Pi$$ing in the wind

OKCorral · Sep 17, 2011

Do your parents understand investment strategies? The price of food is going up and quickly. Surely they are aware of the violent weather, drought and crop failures that are taking place all over the country. Buying food today is just plain smart as a hedge against inflation. No tin hat necessary.

Someone on the board mentioned that Velveeta was $3.99 just 6 months ago. Today's price at Walmart is $5.99. How many people just throw stuff in the cart without really looking at the price? They'll be getting a rude awakening at checkout and by then it will be too late.

dogfencedude · Sep 17, 2011

TAKEZO said:
I love my parents and my immediate family dearly. But it feels like every time I try and discuss preparedness with them they get the glassy eye balls and dismissive attitude with me. I have tried having a "family preparedness meeting with my brothers and sisters and they're respective partners to no avail. The same ol' glassy eye balls and half committed nods.

Okay--here we go again.
Another one filled with "the spirit!"

Jeeze pleeeze!!

Your family is getting glassy-eyed because you come off like a nut.
You come off paranoid.... and there is nothing wrong with it.
Paranoia is (like I have said many times) is just a heightened state of awareness.

But preaching to you family?!
Forget it.

Shake it completely off.
Stop trying to be a "survival missionary."
It is not your mission in life to bring the word to them.
If they want to become part of the imminent mounds of smoking skull--this is their right.

Lots of people here will try to give you advice on "how to ease them into" the subject and idea of "prepping" --god how I hate that word!

It's all nonsense.
Believe me--it is futile.
Especially with family who think you are ridiculous.
And this is what they think when their eyes go glassy.

So just shut up.
Don't try.
Don't prepare for them.
Don't invite them to your place when it all blows apart.
Let them suffer their fate, as they have pre-chosen to do.

Family members are the hardest to talk to, and they are the worst violators of OPSEC--no doubt they have already mentioned to friends and neighbors that they have an "survivalist obsessive son" who is crazy.

So you blew it already with the OPSEC.
And I won't even give you any advice on how to talk to them--because you shouldn't talk to them at all, nor any more on the subject.

Let them confront the reality themselves.
Let them die if need be, by themselves.... this is their choice.

You cannot save them, nor can you change their minds.
So don't try.
And don't loose any sleep over it anymore.

Amen. No matter how hard you try, some won't do anything. There's no reaching them.

Accept it--like an alcoholic accepts they are an alcoholic, or a vampire who accepts they are a vampire.
Wrap your mind around it.

Don't fight it or loose sleep over it.

ST

I can tell from your post you have the deepest and utmost concern for my opinion and viewpoint as to what is going on with my family. I am sure you give two ****s about me and my most cherished of loved ones. I doubt your analysis falls short of compassion.

I am sure you feel you are being helpful by giving me the advise you so forcefully spew from your questionably sober view point, but I find it distasteful and contrary to the advise I have solicited from this knowledgeable forum.

I respect your right to state conflicting points of view but strongly oppose your stance on being a total **** just to make yourself feel better about being you.

Jeeze Pleeeze!

Dobbs · Sep 17, 2011

I see this a lot start talking to some one you know and they look at you like your crazy.
"dude there not a thing going to happen the dollar not going to fold no SHTF this is the US grow up "is what I get most of the time. And if you try to tell them you know just look around at what has happened sence 08. Things are getting worst every day one of these days you are going to wake up and go OOO s%$t and it will be too late to do any thing then. Some times I get "So you are not going to change any thing by stocking up on stuff
so why spend money on all that crap it not like you cant go buy food every day at the store or get gass at the station and if some thing dose hapen just run down to the store and get some stuff no biggy" And you try to tell them there wont be any food or any thing elese left in 2 or3 days .All you can do is try to tell them if they dont try then its on them. And when that times comes its sorry buddy remember the story of the grasshopper and the ant I told you and you didnt lesson dont think I am going to help you . You are on your own . I know thats cold but when that times comes their are a lot of us that will have to make that discision with friends and family.

dogfencedude · Sep 17, 2011

TAKEZO said:
I love my parents and my immediate family dearly. But it feels like every time I try and discuss preparedness with them they get the glassy eye balls and dismissive attitude with me. I have tried having a "family preparedness meeting with my brothers and sisters and they're respective partners to no avail. The same ol' glassy eye balls and half committed nods.

