We worry for our country during the next big disaster, whatever the cause. People who rely on their neighborhood grocery to fill needs at a moment's notice will freak when stores are empty. They'll realize they should have prepared long ago.

P Is for Panic

Did you see how a bad snowstorm initiates panic buying? It's the same tired lesson in every disaster; people still are 'last minute Charlies'. This same scenario witnessed in Kansas, Missouri and the UK must have repeated over and over in our countries during the last two weeks.

People in Venezuela picked shelves clean of food and durable goods in the last two days after Chavez sliced their currency in half. Chavez called in the National Guard to monitor grocery stores; they are ready for riots. Wouldn't that look bizarre seeing armed soldiers when you buy a gallon of milk?

For those relying primarily on precious metal stashes, gold and silver reserves won't solve the problem. Those who have understanding know that cash will not be king much longer – that metals are better than dollars. However, when things really hit the fan, people will hold onto their food reserves and other tangible necessities, and precious metals won't buy anything.

Turning Points

Gold looks great in your Rolex and it fills tooth cavities, but you can't eat metal. As it says in scripture, your gold and silver will be as 'rust' (James 5:3). Bullion is a good hedge against inflation and a cratering market, but it won't keep your stomach full, it won't keep you warm and it's no substitute for medical supplies. The actual goods you have stored is what will help you through tough times.

Even as a kid I always wanted to know how things worked, to learn how to do stuff, to be independent and not put my fate in the hands of others. It was better not to bug someone else to stop whatever task they were doing and lend a hand. These feelings have only multiplied over the years. Ignorance breeds vulnerability.

Watergate was the turning point when I realized you can't trust politicians. Looking back at that whole debacle, it seems tame compared to what we witness on The Hill today. Integrity is gone. Politicians are self-serving, not serving their constituents. When skewered for explanations, adamant denial is the response. No one is ever guilty and if they're caught in the act without recourse, off they go to rehab. They are addicted to dope, booze, sex, porn and most of all, power. Lies are all we hear. If we are told long enough that a purple vase is green, we start to wonder if we need glasses.

For fact, we are running on borrowed time. Government today is not what our founders envisioned. Selling out our grain reserves after a lousy, no, ''worst-on-record harvest' for many farmers is unforgivable. It gambles our future in a rigged game.

P Is for Planting

As we look around and see many Americans so ill-prepared, so oblivious to what's going on in our beautiful Nation, our hearts sink. They won't be ready to fend for themselves. Many will feel defeated from the get-go and won't even try. Find your backbone and get busy! It is not too late, not yet.

Over the last several years, Stan and I have talked casually with neighbors about preparing, planted the seed. We've given them copies of Dare To Prepare so they, too, can be ready. It's a tiny investment for peace of mind. In the long run you'll have helped yourself in addition to your friends, because they won't be banging on your door for food and medicine.