Great post!! [color:"#666666"] (although the politics can go to the wayside) [/color]

Not really much to add...but with regards to preparedness, I think it's important to also talk about physical conditioning. Most American's won't be able to run / move as needed to properly "avoid" conflict, or to escape a disaster area of influence. As Arch mentioned, getting out and "doing it" can be considered valuable input for all points discussed above....be it bushcraft, hunting w/ a 22, survival training, mental / physical conditioning, etc etc.