Okay--here we go again.
Another one filled with "the spirit!"

Jeeze pleeeze!!

Your family is getting glassy-eyed because you come off like a nut.
You come off paranoid.... and there is nothing wrong with it.
Paranoia is (like I have said many times) is just a heightened state of awareness.

But preaching to you family?!
Forget it.

Shake it completely off.
Stop trying to be a "survival missionary."
It is not your mission in life to bring the word to them.
If they want to become part of the imminent mounds of smoking skull--this is their right.

Lots of people here will try to give you advice on "how to ease them into" the subject and idea of "prepping" --god how I hate that word!

It's all nonsense.
Believe me--it is futile.
Especially with family who think you are ridiculous.
And this is what they think when their eyes go glassy.

So just shut up.
Don't try.
Don't prepare for them.
Don't invite them to your place when it all blows apart.
Let them suffer their fate, as they have pre-chosen to do.

Family members are the hardest to talk to, and they are the worst violators of OPSEC--no doubt they have already mentioned to friends and neighbors that they have an "survivalist obsessive son" who is crazy.

So you blew it already with the OPSEC.
And I won't even give you any advice on how to talk to them--because you shouldn't talk to them at all, nor any more on the subject.

Let them confront the reality themselves.
Let them die if need be, by themselves.... this is their choice.

You cannot save them, nor can you change their minds.
So don't try.
And don't loose any sleep over it anymore.

Amen. No matter how hard you try, some won't do anything. There's no reaching them.

Accept it--like an alcoholic accepts they are an alcoholic, or a vampire who accepts they are a vampire.
Wrap your mind around it.

Don't fight it or loose sleep over it.

ST

Let me apologize. I am sorry I have no reason to go after you like I did. I just take the subject seriously. I have an emotional attachment while you have a objective attachment to my situation.

I had no right to jump down your throat like I did. I apologize.

goose3 · Sep 17, 2011

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him think.

Since your father is at least somewhat receptive, how about asking if you can store some preps there, since it's analogous to a BOL anyway? Is that where you'd be bugging out to?

Some people just parse the world differently. Many on this board have noted a change in others' attitudes toward prepping once they've experienced an "event" like a power outage, storm, hurricane, etc. Still others, nothing their unpreparedness after such an event exposes their lack of planning, do little or nothing in preparation for the next one.

My wife, who thinks most of my prepping is a waste of time, hasn't stood in my way other than asking when I'm going to be done. And I've seen little hints that she may be starting to get it, in her buying some extra bars of soap of the kind she likes for me to store, a slow increase in the amount of food she's buying (more spaghetti sauce, more flats of canned veggies).

On the other hand, her mother (my M-I-L) is 81, and sharp as a tack. She's a depression-era child, and she *gets it.* This I know because I've discussed some of this with her, and discussed things like food, what we'd do w/o natural gas, how we'd drain the pipes in her house if she had to come live with us in an emergency, and the like.

There may be nothing you can do to convince your parents. Just continue as you are, don't lecture, ask if you can store some preps there (assuming you could use it as a BOL), and wait for them to awaken.

[Final note: My wife sent me a link to a Glen Beck online article in which he advocates preparedness. Her note in the email was "Looks like Glen Beck thinks like you." The fact that she'd even be aware of something like this is a step in the right direction. And FWIW, I think Glen Beck is part of what's wrong with this country, but we do agree on preparedness.]

