Am I Paranoid?

OH-CCW · March 29, 2009, 07:59 AM

My reasoning for training more is due to the ever changing world. With the economy in a downward spiral, I feel people will become desperate and do things they may not have of before. Also, it seems in my area that drugs busts and drug crimes are on the local news every night. (an i live in small town america). My feelings are that crimes and gang related activity will increases and become more common then there already is. Now I pray that I never have to point a loaded gun at an individual but I also want to be prepared.

Now for my question. What are your feelings of things that may or might not happen with the falling economy in the USA and how does it relate to your training? Am I nuts to think of how America could become very hostile?

THEZACHARIAS · March 29, 2009, 08:09 AM

I think we're still in a kind of "wait and see" period. There are lots of theories and rumors about whats going to happen to the economy, but no ones really sure.

Training is never a bad thing, but at this point I wouldnt be too worried (not beyond my normal level of wary caution at least).

chemgirlie · March 29, 2009, 08:12 AM

For me the economy isn't a particular motivation to be proficient with firearms. I would be doing the exact same thing I am currently doing if the economy were booming (when it comes to guns, not finances).

vsgonzo · March 29, 2009, 08:13 AM

training is training. You will always need the training whether or not the world goes into an Apocolyptic mode.

going to the range is more marksmanship. Unload your weapon, stick dummy rounds (snap caps) into the mag. practice draws and especially magazine reloads in the comfort of your own home.

REMEMBER!!!!
Your Saftey rules still apply!
unload and show clear before any dry firing!!

Deet · March 29, 2009, 08:32 AM

Training is almost always beneficial. But take it from an older guy this economy will improve this year and the end of the world will once again feel like a million years away.

GuyMontag · March 29, 2009, 08:37 AM

And what's the great loss if you practice, become proficient, and are quite skilled with not only firearms in general, but also survival things. I don't think anybody will call you Chicken Little. If we find you on the street corner preaching about the end of the world, we might have to sit down for a little chat...

garryc · March 29, 2009, 08:38 AM

I'd say be prepared. I am a corrections officer in Ohio. Since the truth in sentencing bill passed we have been doing rapid turn around's on inmates. They come in and do a few years, or even months, and are back out on the street. They don't get a long enough time in prison to fear it. We feed, cloth, and give medical and dental treatment to these guys. We go to lengths to make sure their "rights" aren't violated. They have their hommies and fellow gang bangers, in a lot of ways they are better off in the joint.

After 16 years of service I can say that the young guys are more violent, have no respect for anyone, and think they are owed what ever they want. They also have no conception of accountability. They would kill you and rape your wife and kids just for fun. Be prepared brother, and prepare your wife and kids.

LightningJoe · March 29, 2009, 09:29 AM

I maintain that we are entering Phase II of American history: The Socialist Dystopia. In this period, the institutions of government will continue to function, but there will be a general pattern of capital decumulation, underemployment, and dependency. The overall crime rate probably won't go up much anytime soon. People will actually have less to steal and the losers and low-lifes will find it easier to have the government do the grabbing for them. But there may be more weird and inexpicable violent crime as A] nuts have their version of reality endorsed by the government and B] more people begin to realize they don't have a future.

Once we get into Phase III, though, "paranoia" may be redundant. You don't have to imagine they're out to get you when they're kicking down the door.

THEZACHARIAS · March 29, 2009, 09:33 AM

Great time to join the military. Live in a fortified post /base with a gauranteed paycheck. And once Obama brings everyone back from the middle east, no one will be getting hazardous duty pay and the DoDs budget will resolve itself & no one will get force-shaped out.

FrontSight · March 29, 2009, 09:58 AM

Anyone listen to and follow Peter Schiff, Gerald Celente, Jim Rogers, Glenn Beck?

We are a descending society, folks. In every aspect.

scorpion_tyr · March 29, 2009, 10:04 AM

People may see you as paranoid until the day comes and they are thankfull you were prepared.

Train away... it's fun

FyredUp · March 29, 2009, 10:12 AM

If you have to ask a group of anonymous people on an internet forum if you are paranoid, you already know the answer.

vsgonzo · March 29, 2009, 10:28 AM

good response FryredUp. lol

Scorpion is so true too. I have told my parents and some close friends that if anything should happen that they need to bring as much Beans, Band Aids and Bullets and head to my house.

