Okay, now we're really getting into the meat of the issue.

Jim- those are excellent points. We have a good neighborhood for the most part, but I really don't know the people (especially the HAM radio folks) well enough to discuss their mindset. There's only one Obamaphile on the main street (well, that I can tell- he has an Obama bumper sticker on his pet Smart Car) but I guess I don't really know. You pointed out the elephant in the room- roving mobs. The idea of roving mobs marauding down the street makes my blood run cold. We've got elderly folks in the neighborhood that need to be cared for. Younger people with little kids...how the hell do you start a conversation about SHTF scenarios?

Frankly, I have no idea how to even broach the subject of guns, prepping, emergencies and so on. Crap, I'm even more out of my depth than I thought. :/