PATTYH20 · Sep 17, 2011

I too have found no reception from my family. I explained to my sister and mom in an email that I sent about 5 months ago (I am better at expressing myself through letters and what-not). Told them what we are doing, prepping food, water supplies, why we are doing it and our suggestions to them. I have heard no response from them and have never really brought it up since then. I feel I have planted a seed, what they choose to do is up to them. But I won't force stuff on them. I am more worried about my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. They live in an urban community and from what I know about my sister, i doubt that she is a prepper. My parents on the other hand I am less worried about. They live in a rural community, have a well, plenty of food (2 freezers full, a decent pantry, and stocked food). My dad has been a hunter his whole life, so finding food for him is easy and he has PLENTY of guns and ammo. They have a generator (has helped me out a couple of times during power outages

. But I would still like peace of mind knowing that they know the importance of stocking up.
But again, like I said, I planted a seed, what they choose is up to them. My boyfriend and I have stumbled upon prepping and such through a close friend. But we also don't make it known to too many people. And sometime I think that may be the case with others. Maybe not so much family, but everyone has their own motives. We would definitely help our family out, but right now we are just starting out, so we have to worry about ourselves first.
Plant the seed and let them make the choice is my advice.

humanoddity · Sep 17, 2011

dogfencedude said:
I have an emotional attachment while you have a objective attachment to my situation.

I completely understand your position here. I often read comments to others in which it is suggested "they made their bed, so let them lie in it" but gosh, it's just not that easy. It's tough when you love someone (mom, dad, etc.) and want the best for them.

One topic I like to touch on with unreceptive family members is insurance...basics such as auto or home insurance. I ask why they carry insurance, to which they usually reply "well, in case I'm in an accident" or "in case the house catches on fire" something along those lines.

Then, I ask how many years they have carried this insurance, how many hundreds or thousands of dollars they've spent, and how many times they've actually filed a claim.

I point out that they pay money each month for "just in case" moments. (I'm serious here...break this conversation down into the most basic of questions and let THEM answer you. Sometimes, letting them realize and say out loud that they pay for something that may never happen, is an eye opener.)

I then tie in the idea of purchasing food, water supplies, etc. "just in case" whether it be for natural disasters or even job loss. I point out that money paid to insurance companies, you really don't see again...but, money spent on preparedness items is an "insurance policy" that you keep the rewards from.

It's led to more in-depth conversations. My husband seems to be more receptive to my prepping now and recently started canning foods.

Mom and dad still aren't there, yet.

I wish you the best of luck in this situation. I know how you feel.

Moccasin · Sep 17, 2011

Try a different tack. Start off by directing the family to FEMA:

http://www.fema.gov/

Then it's not just you saying people should prepare for disaster, it's the Federal government, the ones most of the public expect to pull their chestnuts out of the fire. If the Feds say "Have at least three days worth of preps, because we may not make it to where you are for that long, if not longer", then suddenly you're not a nut or an alarmist, you're someone quoting experts, and maybe they'll listen.

Also, as noted before, try the economic angle. What you buy today you don't have to buy tomorrow, when it will probably be more expensive. And a well stocked pantry, workshop, junk drawer can be convenient, since you don't have to stop in the middle of doing something and go to the store to get that one item that you suddenly ran out of...

You could try expanding your talking points. Disaster, yes; but also job loss, unexpected guests, accident or sudden cost making things tight: Having a closet full of preps can be a security blanket that not only provides comfort just knowing it's there, but also keep you warm if there's a sudden chill.

And if nothing works, put everything you think a family might need in time of crisis to get by for at least a few days into a 5 gallon bucket, seal it, label it "Do not open until Doomsday", and give it to them. Even if they just shove it into a closet and forget it, it will still be there; and if they wind up cut off and in trouble, maybe they'll remember, pull it out, and find out you knew what you were talking about. :thumb:

Elmo · Sep 17, 2011

I don't try to tell anyone how they should run their lives, but I might make suggestions once or twice. Then I let it go.

I do prep for part of my family without their knowledge rather then cause conflict within the family. Should the time come that they need water, food, protection, and general knowledge of survival, I will be prepared and glad to provide it.

biathlon · Sep 17, 2011

I always got and still get the "deer in the headlights" look from my family. Regardless of how much I love them I accepted the reality of their attitude and poor lifestyle choices. They live in a very large city and truly believe I'm completely nuts for living in rural Wyoming.
They're gonna die.
I've accepted this.