I have the weaponary, the tools, and my trust dillon 650 lol. I'm good for now. I try to pick up a can of powder here and there and order bulk bullets and I scavenge the local gun range brass.

KC Rob · March 29, 2009, 10:41 AM

I prefer the term "preparanoid". And yes I am, who's asking? Are you with the government? Oh, wait, I'm with the government.

I like to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I fully expect that in my life time I will have to defend my family either due to crime, natural disaster or enemies foreign or domestic. That doesn't mean I am locked in my bunker with a tin foil helmet on, but like a porcupine, if I feel threatened I will roll up and put the spines out and good luck getting in when that happens.

FyredUp · March 29, 2009, 10:56 AM

vsgonzo,

You and I think a like and have similar strategies. I have the guns and tools AND land to sustain my extended family and some friends. They need to bring supplies and a willingness to work. I would not be running a resort, survival in those circumstances means contributing...gardening, cutting and stacking wood, hunting, canning, and whatever else that we would deem necessary to a comfortable life for all.

Paranoid? Nope, palnning ahead and preparing IF the worst occurs, absolutely. It is foolhardy to live with blinders on, a natural disaster could occur at any time. It doesn't have to be complete societal breakdown, or a terrorist attack for things to go to hell in a handbasket.

Glockeroo · March 29, 2009, 01:04 PM

Gangs are on the rise, and they are trying to make people prisoners in their own neighborhoods. Eventually, we as civilians will have to deal with the problem, since law enforecment can't always immediately get there to handle the situation.

Brit · March 29, 2009, 02:00 PM

I was in condition White for quite a while. In 1960 (at 25 YOA) I was persuaded by a very good friend to go into a part time night job Thur/Fri/Sat.

A Door Man at the Cavern Club of Beatles fame in Liverpool UK. (Bouncer) did that for 4 years, then the last year in the UK, at the Blue Angel, a night club on Seal Street, near the Dingle.

These 5 years turned me into an instant attack person, no waiting, no warnings, just attack, fists, feet, head butts, weapons (No Guns! England don't you know) sometimes I attacked the wrong person, or persons... Ah well!

Paranoia? This is not normal? Where I now live, Orlando, people are nearly always really nice, we live in a nice area, but I still never turn off, never!

Advice to my nice native born Americans? Get hard, very hard and do it quickly. Train with a carry gun, and carry it, always.

FyredUp · March 29, 2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Brit:

I was in condition White for quite a while. In 1960 (at 25 YOA) I was persuaded by a very good friend to go into a part time night job Thur/Fri/Sat.

A Door Man at the Cavern Club of Beatles fame in Liverpool UK. (Bouncer) did that for 4 years, then the last year in the UK, at the Blue Angel, a night club on Seal Street, near the Dingle.

These 5 years turned me into an instant attack person, no waiting, no warnings, just attack, fists, feet, head butts, weapons (No Guns! England don't you know) sometimes I attacked the wrong person, or persons... Ah well!

Dude, you have either extreme paranoid issues or anger management issues because an unprovoked attack against innocent people is a one way ticket to jail in the USA. If your answer to accidental pummeling the wrong person is "Ah Well" you aren't prepared you are freaking nuts.

Paranoia? This is not normal? Where I now live, Orlando, people are nearly always really nice, we live in a nice area, but I still never turn off, never!

Paranoia is NOT normal, being situational aware is completely understandable in today's world. Walking around in a constant state of fear of attack is a waste of time and energy.

Advice to my nice native born Americans? Get hard, very hard and do it quickly. Train with a carry gun, and carry it, always.

Yep, I'll carry a gun in complete violation of state law where I live and end up in more trouble than the bad guy who wants my wallet. No thanks.

Frankly, if living in Orlando is so terrifying for you I am sure the British empire would happily welcome you back to its oh so safe shores.

Paranoia is not a sensible state to be in ever. It makes you jumpy and affects the way you think negatively.

