A story from one of Kim Du Toit's readers (from Seattle no less):
No Helping Hand
I thought I'd share with you an email exchange I had recently with Reader Jim K. from the Seattle area:
Years ago, I was a FFL firearms dealer. I was Clintoned out of my license (that's another story), but I still have leftover inventory including an unopened crate of semi-auto AK-47s.
Recently, four young families moved up here to Washington state after making small fortunes in the California real estate boom. These people are all friends of a friend so I run into them frequently. They are all liberal, but not of the raving moonbat type. None of them are anti-gun, but neither are they much interested in fireams.
Last summer I mentioned to several of these Silicon Valley escapees that I had a crate of AKs (I love doing this - the reactions are usually interesting). One guy responded with something like "when things get bad, we're coming to your house." He said this as a joke so I did not think much of it.
Partially due to recent events (Katrina, the Indian ocean tidal wave) and following your and Instapundit's suggestions, I have created an emergency "abandon house" kit and also stored several months worth of unperishable food. I have also urged my friends and family to do the same. Most have, to some degree.
Recently I was at a party with these four families present. I was encouraging them to make their own emergency kits and store food. Also, I described my efforts in this area. Once again someone made the "when things get bad we're coming to your house" statement. This time it was not a joke.
And a bit more from Jim K.
On Christmas Eve I went to a party where the four liberal families I previously discussed were present, and followed your advice. After bringing up the emergency kit issue again, lots of people complained and teased me (in a good natured way) but as expected, the "we'll just come to your house" meme reared its ugly head. I stated, as you suggested, that I would *NOT* help them in an emergency unless they first took measures to help themselves. This did not go over well. Much argument followed. The net result:
1) I am no longer welcome at any of the four homes (no great loss).
2) I am now morally equivalent to Hitler and George Bush.
3) One woman called me a potential child molester (I'm not sure of the logic, but it had something to do with not helping her starving kiddies when the world goes whacky).
4) Republicans are evil, therefore, I am evil (being a Libertarian, this seemed a bit unfair, but the finer points of political philosophy were lost in the debate).
5) Another woman (a hardcore feminist) screamed "I'll call the police!! Hoarding in an emergency is just wrong. You won't get away with it."
6) The case of home brew ale I brought to the party was consumed (even some liberals have good taste in beer).
7) It was the females who did most of the ranting about my vile character and lack of moral fiber. They also had the worst potty mouths.
8) As I was leaving (actually, 'kicked out' ) one of the guys said, with complete sincerity: "If things get bad, I really hope you'll help us out." I said nothing, just shook my head and left.
We are soooo glad to not be living in Seattle. At one point in my life, I was considering moving to San Francisco (just when the whole computer thing was starting) and I am very glad that I did not.
Some of the culture is nice, there are a few restaurants that I really miss but all in all, Bellingham is an awesome city and our farm is where our hearts are. You will get my blacksmithing hammer when you pry it from my cold dead fingers...
