I guess I really have no understanding of those posts above that chastise people for preparing for the worst by saying nothing is going to happen because nothing has happened since 1960's.
So what if nothing happens - do they think that people who are preparing to be self-sufficient have suddenly lost something? Have they been wasting their time, learning skills, saving energy costs, re-evaluating what they choose to spend their money, time and brainpower on. While I don't think society is going to hit total anarchy in my lifetime, I do think there is real merit in coming to terms with how I live my life and the footprint I make.
Give me a break folks - part of this sub-forum is about survival. Maybe some of you think that survival is only a scenario where you might get lost in the woods, but don't chastise others for extending that definition!