Having established that the Government might act tyrannically toward its citizens (or only in its own interest) and having established that the Government's ability to effectively deal with disasters is "questionable" at best....

We need to review the functionality of a "72 Hour Kit".

72 Hours worth of food/water/shelter is a great recommendation for 99% of the population. Having read countless studies and reports that indicate most Americans do not have 24 hours worth of food and/or water in their homes means trying to move the masses toward "basic provisions" is a monumental undertaking. If the government recommended that people store 3 months worth of food and water - 99.99% of the population would just ignore the advice. The government was probably sound when they chose to recommend (uniformly) 72 Hours.

HOWEVER, these two issues have a PROFOUND impact on a truly self-preservation minded person or family:

1) If nearly everybody around you is without food and water - what do you think will happen when they find out you have food and water? Research Katrina.

2) If nearly everybody around you has 72 Hours worth of food and water - what do you think will happen if it takes a week, a month, or longer? Research Katrina.

As you can see - I'm building a foundation for survival equipment and supplies that FAR EXCEED the 72 Hour window.