Sometimes I forget I am retired from the military because I constantly apply the internal brain process asking "what would I do now" to things I see or read. How would I protect myself and my family in this crisis or that crisis? It was part of my job then and a way of life today. If you attended any of my classes you may remember I talked a lot about "mindset" and thinking "outside the box" in all that you do. It is so important to separate yourself from what is taking place to view it from the outside and determine what you really see.
So, I'm watching multiple screens covering the coup taking place in Caracas, Venezuela. So far the government and its defense forces killed 40 civilians. I'm paying close attention to the people in the streets throwing rocks and bottles while military vehicles fire water cannons, gas, and in one case running over the protestors. Now, keep in mind, if you are part of the 3% group I often speak about, you have already departed Venezuela in the past year as the countries government and infrastructure collapsed. A once wealthy nation is now on life support to survive. I won't go in to the elected leader or the self-appointed leader because that is another topic in itself. A part of me wonders how many people I know even know what is taking place in Venezuela and how close this is to America. Not an insult. Just a fact. People only pay attention to their local town, their checkbook, and immediate family. Then when the crap hits the fan they look to local, state and federal leadership to tell them what to do. This may work for some. It just doesn't work for me and all the other 3% percent who are prepared.
I think back to things witnessed in my past life while serving in third world countries, some of which per took in a coup to survive and others which didn't survive. Many of the Balkan States suffered much as we see in Venezuela and it was ugly then, and ugly now. The people, like you and me, are the ones who suffer the most.
Citizens of Venezuela are starving and struggling just to live. People are eating from trash cans and waste thrown to the street. The city water was turned off weeks ago and currently, there is no trash collection or sewage disposal. Folks are collecting raw water, without filtering it, from pipes and drainage spouts. The stores are empty and no resupplies are rolling in. Every indicator alarmed the people in the past 12 to 18 months to get out, but many chose to stay or couldn't leave. Now, many are having to choose sides between the reigning dictator or the newly elected President (???). One must decide if they are willing to die for their cause of saving their country. Or, fight out of fear to save their home and minimal property left.
There is nothing wrong with fighting for your country and what you believe to be right. But, common sense says when you have bottles and rocks and you are fighting against the nation's military, your odds are not good. Furthermore, no one knows at this point if the military is fragmented and part of the military is siding with the people and the other part is standing strong with the dictator.
If you run this scenario through your head and apply things taught in the "Bugging Out" section and have read the Hope For Survival - How Food, Water, Shelter, and Security Could Save Your Life - about threat levels and things to be watching for and when to push the button to get out, I hope you can now say I would do this or do that based on what you learned and can now apply. You should have conducted your Risk Analysis to the escape routes and situation. You should have your mobile plan and walking plan in place. Your Bug Out bags are packed and everyone knows the plan. You pre-tested your communication plan. You have completed A-Z. Now, my question is what is your self-defense measures since Venezuela dis-armed all citizens in 2012. Did you hide some protection in a cache someplace or are you defenseless?
I'm curious, what would you do? What say you?
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