Self-reliance in the city
Before I get into the meat of my letter, I just wanted to say that I got the July/Aug ’09 issue today. When I was going through it, I saw a picture of Mr. Ayoob and the target he shot with his 9mm.
He’s a pro, an expert, a first-rate marksman but I still have to say- WELL DONE!
I own a Glock and I’d love to practice with it more except that ammo prices [which was VERY well covered in the current issue!] are really damned expensive. Especially when one’s been unemployed for months like me. The funds simply are too tight to expend on fun at the shooting range.
Anyway, the meat of my letter:
This may have been already covered [or may not have been] but I’d like to ask anyway.
I’m a person who lives in a relatively small, two-bedroom apartment and I’m wondering if there’s anything out there to say to folks like me who live in apartments or condos [usually in urban- UGH!- areas] about self-sufficiency. It almost sounds like an oxymoron as the ideal ‘self sufficient’ life is out in the country, on your own land, and living off of whatever gets produced on it.
Some of us just aren’t that lucky, but we try [and usually hear snickers in the background]. At least, I do.
I have my own small pantry of emergency food supplies, a Red Cross radio, medical supplies, and my own protection. It still makes me wonder if there are any tweaks that folks like me should consider given the space we’re living in. I know its a dicey thing to stock-up when you’re paying the rent to somebody else [who has the power to throw you out with your stuff, if they want to] but that’s why I’m asking.
Thanks so much for your excellent stuff every month. By the way, Backwoods Home is the only magazine subscription I intend to always renew on. I’ve let go of all the rest. Even the Unemployed have their priorities, you know!
Cheers!
R.M. Burchardt
Denver, CO
There are different degrees of self-reliance. You can be as self-reliant as Jackie Clay, growing and canning nearly everything and building all your structures, or you can live in the city and be as self-reliant as you can be, especially in terms of being prepared with an adequate pantry, a few guns and ammo, and knowledge of how to take care of yourself in various circumstances, including if the political climate in America changes for the worse.
Self-reliance is not a religion where you have to adhere to certain rules; you do what you can given your own circumstances. The ideal IS to own your own piece of land so you can control it the way you want, grow some of your food, raise some chickens, etc.. If you can practice the principles of self-reliance regarding preparedness and arming yourself with knowledge, and adapt those principles to your own situation, even if it’s in a city apartment for the time being, I think you’re doing fine. But always plan to move forward to an even more self-reliant lviing.
Dave Duffy
Publisher, BHM
