Why Does Prepping and Paranoia go Hand In Hand?

[Grumpy Old Man]

Couldn't agree more and well said.

I don't agree with the idea that if you prepare for an end-of-the-world scenario you'll be covered for something less mundane. I think it's the other way round....get yourself prepared for as many small events that are realistic to happen in your area, and over time those preps will start to overlap & bleed together. Then if a horrific situation occurs you've got a broader and more comprehensive array of preps at hand. Otherwise, you end up with preps centered around some romantic MadMax meets Red Dawn fantasy rendering it more likely to be impractical and unworkable for reality.

Further, if you are worried about a chemical spill you're far less likely to be consumed with paranoia about FEMA sending the UN to confiscate all your Batman comic books.

Damn it! Not my Batman comic books! LOL. Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get you; sometimes it's just plain good thinking.
Over the years I've experienced a number of The-End-Of-The-World-As-I-Know-It; the birth of children, the loss of a job, a divorce,moving to another state and the deaths of my parents. Was I prepared for these? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Is it paranoid to stockpile food in these uncertain times when any of us might lose our jobs? Some would say yes, some would say no; it all depends on your frame of reference as we say in physics. Is it paranoia when you see freedoms being taken away in the name of Government Sponsored Security for the parasites of society?

Being prepared is what the Boy Scouts and my church upbringing taught me. It is being a responsible steward over what the Good Lord has blessed me with. It is taking care of my family and my responsibilities. In short, it is only paranoia if you look to Big Brother to take care of you!

[bacpacker]

Well said Grumpy! You have a good frame of reference as well. Boy Scouts offer the opportunity to learn many things that will help you prepare for the life yet to come for young boys.
The good Lord has given each person certain gifts and abilities and it is up to each of us to develop and protect each of them, whether it's a spouse, kids, grandkids, job's, whatever it may be. It sure isn't up to the .gov to take care of any of that.

[RedJohn]

Well Grumpy, this was TEOTWAYKI not TEOTWAWKI. I did not feel any of these events myself.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Don't fret RJ. If you live long enough you'll get to rack up some. After all, how do think I became grumpy? The old part is I haven't managed to kill myself yet.

[RedJohn]

Don't fret RJ. If you live long enough you'll get to rack up some. After all, how do think I became grumpy? The old part is I haven't managed to kill myself yet.

I have lived a long time already (52 in 21 days) to rack up a lot myself. I am grumpy too but don't want to admit to it. With my life, I am glad there are no wives and no kids (that I know of, of course) as they would not be very happy with me.

Of course I get to spend ALL my money on me and my guns

[beginner]

I have lived a long time already (52 in 21 days)

Wow! You ARE old! :P

[RedJohn]

Wow! You ARE old! :P

Yeah but with my lifestyle I made it to 52 and just that is a freaking miracle. Are you going to?

[beginner]

Yeah but with my lifestyle I made it to 52 and just that is a freaking miracle. Are you going to?

I've never been married or have kids either

[RedJohn]

I've never been married or have kids either

Well, I've been married once to a wonderful girl that never asked anything of me. Still, I could not stay. I am so used to be alone that I really prefer it. If I may, how old are you?

[Fatty]

I hear your only as old as you act. Or atleast I'm still young enough to live by that motto.