Category Archives: Politics

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The situation in Korea is still occupying headlines and causing concern, which is to be expected when you have a combination of dangerous ingredients.  Take a starving, isolated, militarist, and maniacal state like North Korea; have it share a peninsula with a prosperous and (mostly) free South Korea; locate said peninsula close to a traditional rival (Japan); add nuclear weapons by aforementioned maniacal state; mix with a dynastic dictator and you have a recipe for disaster.

Image courtesy of ABC News

That’s not counting an incompetent Secretary of Defense, a traitorous Secretary of State, and corrupt dilettante as President on the American side…but I digress.

I posted earlier this month that I don’t think anything will come of the whole Korean Crisis because its a replay of past incidents.  However, that does not mean that reasonable people should ignore the threat of conflict that could affect their lives.  Its wise to take precautions just in case everybody loses their minds and things get ugly.

Think about the current situation the same way you would an oncoming storm.  You know the storm is coming and could be dangerous but it may not affect you.  The smart course of action is to take action assuming that the storm will hit, that way you are prepared just in case.  If you are ready for the storm, you can remain calm and be able to function in the aftermath, no matter what happens.

So what can you do now?  Here are some question to ask yourself that will help you in any situation:

  • Do you have some extra cash on hand in case banking networks are unavailable?
  • Does your household have extra food and water on-hand in case there is a run on stores?
  • Do your flashlights and radios have fresh batteries in them?
  • Got a portable generator?  Does it have enough fuel and does it start?
  • Are the weapons you have (firearms, knives, bats, sprays, bows, etc.) working properly?
  • Do you have enough medication to last for a few weeks?
  • What barter items do you have that you could trade if needed?
  • Got a RoadID or some other information bracelet?

Those are just some thoughts to get you started.  The goal is to get ready BEFORE the storm hits, this will allow you to have your wits about you when others begin to panic.  Preparation breeds confidence and confidence produces calm, so take some steps now to be ready for storm.

Like all storms, it will eventually pass…

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In Oakland, CA, private security firms are taking over neighborhood patrols as city services are reduced and crime increases.  Tax revenues can’t keep up with ballooning pension, wage, and healthcare costs so government services get reduced.  This is especially acute in high-tax states like California, but municipalities across the US are feeling the combined affects of lavish benefits coupled with falling revenues.  According to the executive director of the National Association of Security Contractors:

Municipal governments and cities are really getting strapped in terms of their resources, and when a police department cuts 100 officers obviously they are going to respond to less crimes.

The bad news is in many cash-strapped cities, there will be fewer law enforcement resources which could result in increased crime rates.  There will be fewer patrols to deter crime, fewer officers to respond to crime (thereby increasing response times), and fewer staff to investigate crimes.  District Attorneys, Prosecutors, and other Judicial staff are also going to look for ways to reduce their caseload by having fewer trials.  Prisons won’t have room to house more inmates too.  All this paints a bleak picture for the immediate future.

The good news is that some communities are stepping up to fill in the gaps through private policing and other services when governments reduces their commitments.  This is likely to continue but not be widespread, after all hiring private security contractors costs money that not all communities have right now.  It also shows that where there is a market, somebody will step up to serve it.  In other words, there is opportunity even in difficult times.

Rather than relying upon (morally and fiscally) bankrupt governments or moving to exclusive, wealthy neighborhoods, you can take steps now to protect yourself.  As I wrote in a recent post, there are some steps you can take today that will both deter crime and lessen your dependence on local law enforcement.  Consider the following:

  • Get firearms, ammunition, and training
  • Reinforce your external doors with multiple high-quality locks and jamb reinforcement
  • Get an alarm system installed and post signs/stickers indicating that you have done so
  • Install both internal and external lights
  • Secure your windows with locks
  • Install heavy drapes and keep them closed when you aren’t home
  • Get to know your neighbors!

Relying upon over-worked and under-funded law enforcement to protect your and your home is foolish.  The only person you can rely upon to secure your property is…you.  That’s good news because there is a lot you can do that will enhance the safety of your home and deter crime.  Get started now because every step you take is an additional layer of protection that keeps the bad guys away.

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What happens when a municipality can’t pay its bills?

Just like in regular Bankruptcy Court, lawyers on both sides will go before a judge and argue their case.  Without a settlement, a judge will render a decision that both plaintiff and defendant will have to comply with.  The difference with a municipal bankruptcy ruling is taxes and city services will be impacted by decision.  Today’s decision that allows Stockton, CA to enter bankruptcy protection is a part of a growing trend of municipal default both in the US and overseas.  This trend will continue and accelerate as more cities, counties, and states confront their finances.  The economic reality of low revenues and high expenditures (ex. pensions, health care costs, wages) will force governments at all levels to adjust their commitments.

So what does this mean regarding preparation?

The result will be less government services.  There will be fewer garbage trucks to pick up the trash, fewer maintenance crews to repair the roads, fewer fire fighters to respond to emergencies, and fewer police units to respond to crimes.  The remaining government employees will have higher workloads and be under more stress too as they are forced to do more work with fewer resources.

In an emergency situation, it will mean longer response times when you call 9-1-1.  Individuals will need to be more self-reliant when it comes to both protecting themselves and taking care of their needs when things go wrong.  This means taking steps like:

  • Owning firearms and learning how to use them
  • Learning First Aid and having supplies on-hand
  • Having tools ready to make emergency repairs
  • Storing additional food and water for emergency use
  • Working with your friends and neighbors to help them get prepared

The key concept is increasing self-reliance as a bulwark against the unexpected.  Bad things are going to happen regardless of your city’s financial situation, its wise to not rely upon municipalities that are in default for salvation during an emergency.  Think about what you can do TODAY that will make you more resilient in the face of adversity tomorrow.