Ageo]

I wonder if such thing were to happen how many people would actually be able to survive on their own.

Makes you wonder what humans have become.

 

[professor_frink]

I wonder if such thing were to happen how many people would actually be able to survive on their own.

Makes you wonder what humans have become.

yeah we're all pretty soft these days(well I know I am!)

I doubt that most of us would have enough food stored in the house to last even a month if there was some kind of short term crisis, let alone a long term one

 

[numbercruncher]

I wonder if such thing were to happen how many people would actually be able to survive on their own.

Makes you wonder what humans have become.

I think I could storm it in, being a country boy n all, I do have reservations for the peoples stacked up in 10 story buildings etc, what happens when meals on wheels doesnt arrive ?


I wonder if the Oil supply completely vanished tomorrow, How much of humanity would have to vanish to find equilibrum ? 80pc ? We went from 1b to over 6b in the last 100 years I understand ...

 

[Shane Baker]

http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20080524/ap_on_re_us/environmental_survivalists.html



A bit extreme? Maybe. But I can't help but feel there is some validity here that I also believe deep deep deep deep deep down. That and the fact that this is a pure way of living. Sorta like camping . Thoughts?

The marauding hordes are the problem. If society decays to that point then people will take by force what they need to survive. So even if you have prepared for your own family......

 

[professor_frink]

The marauding hordes are the problem. If society decays to that point then people will take by force what they need to survive. So even if you have prepared for your own family......

IMO you aren't truly prepared unless you have a cache of weapons and the ability to use them, so you can take out large groups of your enemies in one fell swoop

 

[nioka]

IMO you aren't truly prepared unless you have a cache of weapons and the ability to use them, so you can take out large groups of your enemies in one fell swoop

Jonny Howards gun laws made the legally impossible in Oz. Although I do have a legally approved enough to make a bit of a stand. I doubt if it will come to that though. A slow break down is likely one of these days but in this land of milk and honey we are more likely to watch it on TV.

 

[kenny]

Is there much of a Survivalist movement in Australia?

Prof Frink, I hope you have also studied gunsmithy-ing to repair and make your own ammunition. Unless you have a huge cache of WMD's

Good thread for food for thought BTW. Makes one realise we take a lot for granted.

Regards,

Kenny

 

[Timmy]

I had some friends did the whole survivalist thing, this was many years ago now. Bought land in Tasmania, set themselves up with, well I don't know whatever you do to do this stuff. They had always been into shooting and fishing and such, so had the firearms - made their own ammunition with some gizmo or another (all legal etc.). Actually ended up setting up a small engineering-type firm, joined the local golf club etc. LOL. Seemed Tasmania mellowed them a bit.

Interesting thread.

 

[kenny]

Actually sounds like fun, Timmy. Except for the %^*#@ cold in Tassie!

I'd like to think the best defense the survivalists have is really in the laying down of community bonds and spirit within their locale. Any local that desperate would probably be helped out by a neighbour. It is hard for most people to loot and pillage folk you know I would hope.

It is unlikely I would suspect that the "marauding hordes" of hungry, violent cityfolk would be coordinated enough to range hours out of any city and roam around hunting for survivalist farms.

The suburbs on the other hand may not be a pleasant place to be when the gangs come cruising.

Hmm, I can see how dwelling on this topic could get someone a wee paranoid. Off to check the windows...

Cheers,

Kenny

 

[cordelia]

IMO you aren't truly prepared unless you have a cache of weapons and the ability to use them, so you can take out large groups of your enemies in one fell swoop

unfortunately this is true....when people are trying to survive they will take what isn't theirs by force so self defence is vital....
I have a big back yard and grow my own vegies ( not always successfully) but I was thinking about how I would defend my plot the other day if something happened. Secrecy would be paramount. I keep a pretty good supply of dried and tinned food so I could survive for a long time. I lived in West Africa on and off for twelve years where you can't get a lot of items. When you have to make do its amazing how easy life becomes....and you don't throw much away....

I am not a violent person but if I had to defend myself I would...who wouldn't

 

[MRC & Co]

IMO you aren't truly prepared unless you have a cache of weapons and the ability to use them, so you can take out large groups of your enemies in one fell swoop

ha ha ha ha, sounds like a few too many here reading "Mastering the Trade" and are now engrossed in 'Call of Duty'! :bigun2:

 

[Timmy]

I've had the occasional vegie plot and couldn't defend against the bugs that ate everything ... don't think I would have much chance against armed marauders....

 

[kenny]

It makes me wonder how far we really have come development-wise when essentially non violent people would consider violent responses if their property were threatened. I suppose there is the inherent implication that personal harm to self and loved ones would occur.

This is no criticism since I think I would have to agree. It just makes me wonder how thin the veneer of civil society truly is.

regards,

Kenny

 

[Ageo]

Well basically a true survivalist would be one that is basically totally independent and not relying on anyone else but themselves to survive. Its funny because most people would go from using their years of education to create new jobs, wealth etc.... to basically a more simpler yet more challenging environment. Most people know how to say negotiate bargains, use fancy technology/gadgets, and all other high end things but then when it comes to skinning/gutting & butchering an animal for food they would just sit there and scratch there head.

