Damned if You Do, Damned . . .

[FSBlueApocalypse]

The government through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, specifically advises citizens to collect stockpile and keep a "Kit" ready in case of emergencies.  The FEMA site recommends that we stock our disaster kits with such items as:

Food that does not require refrigeration and has a long shelf life (MRE's)
Emergency preparedness manual
Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Knife
Compass
Matcheas in a waterproof container
Waterproof storage containers
Maps
Cash and Coins

Identity theft is a major problem, many government web pages urge people to guard their personal information. One of the best ways to protect your identity is not to give it out and to use cash whenever possible.  When somebody shows an interest or requirement to have your identity and know your business, common sense dictates that you should not provide that information.



The FBI has distributed a flyer to retailers, some of the purchases/activities that the FBI has requested they be on the lookout in a recently purchased flyer:
Waterproof Match Containers
Meals Ready to Eat
Night Flashlights
Paying with cash
Wanting to protect personal identity

This FBI produced flyer titled, "Communities Against Terrorism" states:

    Preventing terrorism is a community effort. By learning what to look for, you can make a positive contribution in the fight against terrorism. The partnership between the community and law enforcement is essential to the success of anti-terrorism efforts.

    Some of the activities, taken individually, could be innocent and must be examined by law enforcement professionals in a larger context to determine whether there is a basis to investigate. The activities outlined on this handout are by no means all-inclusive but have been compiled from a review of terrorist events over several years.

Included in the flyers is a request by the FBI that among other actions retailers:
Require valid ID from all new customers.
Keep records or purchases.
Talk to customers, ask questions, and listen to and observe their responses.
br />So if we are good citizens and do as our government asks by protect our identities and take personal responsibility to take care of ourselves in the event of a disaster by storing reserve food supplies, water, self defense armaments, cash and tradable goods, etc. then we have become "persons of interest" and domestic terrorism suspects.

http://lpcitrus.blogspot.com/2011/08/damned-if-you-do-damned.html

[MrBogosity]

So, wait, you shouldn't give out personal information, but you should take as much as you can get?