How would you respond? - Event Date: September 12 2006

I've been thinking about this very thing for quite some time. When I first learned about the chance of a pandemic, I tried to 'spread' the word to family and friends.  Got the same 'crazy lady' response that all of us have received.  Now I just say:  I understand how you feel.  This is just too overwhelming to think about but given what's happened the last few years with 9/11 and Katrina,  I feel it sure doesn't hurt to have a little extra food and supplies in the house in case of any emergency. 

I heard the same words from a family member.  It is an expression of fear and powerlessness, an anger that it even exists to taunt us.  She is very much in control of her life and does a fine job of it.  I just agreed and said all we can do is put something aside and go on and enjoy life.

As we're selling these ads to the disaster preparedness industry, a lot of them know very little about "pandemic flu", but they are all over it when we explain it to them.  Every time we're selling an ad, we have to somewhat educate them about pandemic flu preparedness, as well as trying to sell the ad itself.  Some of these sites are now adding sections for pandemic flu prep.  Anyway, I suppose in AFT’s effort to sell ads over the next few days, we will at least get the disaster preparedness industry on board.

I have gotten this anger as well from people.  I think it is a feeling of powerlessness, and the people I got it from are, interestingly, the ones who are more'control-freak' oriented.  it think maybe they are angry that something has been added to their list of things to worry about, or angry that they are unprepared.  I tend to see the anger as a positive sign - you have touched a nerve - as opposed to the indifferent person or one who laughs at you.  Anger is there for a reason, the person just needs to work around the psychology of dealing with it. 

I have said to people that the way i think of it is like seatbelt or homeowners insurance.  You can't 'do anything' to prevent a car wreck that isn't your fault or a tornado, but whould you even for a second consider not having insurance or not wearing a seat belt?  Well, prepping is kinda like 'insurance'.  I think i convinced two people with this line of reasoning.  few people don't understand this.

may be I 'm from  a differant neck of the woods, no one has ever said to me thats it's sinful to prep.  also ,I don't think  alot of people on this forum ,will have a surplus of preps to be feeding the  neighborhood..many of us have been giving up pleasures to prep. speaking for myself, I gave up a long time ago, worried about what the other guy thought. It's those people that I left behind in my dust. they are still stuck where they were.The "what do ya want to that for" mentality. I prep for whatever is coming my way, and I believe it will be some thing. To answer those naysayers, I say to them, Please don't embarrass yourself by coming by for a HANDOUT, STAND IN LINE WITH EVERYONE ELSE,when the SHTF.You have seen what the government can do for you, in Katrina for example. In a  short term disaster, you could probably help some one , but this bird flu can make your family needy for 12-18 months. If you are having these problems then I would not disscuss this any more, I stopped talking about it. I have too many people to feed already. sorry for the long post, good luck roxy

I am with those who feel it is too dangerous to warn people ,  Your putting yourself on a limb.  

I sometimes get discouraged and it's easiest when I'm tired and everyone thinks I'm a loony tune. But then I go to a store and see a great deal- like the canning jars on clearance today and buy the last 5 dozen. I may have more food than I'll live to eat but I have 5 families of close relatives whom I'm helping to prep.
I realize there is just no hope for some people but there are so many out there who have no knowledge of what a pandemic is. These people are not on computers and have limited access to information. Maybe someone who cares about what happens to them will be.
Good luck to all.

I agree with some others here that most people won't prep because they just don't want to take responsibiilty for themselves. Our culture is so different now than even a generation ago that it's almost understandable. But the maybe 5% of the people who will be ready for this cannot possibly help all of the other 95%, and I don't believe that God wants or expects that from us. As for me, I'm just quietly prepping (I have told no one) and trusting in God to put in my path the people He actually wants me to help when the time comes. I'm sure that God knows I can't help everyone who comes beating at my door. I trust that when TEOTWAWKI comes He will give me the wisdom, discernment, and protection that I need.