Mr. Rawles:
Your "The Next Pandemic" article and he responses to it that you posted
really got me thinking. If it all hits the fan, how can I possibly
hand
out
charity
to refugees
without
them just taking it all, by force? Once a bunch of people are in your
house, or even in your front yard, they have the advantage. I really
want
to
be generous and charitable, since it is my duty as a Christian.
(I have more than 2 tons of wheat, rice. and other stuff stored,
for example.) But
I don't
want
to
get cleaned
out and
then
have nothing
for my own family. How do I solve this dilemma? Should I hide half
of my storage food somewhere in a "cache"? Should I just leave what
I earmark for charity in big white plastic buckets marked "Take
just one" by the
side
of
the
road a
couple of miles from my house? Thanks, Brother!
- L.T.Y.
in not-so-rural Minnesota
Dear Jim,
I found Bob in Georgia's letter re: The Next Pandemic both educational
and unsettling. It confirms, in many ways, fears I harbor about a
post-SHTF environment, and leaves a number of unanswered questions in my mind.
I have read and often thought your admonition to dispense charity,
but in the event can't honestly say what I would do. I believe we who "have" are
compelled morally and Biblically to voluntarily share with those less
fortunate than we, who "have not." I do not, however, believe
any government, anywhere has any right to force us to share through
coercion and state-mandated giveaways, which is wealth distribution
and communism.
That said, what should I do if/when TSHTF?
I wish I knew the answer. I am close to some neighbors and would feel
no compunctions about sharing
with them and helping them to the greatest extent possible. I wouldn't
think twice. Others remain largely unknown to me and are question marks.
Still others have impaired moral compasses (or none to speak of,) whom
I would avoid sharing with altogether, as I am convinced it would only
invite a violent attack (repeat visits by our local P.D. to their homes
give me that feeling). My family's safety trumps charity in my way
of thinking.
Bob in Georgia's letter speaks volumes for the declining moral fiber
of our lost society and its values (or the lack thereof), and should
serve
as a strong reminder to the Patriot to exercise great caution not only
in sharing, but in even discussing your preps. Keep up the good work,
Jim. Yours in Jesus Christ our Lord, - Scott in California
JWR Replies: In my novel "Patriots" I describe a couple of methods for dispensing charity "at arm's length." One of them is through a local church. The other would be reserved for absolute worst case situation, where you would literally keep refugees off at a distance, at gun point, while you dole out food as charity. That might not sound very Christian, but it might come down to that, in a situation where law and order has completely broken down.
