I don't understand why this is so weird. History is filled with chapters of societal wanton and rampant violence. It could be a class struggle like the French Revolution, deep seated ethno/racial enmity like the Rwandan Genocide, or some psychopathic asshole gains power, blames a helpless and pitiful group of so-called 'depraved deviants' for the entirety of his nation-state's problems, curses at the president of the US, and decides to deputize the entire nation as modern day Judge Dredd's with full authority as judge, jury, and executioner.
Yes, even in the 21st century, (although this is in the Philippines, this shows what humans are capable of given certain conditions), you can kill someone if they are suspected of using drugs and Duerte will give you a medal. The astute among you can see that you can kill any person, sprinkle some crack on them, and not only will there be absolutely no investigation, you will be regarded as a patriot and a hero. It seems that if you kill a poor person, absolutely no one cares.
This is one of the first major purchases I would make and I do have a rather large emergency kit should disaster strike. Like me, they're in California along a known fault line way overdue for a major earthquake. Unlike these "smart" execs, I'd hone my survival skills. I'm not overly concerned about a 21st century peasant revolt, but we live in an area where it's not a matter of if, but when a major disaster will strike. If people are without electricity and running water for an extended period of time and/or there is a breakdown in security (police, national guard, etc.), it gets ugly quick. For example, in Los Angeles, there was a mentally ill person who threatened to jump off of an overpass on the 405 (possibly the world's busiest freeway). His antics caused such a slowdown in traffic, the freeway became a literal parking lot for a few hours. Because a man inconvenienced their time, people began to goad him into killing himself saying things like "What are you waiting for you fucking pussy, get it over with!!!" This wasn't one person, a significant part of the traffic jam was saying this or wishing it.
When you are malnourished and/or dehydrated, you lose compassion and reason, gain paranoia, and become more focused on your own survival. For people with such resources this is like paying a few pennies for apocalypse insurance.
Yes, even in the 21st century, (although this is in the Philippines, this shows what humans are capable of given certain conditions), you can kill someone if they are suspected of using drugs and Duerte will give you a medal. The astute among you can see that you can kill any person, sprinkle some crack on them, and not only will there be absolutely no investigation, you will be regarded as a patriot and a hero. It seems that if you kill a poor person, absolutely no one cares.
This is one of the first major purchases I would make and I do have a rather large emergency kit should disaster strike. Like me, they're in California along a known fault line way overdue for a major earthquake. Unlike these "smart" execs, I'd hone my survival skills. I'm not overly concerned about a 21st century peasant revolt, but we live in an area where it's not a matter of if, but when a major disaster will strike. If people are without electricity and running water for an extended period of time and/or there is a breakdown in security (police, national guard, etc.), it gets ugly quick. For example, in Los Angeles, there was a mentally ill person who threatened to jump off of an overpass on the 405 (possibly the world's busiest freeway). His antics caused such a slowdown in traffic, the freeway became a literal parking lot for a few hours. Because a man inconvenienced their time, people began to goad him into killing himself saying things like "What are you waiting for you fucking pussy, get it over with!!!" This wasn't one person, a significant part of the traffic jam was saying this or wishing it.
When you are malnourished and/or dehydrated, you lose compassion and reason, gain paranoia, and become more focused on your own survival. For people with such resources this is like paying a few pennies for apocalypse insurance.