MikeK · Sep 17, 2011

I'm in the same boat. I've tried for years to get people to wake up. But they just won't. I finally gave up. What made that easy for me is that I have no family left, and my true friends are the ones in my group. Everyone else is kept at acquaintance level only. I'm not a very social person anyway so I don't have a large circle of friends.

If I had family, I'd definately have a harder time of it. You can't prep for everyone and it would sure be hard to leave them behind. All you can do is try.

TNguy · Sep 17, 2011

I prep for my parents, because they are in their 70's and on Soc Sec checks alone. They are supportive of my efforts and I love talking to them on the subject and all the new things I have gotten and how my bread making from wheat berries and garden are going. But my dad bless his heart has blown my Opsec twice that I know of, I am a cop and he just assumes that all cops are conservative people who care about the oath they have taken. He has told me, I saw so-and so and he asked how you were doing, I told him that you have a whole years worth of food put up for the coming hard times so we are set.. This after I explained how important it is not to talk about prepping many times. I love my Dad to death, so instead of getting mad at him, I joke with him and tell him his job after the SHTF is dragging the bodies down to the side of the road away from the house. My Mom really got in is azz about it the second time he blew it, hasn't happened again.

hedley · Sep 17, 2011

Like said some people will only understand when the going gets rough and tumble. For most, young and old, the steady grind of garnering a paycheck/welfare along with the ability to buy everything/or nothing, keeps them plenty busy. The last thing they want is an upset to their comfortable routines. If you have spent the last 40+ yrs doing the exact same things, none of which had anything to do with prepping, it will take a bomb to go off before you wake up. On the other hand, if you're young and prosperous, generally speaking you are more interested in getting layed and seeing how much crap you can buy and how fast. Very few really have solid roots with which to go by and those never needed an excuse to prep, whether it be stockpiling cash for the home purchase or simply tending to the garden and keeping your sights sharp, there is no easy way to prepare for what you don't know.
Fear has always been the real kicker and never fails. This tactic never works within the same social circle though. Take care of yourself first and then can you care for others. Family can not be persuaded to change their habits simply through casual conversation. And one individual certainly can not buy and do everything for all. Without total agreement there is only a compromise of values and not much more.

TAKEZO · Sep 17, 2011

Let me apologize. I am sorry I have no reason to go after you like I did. I just take the subject seriously. I have an emotional attachment while you have a objective attachment to my situation.

I had no right to jump down your throat like I did. I apologize.

Thank you--we are cool.

But I did not write this thing above just to be an A-hole (as some may think here).

You have to stop and think what people are thinking of you.
If eyes glaze over, then your family has absolutely no respect for you.
They are taking a cowardly approach and not even engaging you on the subject.
It is a "passive aggressive" way of responding.

They have no interest in self-preservation, so why fight it?!
There were people on the Titanic who very well knew what was about to unfold and they just went back to their cabins and tucked themselves into bed.
You family members are much like these individuals.

Also you are falling into the trap of being a "survival missionary."
There was a dunderhead on this forum who actually wanted to pass out flyers to his neighborhood and then hold a meeting on the subject.
Not only would this violate his OPSEC, it would make him the laughing stock/nut of the area.

Don't fall into the trap of being preachy about this subject.
If people are open to it, then discuss it with them--but only after some very, very careful qualification.

A survivalist practices "rational self interest" at all times.
Else you cannot be a survivor.
A survivor realizes that he may have to write-off individuals at some point, and that these decisions may be life or death.

At the cost of saving your own life--and your immediate family's (if you have one), you may have to write-off member's of your extended family because they cannot lift a finger to "save themselves."

I have already made such decisions in my life, which cost the life of others (rescue situation).
I had to practice "rational self interest" over the life-interests of others.
And I live with it very well and lived with it well back then also.

This all sounds mean and tough, and it is mean and tough.

There was also another member here who made the decision to prepare for his other family members even though they derided him, kicked him in the balls and spit in his face concerning this subject. And these are the people who will get you killed, or who will turn you in at the drop of a hat. There was no dissuading him on this subject.

I think you have to wrap you mind around the fact that your family members may not want saving when the time comes.

