Can Americans Cope?

So, how will we react to an economic or social collapse?

Consider this:

In 1977 New York City suffered a power failure for one night. Over 3,000 arrests were made for looting, 400 policemen were injured, 500 fires were started, more than 25,000 emergency calls were placed and four times the usual number of hospital emergency cases were admitted -- all following one lightning strike.

I haven't taken the time to document this information, but I don't think it's way out of line with what I've heard before.

Consider the Rodney King riots in L.A. I remember being in London at the time watching on TV with disbelief at what I was seeing -- an orgy of looting, burning and crime. Grocery store owners posted on the roofs of their businesses with rifles? (Not surprisingly, these stores didn't suffer the damage that other stores did...) The breathless anchors were describing spontaneous outbreaks of violence in several other cities as well.

However, later discussions with my L.A. friends revealed that the violence was highly localized and the city continued to operate as normal or as normal as can be considered when there is a riot going on for a couple of days just south of downtown.

But, it is a legitimate question to ask yourself: Given what my experience has been in the past, can I expect current social conventions to protect me and my family if there is some spasm in our system?

Fear Driving Gun and Ammo Sales?

The earlier post on the surge of gun and ammunition sales came from a story covered by the Wall Street Journal which indicated that some purchases see the increase in prices as sort of an "investment" that could possibly bring a return better than they can get at the local bank with your typical Certificate of Deposit.

That might be true in the upper stratosphere of income earners that are the WSJ readers, but my own experience tends to indicate there is a level of fear among Americans that I have not seen in many, many years.

I've never had more people ask me how to buy a firearm, which is the "best" firearm to buy and if I could recommend where to buy one. Frankly, I've been somewhat surprised by some requests because they have come from people who previously had no interested in firearms or were even opposed to owning one.

These are not people who are looking for a return on their investment. These are people who are reacting to some very strong fears:

1. The fear of the Obama administration's probable move to enact draconion gun control laws;
2. The fear of rising street crime;
3. The fear of economic and social collapse.

Obviously, there is a LOT of hording going on. It will be interesing to see if and when the panic buying subsides.

However, having said that, are you in a position now to be able to provide security for your self and loved ones if any of the above scenarios unfolds?