Something so simple in life that most people should know but because everything is manufactured for us there is basically no need to learn any of these things.

So like i said, makes you wonder when so many people call themselves environmentalists/greenies/land saviours/naturalists etc... if any of them would actually survive if something were to happen.

When your in survival mode its not about "poor birdy" its point, aim, bang = dinner. I have done this many times where we go into the bush with no food and the only thing we eat is the game we hunt or the fish we catch, i must say doing this gives you more of an appreciation for wildlife in general.

 

[xyzedarteerf]

"There's going to be things that happen when people can't get things that they need for themselves and their families," said Lynn-Marie, who believes cities could see a rise in violence as early as 2012.

By 2012, they expect to power their property with solar panels, and produce their own meat, milk and vegetables. When things start to fall apart, they expect their children and grandchildren will come back home and help them work the land. She envisions a day when the family may have to decide whether to turn needy people away from their door.


makes me wonder how many in US of A actually built under ground bunkers
in the 50's 60's and late 70's and 80's fearing the Russia would bomb them,

and oh yeah, those who camped out and headed for the hills during the Y2K scare.

its funny that they mentioned the year 2012 which coincides with the end of the Mayan Calendar, and the so called comet Wormera also due to hit earth on 2012 and of course, the decline in OIL supplies all in 2012.

there's nothing like a good old fear campaign to unite the YANKS.

 

[kenny]

Well basically a true survivalist would be one that is basically totally independent and not relying on anyone else but themselves to survive. Its funny because most people would go from using their years of education to create new jobs, wealth etc.... to basically a more simpler yet more challenging environment. Most people know how to say negotiate bargains, use fancy technology/gadgets, and all other high end things but then when it comes to skinning/gutting & butchering an animal for food they would just sit there and scratch there head.

Something so simple in life that most people should know but because everything is manufactured for us there is basically no need to learn any of these things.

So like i said, makes you wonder when so many people call themselves environmentalists/greenies/land saviours/naturalists etc... if any of them would actually survive if something were to happen.

When your in survival mode its not about "poor birdy" its point, aim, bang = dinner. I have done this many times where we go into the bush with no food and the only thing we eat is the game we hunt or the fish we catch, i must say doing this gives you more of an appreciation for wildlife in general.

I agree that everyone should experience such simpler things in life. Such focus on daily survival could put their own day to day lives in perspective.

If you look at the grand scheme of things; the environment couldn't possibly sustain the present population if everyone were to adopt a subsistence way of life. It was the development of agriculture that led to the first boost in global population. Subsequent advances in community living, medicine, sanitation and industrialisation etc gave birthrates the chance to jump again.

So I guess while survivalism will give the race a chance to make it through the next apocalyptic crisis; the continued survival of the race will still need the retention or redevelopment of specialist skills. Not eloquently put, I know. May be I should just say "And the Geek shall inherit the earth."

Cheers,

Kenny

 

[Ageo]

I agree that everyone should experience such simpler things in life. Such focus on daily survival could put their own day to day lives in perspective.

If you look at the grand scheme of things; the environment couldn't possibly sustain the present population if everyone were to adopt a subsistence way of life. It was the development of agriculture that led to the first boost in global population. Subsequent advances in community living, medicine, sanitation and industrialisation etc gave birthrates the chance to jump again.

So I guess while survivalism will give the race a chance to make it through the next apocalyptic crisis; the continued survival of the race will still need the retention or redevelopment of specialist skills. Not eloquently put, I know. May be I should just say "And the Geek shall inherit the earth."

Cheers,

Kenny

Kenny i understand what your saying regarding population growth etc... but even if people were to understand basic survival principles it doesnt mean they need to change the way they live completely... we are talking about survival here and all im saying is alot more people could benefit from learning basic independent abilities if something were to happen (it most likely never will but just incase). That doesnt mean they stop shopping at butchers, supermarkets etc... (i still do, but whenever i get a chance to do it myself i do).

 

[Happy]

I rather look at it as using less resources and more resorcesfully, so everything lasts longer.

As to fighting, will be inevitable if democratic fabric gives way to anarchy.

Some live by non-democratic rules already.

 

[kenny]

Ageo, the way you put it in your last post, I agree with. Everyone would be better off knowing a bit about how to survive and in doing so, hopefully find out a bit more about how to live.

It's not surprising that a common feature of a lot of executive bootcamps and corporate retreats and camps for social outliers (what's a good term for people who just don't fit into society?) are basic survival skills and deprivation of modern day amenities.

I think it's good for our kids to be instilling some of these skills at an early age too. Easier said than done sometimes when you are competing with the latest GTA4 game etc.

Happy, the world would love you for that attitude but the corporates would just see fewer sales from your wallet. I wish more of us would adopt it. Democracy is not necessarily the best form of government but it's one of the best we can agree on as a nation. Anarchy is not the only alternative though and that would be a whole new interesting thread in itself.

Cheers,

Kenny