Practice "rational self interest."

sT

hedley · Sep 17, 2011

Yes, first things first, lose the family ties. Then the question is moot. If you are of course married, male or female, kids or no, you can put your foot down when it comes to making decisions that effect the whole family. Never expect to force your parents to do anything though. They either already are or simply don't care.
Other than a husband or wife, and kids, there is nothing to worry about, nor any need to prove your impending doom scenarios.

OPSEC · Sep 17, 2011

Like most everyone, I tried the same approach to my family about prepping. Got responses ranging from "If things got that bad, why would anyone want to live?" to "I put my faith in God....". Well, just like TV commercials don't really tell you to buy anything, they are suggestive. And that's what seems to work....over time.

So, I don't like watching TV at all and my family knows it. But, I acted excited about about prepping and survival documentaries on natgeo, etc and they overheard the program. I turned on the show about extreme couponing and even bought newspapers for the coupons. Well, guess what? My wife, who wondered why anyone would want to live, got a organizer and started saving coupons and using them. I guess it fits her "skill set". We now get extra food regularly and she checks the dates till at least 2013 because I starting acting excited about how long it would last for hyperinflation.

I guess my point is that people will absorb the concepts of prepping into their own reality. Especially, if there is something to back it up like a TV show, the newscast mentioning it on the news, or any other example from a legitimate source other than yourself. I thinks it's dumb how people dont listen to reason because of social conditioning, but I understand now that people all have their different interests or mightn't be ready to "wake up".

BUSHER · Sep 17, 2011

get every family member the book One Second After for christmas/birthday/etc

in each book leave a little personal note on the inside cover written about how this book will give them a glimpse of what you hold dear and wish them to understand

foxkitten86 · Sep 17, 2011

My family were pretty much tolerating my 'habit' - how many times did I hear: "Mum's at it again!" And then yesterday morning somebody we know well, trust implicitly, and whom we believe to be very, very informed, quietly dropped on a family member that we should have TWO YEARS(!) of preps squirrelled away someplace safe. It had and is having an interesting effect. I think they're all out shopping - lists in hand.

The Moral of the Story is find somebody who preps, and whom your family trusts, and then ask that person to dinner. If you haven't such an individual available, then your family seems determined to ignore the world around them and there is nothing you can do to stop a train hitting them if they are determined to sit in the car on the tracks.

REM · Sep 17, 2011

Wind Breaker said:
...

I asked the husband the other day if they had any provision for food, water and so on in case another incident like hurricane Ike or a terrorist thing may occur. He said, "Nah. If anything happens, we'll just eat out every meal". I reminded him that during Ike, most restaurants didn't have power either, for a span of 2 to 3 weeks. He said, "oh yeah. But I have two 5 gallon cans of gasoline and a generator". I said, you're gonna get tired of drinking that gas. Better get some water and food in your pantry.

Still nothing. Some people just don't get it.

I suspect that it takes a disaster to make it possible to understand.

Before I saw what Rita did to this area and the humongous hoards that fled here from the coast I would have laughed when I began reading this site.

Maybe start with history. Send links about the dust bowl and great depression as interesting reading materials maybe. Point out the fallible of the "Just in Time" system that we now use. The importance of stocking up while supplies are plentiful is almost required to cover the painful shortcomings of JIT.

In the end I guess that you just have to understand that there are people who will never get it. Focus on those that can and will get it I guess. Ask your Dad to act unilaterally if necessary to stock up and to be prepared.

REM · Sep 17, 2011

TAKEZO said:
I think you have to wrap you mind around the fact that your family members may not want saving when the time comes.

I think that they will want saving, unless the planet is contaminated with radiation, or something like that.

Thinking my in-laws... I know my wife will insist on sharing whatever food we have with them. My next shopping excursion will be one to stock up on cheap bulk foods that will keep them going. Beans and rice primarily.

It's a part of the price of being married. :taped:

Pi$$ing in the wind

OKCorral

dogfencedude

Dobbs

dogfencedude

goose3

PATTYH20

humanoddity

Moccasin

Elmo

biathlon

MikeK

TNguy

hedley

TAKEZO

hedley

OPSEC

BUSHER

foxkitten86

REM

REM

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