Firepower! · March 29, 2009, 10:28 PM

No you are not paranoid. You just want to be prepared like me or other people here who dont get disturbed when hear us talk about how prepared we are. To some we may seem paranoid if we talk about preperation, but those are just kidding themselves until reality hits them in the face. Just because you are reading magzines and flippin bugers wanna be gun collector does make you an authority on subject nor prepared for reali time crises. Those of us have probably never seen some one go down who was unarmed. Let alone have a throat cut because they did not share you belief.

I dont think i will writing much here. I will be a silent listner with occassioanl questions to some very informed and learned TFL members.

FM12 · March 29, 2009, 10:43 PM

"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you". Author unknown

Re4mer · March 29, 2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

My reasoning for training more is due to the ever changing world. With the economy in a downward spiral, I feel people will become desperate and do things they may not have of before. Also, it seems in my area that drugs busts and drug crimes are on the local news every night. (an i live in small town america). My feelings are that crimes and gang related activity will increases and become more common then there already is. Now I pray that I never have to point a loaded gun at an individual but I also want to be prepared.

Now for my question. What are your feelings of things that may or might not happen with the falling economy in the USA and how does it relate to your training? Am I nuts to think of how America could become very hostile?

Just a quick story. I live in a small town to, very near a local gas station. Over the last year it has been broken into about 15 times...every time I drive by the window is broken. There have been multiple other break ins in the area. No you are not being paranoid it happening EVERYWHERE and its getting worse.

Old Wanderer · March 29, 2009, 11:02 PM

Just look at our history....Rodney King comes to mind....one day everything was normal, the very next day there was almost total anarchy in Los Angeles areas..

There was no warning, there was no time to train, stock and prepare...either you were ready to defend what was yours, or you were a victim. if you were in the wrong areas....

You buy insurance, no because you are paranoid that you will have an accident, but so it will protect you from the major losses. Being a member of this community allows you to draw from the experience of others, and take self responsibility for yourself.

We seldom get to have an after action critique as to what we could have done better, but regardless of how much you train and prepare, there will always be some weak points.

SteveRick · March 30, 2009, 12:22 AM

I have always wondered what a good amount of ammo is, Ruger GP-100 .357 and Remington 870 12, 8 shot? I am trying to buy a box a week, ammo will be scarce at best when TSHTF (tin foil hat off and hope for the best, but prepare for the worst)

By the way, I am not a bad shot, but how many BGs will come into my house???

pax · March 30, 2009, 12:43 AM

This isn't a Tactics and Training thread. The T&T forum on TFL exists to give people a venue to discuss the tactics they might need in order to save their lives, and the training they might get in order to effectively understand and carry out those tactics.

If you're here to call people paranoid, you're in the wrong place.

If you're here to engage in internet warrior fantasy, you're in the wrong place.

If you're interested in discussing Law and Civil Rights, go take your chances down in the L&CR forums a few links down the board...

Closed.

pax

March 29, 2009, 07:59 AM	#1
OH-CCW Junior Member Join Date: December 6, 2008 Posts: 14	Am I Paranoid? My reasoning for training more is due to the ever changing world. With the economy in a downward spiral, I feel people will become desperate and do things they may not have of before. Also, it seems in my area that drugs busts and drug crimes are on the local news every night. (an i live in small town america). My feelings are that crimes and gang related activity will increases and become more common then there already is. Now I pray that I never have to point a loaded gun at an individual but I also want to be prepared. Now for my question. What are your feelings of things that may or might not happen with the falling economy in the USA and how does it relate to your training? Am I nuts to think of how America could become very hostile?

March 29, 2009, 08:32 AM	#5
Deet Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2008 Location: INDIANA Posts: 191	Training is almost always beneficial. But take it from an older guy this economy will improve this year and the end of the world will once again feel like a million years away. __________________ Ruger P95, GP100, KelTec P11, Mossberg 500, Mosin Nagant 91/30, S&W M&P 45

March 29, 2009, 09:29 AM	#8
LightningJoe Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Location: DFW Metroplex (well, McKinney) Posts: 858	I maintain that we are entering Phase II of American history: The Socialist Dystopia. In this period, the institutions of government will continue to function, but there will be a general pattern of capital decumulation, underemployment, and dependency. The overall crime rate probably won't go up much anytime soon. People will actually have less to steal and the losers and low-lifes will find it easier to have the government do the grabbing for them. But there may be more weird and inexpicable violent crime as A] nuts have their version of reality endorsed by the government and B] more people begin to realize they don't have a future. Once we get into Phase III, though, "paranoia" may be redundant. You don't have to imagine they're out to get you when they're kicking down the door. __________________ I believe in a world which consists of America, her friends, and her dead enemies.

