This post originally appeared at The Blaze.
The world’s a scary place. Wars, famines, corrupt politicians, terrorism, imploding economies — the list goes on. There are plenty of issues worth fearing, which is why a subset of the nation is preparing for what they see as impending calamity.
These individuals, dubbed “preppers,” are stocking up on food, guns, water and other items that they may need should the economy erupt or a massive natural disaster strike. With so many possibilities for problematic occurrences, these individuals want to ensure that they can live beyond any tragically defining moments.
There was a documentary on the History channel about the Mormons in the US. According to their belief system, a Mormon should always be ready for apocalyptic situation and be prepared to survive it to rebuild the new world. They are also stockpiling on basic survival supplies like food, water, clothing, etc.
While I do not believe there is reason for panic, however loss of electricity or availability of Gas at the pump – can become scarce after natural disaster or major political turmoil. Maybe, it is time to learn from the Amish folks in Lancaster county on how to be self sufficient without using modern amenities. We have become too dependent on convenience. To buy $3.00 worth of cucumber in the middle of winter, transported 1400 miles from the south, we drive to the store burning $4.00 of gas.
A question to Falak Rahman. Do you draw some similarities as same move is going on at least in few countries of Europe. Each Ahmadiyya family is piling up stock of essential commodiities sufficient at least for 3 months. Of course no Guns. Spiritual head of Community is quoted to have directed the community members to do so.
Please note that spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Community has not ‘directed’ to do any such thing. Instead he has advised in one of his Friday sermons (I think in October 2011), that in the wake of ever increasing global financial and political crises, people in the Western countries who solely rely on grocery and other stores for they routinely needs, and don’t stock these items like some poorer countries of the East, should try to keep at least few days worth of food and other necessary supplies at home. And after than he ‘specifically’ said that there is no need to panic.
Here in Canada the government issue such notices almost every year when there is a possibility of extreme weather conditions in some areas. I am sure in the US and other countries too such warnings, and a list of stock items is issued when required. It doesn’t mean that one should start linking such warnings to wars or other large scale disasters.