posted on Oct, 4 2008 @ 12:10 PM
This may help the debate
SURVIVALISM IN THE U.K & ACROSS THE WORLD
In all the four corners of the world you will find survivalism and preparedness flourishing, more people than ever before are trying to retake control
over their own destinies and lifestyles. The United Kingdom is no different in that respect but it does have its own set of unusual circumstances for
the modern survivalist to overcome.
Apart from the very obvious problems of the right to own firearms and the right to protect yourselves from criminals there is a strong public
objection to people who are not mainstream in their lifestyle choices, If you don't socialise in the accepted manner like enjoying soccer, going to
the pub etc you are seen as an oddball. You compound this with the British survivalist’s natural conservatism and an inbred fear of others with whom
they are not familiar you end up with a difficult environment in which to develop your skills and plans without being ridiculed by your neighbours or
workmates.
Survivalism is a serious undertaking that is usually a very private matter for you and your family and not one you would choose to broadcast in any
way, this in itself causes problems to overcome.
How do you gain the expertise you need in so many subjects without contacting others, how do you source the logistics and kit you require in the
larger than normal quantities than Joe Public would buy, how do you gather the intelligence about current affairs, possible hazards, retreat locations
etc without giving away your reasons, how do you overcome your natural curiosity as to what other survivalists are up to and are they doing something
better than you are?
Some survivalists form "GROUPS" sharing costs, bulk buying, developing a communal retreat, having group "STANDARDS", setting criteria for
"MEMBERSHIP" etc these "GROUPS" tend to have a very strong willed "LEADER" controlling things and persuading the others to follow his way of
doing things. Sometimes this becomes elitist and at other times it becomes a "CULT" with the ruling elite controlling the ordinary members by
intimidation, fear etc this is not a path that I would advocate that anyone follows for good reason.
The only things that survivalists should have to standardise upon are a set of communication frequencies and protocols for getting in touch with each
other as and when THEY CHOOSE. Survivalists by their very natures are very intelligent, free thinking, broadminded individuals each with their own
agendas to follow. This is why they became survivalists in the first place, because the wish to be in control over their own lives and destinies
without external forces controlling their freedom of personal choice.
Yes it would be nice and easy if we all had the same equipment fuel and ammunition calibres, but for the reasons shown above individuals have their
own preferences and reasons for choosing their own kit.
Insisting that everyone uses petrol power cookers or generators or vehicles as part of being a "MEMBER" of the group is stupid if one of the group
lives on a farm that is totally diesel powered and has 10,000 gallons of the stuff stored on site. It’s the same principle if everyone has to have
weapons available only in 7.62 rimless NATO calibre and one of the guys lives in a very heavily forested area that would be better served by a 12
gauge pump action shotgun. Individuality must be encouraged not stifled by diktat from government or the leaders of your local group. Communism and a
single plan of development has been proven not to work where as freedom of choice and flexibility has been shown to flourish, this is especially true
for survivalists.
It has been said "No man is an Island" this also holds true for survivalists. A way to share our skills and knowledge and to find others of a
similar outlook to ourselves is part of human nature, we must balance the survivalists need for privacy and security against the need to gather
information and develop contacts with others like ourselves.
The way ahead for us I feel is something I saw when in America a few years ago where like minded people came together twice a year for what they
called a RENDEZVOUS, At these events people got to meet each other on neutral ground to socialise, barter, get the latest gossip, share ideas, find
out what's new etc. These events have been very successful at bridging the gap amongst people of similar beliefs without putting any restrictions
upon them. What was not acceptable there was anyone trying to force upon the others their ideals and beliefs.