March 29, 2009, 09:33 AM	#9
THEZACHARIAS Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 537	Great time to join the military. Live in a fortified post /base with a gauranteed paycheck. And once Obama brings everyone back from the middle east, no one will be getting hazardous duty pay and the DoDs budget will resolve itself & no one will get force-shaped out. Last edited by THEZACHARIAS; March 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM.

March 29, 2009, 09:58 AM	#10
FrontSight Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Posts: 1,712	Anyone listen to and follow Peter Schiff, Gerald Celente, Jim Rogers, Glenn Beck? We are a descending society, folks. In every aspect. __________________ To kill something as great as a duck just to smell the gunpowder is a crime against nature. - Alan Liere Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. - George Bernard Shaw

March 29, 2009, 08:09 AM	#2
THEZACHARIAS Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 537	I think we're still in a kind of "wait and see" period. There are lots of theories and rumors about whats going to happen to the economy, but no ones really sure. Training is never a bad thing, but at this point I wouldnt be too worried (not beyond my normal level of wary caution at least).

March 29, 2009, 08:12 AM	#3
chemgirlie Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2009 Location: WI Posts: 331	For me the economy isn't a particular motivation to be proficient with firearms. I would be doing the exact same thing I am currently doing if the economy were booming (when it comes to guns, not finances).

March 29, 2009, 08:13 AM	#4
vsgonzo Member Join Date: March 16, 2009 Posts: 86	training is training. You will always need the training whether or not the world goes into an Apocolyptic mode. going to the range is more marksmanship. Unload your weapon, stick dummy rounds (snap caps) into the mag. practice draws and especially magazine reloads in the comfort of your own home. REMEMBER!!!! Your Saftey rules still apply! unload and show clear before any dry firing!!

March 29, 2009, 08:37 AM	#6
GuyMontag Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 131	And what's the great loss if you practice, become proficient, and are quite skilled with not only firearms in general, but also survival things. I don't think anybody will call you Chicken Little. If we find you on the street corner preaching about the end of the world, we might have to sit down for a little chat...

March 29, 2009, 08:38 AM	#7
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	I'd say be prepared. I am a corrections officer in Ohio. Since the truth in sentencing bill passed we have been doing rapid turn around's on inmates. They come in and do a few years, or even months, and are back out on the street. They don't get a long enough time in prison to fear it. We feed, cloth, and give medical and dental treatment to these guys. We go to lengths to make sure their "rights" aren't violated. They have their hommies and fellow gang bangers, in a lot of ways they are better off in the joint. After 16 years of service I can say that the young guys are more violent, have no respect for anyone, and think they are owed what ever they want. They also have no conception of accountability. They would kill you and rape your wife and kids just for fun. Be prepared brother, and prepare your wife and kids.

March 29, 2009, 10:04 AM	#11
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,326	People may see you as paranoid until the day comes and they are thankfull you were prepared. Train away... it's fun __________________ “Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.” - Thomas Jefferson

March 29, 2009, 10:12 AM	#12
FyredUp Junior member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 673	If you have to ask a group of anonymous people on an internet forum if you are paranoid, you already know the answer.

March 29, 2009, 10:28 AM	#13
vsgonzo Member Join Date: March 16, 2009 Posts: 86	good response FryredUp. lol Scorpion is so true too. I have told my parents and some close friends that if anything should happen that they need to bring as much Beans, Band Aids and Bullets and head to my house. I have the weaponary, the tools, and my trust dillon 650 lol. I'm good for now. I try to pick up a can of powder here and there and order bulk bullets and I scavenge the local gun range brass.

March 29, 2009, 10:41 AM	#14
KC Rob Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 321	I prefer the term "preparanoid". And yes I am, who's asking? Are you with the government? Oh, wait, I'm with the government. I like to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I fully expect that in my life time I will have to defend my family either due to crime, natural disaster or enemies foreign or domestic. That doesn't mean I am locked in my bunker with a tin foil helmet on, but like a porcupine, if I feel threatened I will roll up and put the spines out and good luck getting in when that happens.

