Some thought on the end of the world as we know it

I was in a discussion with a fellow a few days ago. The discussion turned to end of the world topics - "SHTF" - S***(poop) Hits The Fan. This individual leaned a bit too much toward conspiracy theories. He had a definite belief the government was going to try to take over, and use the UN to accomplish this goal. His talk reminded me of Fred of Fred's M14 stocks, from whom I purchased my shooting jacket.

This individual reminded me of so many others I've spoken with that hold these views. His talk started with rational conclusions, but quickly deviated from the realm of reality. In addition to thinking the governmetwas going to either take control via the UN, or allow the UN to take control outright, he also believed some other things that I will speak about here:

1. Government / UN takeover.
I don't think American Soldiers will ever try to control fellow Americans. The UN is predominantly staffed by American Soldiers. Most of the rest are allies. Those that aren't allies, all combined, represent a small fraction of our military forces.

2. He said he would go to Wal Mart when the SHTF and get what he needs then.
And everybody else won't?
I've got news for you... if you don't already have it (whatever that "it" is), there will be only a few ways to get it after SHTF - barter, or kill someone who has one.

3. He said he wouldn't need to gather with friends for protection, he would just be a sniper.
Really? Know how many clicks on your scope you need to adjust to go from a zero of 100 yards to 400 yards? Ever shot at 400-yard targets? Can you do so from a field position? Cn you even do it form a rested position?
Nope, I didn't think so.

4. He said he would ambush UN convoys.
Really? Even if you had that sort of a situation (see point #1), how long do you think you'd live against machine-gun counter fire? And air support? And how are you going to do this solo (no friends, remember)? And this doesn't even touch the issueof being able to make the shot (point #3).

5. He said if worst came to worst, he'd just hide out in the woods.
Really? Ever been camping? It's a lot like that, only harder. Especially when you don't have the equipment (point #2), the friends (point#3), or the skills (point #3).

Not trying to rain on anybody's parade, but this guy had it all wrong.

I believe in being prepared. Crisis can strike at any time. Look at Hurricane Katrina, or recent flooding in Nashville. How does one prepare?
- If you might need it, have it ahead of time.
- Have freinds... an "inner circle"
- Have a plan. Base it in logic.
- Have a backup plan. The first one might not work.
- It never hurts to be able to defend yourself and loved ones. This requires REAL practice and lots of training.