We live in a rapidly changing and dangerous world.  Up until a few years ago the U.S. enjoyed a lifestyle that was disrespectful of the environment, other people in the world, and wasteful of natural resources.  The idea that you could live on credit is coming to an end.

Other countries are "coming of age" and wishing to enjoy the things we've enjoyed for so long.  This will place massive strain on the world's resources as well as our relations with both our neighbors and others.  Much of the world doesn't like us  .....you wonder why?

I believe we need to prepare ourselves.  We recognize, when times get tough people get desperate plus the lunatics  expand as we've seen.  In short, we need to take our own initiative to protect ourselves, family and friends both near and far.  We must prepare ourselves for further civil unrest and lawlessness that will come.  Our government and police forces have been failing, our laws are not enforced, ineffective and there's not much that can be done about it without making a war zone.  We must play a more direct role in our own survival and welfare.

Arming yourself and family is an obvious first step but by no means the only one.  My Russian made AK-47 (Automatic Kalashnikov Rifle, 1947 design) has an important role in intermediate defense up to 30 yards.  Its the most successful assault rifle ever made. This one is chambered for 12 gauge,  and can hold 30+ round magazines (5 round shown).  It's a modern day "street sweeper" which normally operates in semi-auto mode but full auto is possible if you're crazy enough.  Its only part of our arsenal; others being smaller and deadly at close range plus you're allowed concealed carry with permits to be legal if that concerns you?  Don't limit yourself to firearms.  Items can be classed as "deadly force" and "non-deadly force" A Tazer is usually not deadly with low current but when beefed up to pass >20 milliamps through the heart, its effects are often permanent!  Think of beefed up electric fences for a more permanent defense.  Remember these would not be legal in a normal world but you should know how to implement them and have the materials on hand if times get tough w/o killing yourself or good guys.

Since you're not going to be able to watch over your property at all times, you need to develop remote sensing devices like trip alarms, microwave, IR and ultrasonic doppler sensors, cameras and units that can be "remoted" easily.  They can deliver their signal in a number of ways including the electromagnetic spectrum to provide a silent alarm and put you back in control of the situation.  We live in a world where nearly everything can be monitored and triggered by low cost systems and are easy to construct if you develop the skill by practicing with non-lethal versions.

A popular monitoring solution are "trail cameras".  Good ones can be found for under $100, on sale, that will record intruders in both daylight along with  infrared flash and store the image on SD cards for download.  Their problem is sensing is not real time but you can be alerted to trespassers and ID them or animals prowling around. Again , you take control with knowledge.

If conditions get serious enough, a battery of "energetic materials" will be needed.  Example: TATP and HTMD along with less risky substances that are commonly available.  Its important to know how to manufacture them, trade offs, safe handling and construct the complete package including anti-tamper, fail safe and remote triggering.  Practice this on a safe small scale but remember legal limits.  You must manage wisely. The more knowledge, ie "how to's" you gain and care you use, the longer your chance of survival.  Thermite, can burn through most anything including steel plate.  Its made out of commonly available materials, its not hygroscopic but  tricky to get started, particularly by remote control.  Its not illegal to own but others often are, so your on your own.  If you're motivated, you'll succeed by researching and practicing.

We're approaching a major shift of lifestyle in the U.S. where scarcity of food and energy by rising prices will change things, maybe forever.  Its obviously very important to be able to provide food, water and shelter, first.  Wealth may not be measured in currency but how well you manage your survival and property with a few extras including energy sources.   Once you have them, they need to be protected as others will want to take them away.   Someone is less likely to try to take them if your resistance is skilled and deadly over what the next neighbor offers.  Be smart, plan, practice and be prepared and hope that it never gets to that point.

On a positive note, this could be the best thing that happens to us since it will energize our scientific minds to find solutions that don't destroy our environment as we've been doing.

My dog, "Apollo" (93 lbs) is great at "flushing" intruders but he's afraid of our Siamese Cat (4 lbs).  A lesson in cat physiology.