March 29, 2009, 10:56 AM	#15
FyredUp Junior member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 673	vsgonzo, You and I think a like and have similar strategies. I have the guns and tools AND land to sustain my extended family and some friends. They need to bring supplies and a willingness to work. I would not be running a resort, survival in those circumstances means contributing...gardening, cutting and stacking wood, hunting, canning, and whatever else that we would deem necessary to a comfortable life for all. Paranoid? Nope, palnning ahead and preparing IF the worst occurs, absolutely. It is foolhardy to live with blinders on, a natural disaster could occur at any time. It doesn't have to be complete societal breakdown, or a terrorist attack for things to go to hell in a handbasket.

March 29, 2009, 01:04 PM	#16
Glockeroo Junior member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Posts: 1,032	Gangs are on the rise, and they are trying to make people prisoners in their own neighborhoods. Eventually, we as civilians will have to deal with the problem, since law enforecment can't always immediately get there to handle the situation.

March 29, 2009, 02:00 PM	#17
Brit Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2005 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 1,934	I was in condition White for quite a while. In 1960 (at 25 YOA) I was persuaded by a very good friend to go into a part time night job Thur/Fri/Sat. A Door Man at the Cavern Club of Beatles fame in Liverpool UK. (Bouncer) did that for 4 years, then the last year in the UK, at the Blue Angel, a night club on Seal Street, near the Dingle. These 5 years turned me into an instant attack person, no waiting, no warnings, just attack, fists, feet, head butts, weapons (No Guns! England don't you know) sometimes I attacked the wrong person, or persons... Ah well! Paranoia? This is not normal? Where I now live, Orlando, people are nearly always really nice, we live in a nice area, but I still never turn off, never! Advice to my nice native born Americans? Get hard, very hard and do it quickly. Train with a carry gun, and carry it, always.

March 29, 2009, 10:28 PM	#19
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	No you are not paranoid. You just want to be prepared like me or other people here who dont get disturbed when hear us talk about how prepared we are. To some we may seem paranoid if we talk about preperation, but those are just kidding themselves until reality hits them in the face. Just because you are reading magzines and flippin bugers wanna be gun collector does make you an authority on subject nor prepared for reali time crises. Those of us have probably never seen some one go down who was unarmed. Let alone have a throat cut because they did not share you belief. I dont think i will writing much here. I will be a silent listner with occassioanl questions to some very informed and learned TFL members.

March 29, 2009, 10:43 PM	#20
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you". Author unknown

March 29, 2009, 11:02 PM	#22
Old Wanderer Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Bonney Lake, WA Posts: 77	Just look at our history....Rodney King comes to mind....one day everything was normal, the very next day there was almost total anarchy in Los Angeles areas.. There was no warning, there was no time to train, stock and prepare...either you were ready to defend what was yours, or you were a victim. if you were in the wrong areas.... You buy insurance, no because you are paranoid that you will have an accident, but so it will protect you from the major losses. Being a member of this community allows you to draw from the experience of others, and take self responsibility for yourself. We seldom get to have an after action critique as to what we could have done better, but regardless of how much you train and prepare, there will always be some weak points.

March 30, 2009, 12:22 AM	#23
SteveRick Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 55	I have always wondered what a good amount of ammo is, Ruger GP-100 .357 and Remington 870 12, 8 shot? I am trying to buy a box a week, ammo will be scarce at best when TSHTF (tin foil hat off and hope for the best, but prepare for the worst) By the way, I am not a bad shot, but how many BGs will come into my house???

March 30, 2009, 12:43 AM	#24
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	This isn't a Tactics and Training thread. The T&T forum on TFL exists to give people a venue to discuss the tactics they might need in order to save their lives, and the training they might get in order to effectively understand and carry out those tactics. If you're here to call people paranoid, you're in the wrong place. If you're here to engage in internet warrior fantasy, you're in the wrong place. If you're interested in discussing Law and Civil Rights, go take your chances down in the L&CR forums a few links down the board... Closed. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat