A top financial advisor, worried that Obamacare, the NSA spying scandal and spiraling national debt is increasing the chances for a fiscal and social disaster, is recommending that Americans prepare a “bug-out bag” that includes food, a gun and ammo to help them stay alive.
David John Marotta, a Wall Street expert and financial advisor and Forbes contributor, in a article to investors titled "
Be prepared: Wall Street advisor recommends guns, ammo for protection in collapse" said that Firearms are the last item on the list, but they are on the list. There are some terrible people in this world. And you are safer when your trusted neighbors have firearms.”
His memo is part of a series addressing the potential for a “financial apocalypse.” His view, however, is that the problems plaguing the country won't result in armageddon. “There is the possibility of a precipitous decline, although a long and drawn out malaise is much more likely,” said the Charlottesville, Va.-based president of Marotta Wealth Management.
UrbanMan's comment: I think it is more likely for the economic collapse to come on gradually. In fact, I think it has already started. Marotta said that many clients fear an end-of-the-world scenario. He doesn’t agree with that outcome, but does with much of what has people worried.
“I, along with many other economists, agree with many of the concerns expressed in these dire warnings. The growing debt and deficit spending is a tax on those holding dollars. The devaluation in the U.S. dollar risks the dollar's status as the reserve currency of the world. Obamacare was the worst legislation in the past 75 years. Socialism is on the rise and the NSA really is abrogating vast portions of the Constitution. I don't disagree with their concerns,” he wrote.
In his latest note, he said that Americans should have a survival kit to take in case of a financial or natural disaster. It should be filled with items that will help them stay alive for the first 72-hours of a crisis, including firearms.
“A bug-out bag is a good idea depending on where you live even if the emergency is just power outages, earthquakes and hurricanes. And with your preparedness you will be equipped to help others who might be in need,” he wrote. “Be prepared. Especially because it keeps you from being scared.”
Marotta provides a list of items on his
website, with a desription of, and recommended Bug Out Bag items straight from Wikipedia.
The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included:
• Enough food and water to last for 72 hours. This includes: Water for washing, drinking and cooking. Canada recommends 2 litres per person per day for drinking plus an additional 2 litres per person per day for cleaning and hygiene. In addition to 6litres/6kg of water for personal hygiene for 3 days the Canadian government also recommends carrying a portable shower, nail clippers, hairbrush, cosmetics, shaving gear or beard trimmer (if electric then carry a portable generator and petrol), shampoo, deodorant, acne cream, incontinence pads, a dinner suit/gown (you never know what will happen on your adventure, it could be quite exciting, maybe a new romance).
Forget trying to walk, you'll need a car because your survival backpack will be too heavy to carry. Have a nice disaster. New Zealand recommends 3 litres per person per day for drinking. US recommends 1 gallon (3.78 litres) per person per day.
• Non-perishable food
• Water purification supplies
• Cooking supplies
• A first aid kit
• Fire starting tool (e.g., matches, ferrocerium rod, lighter, 9volt battery, etc.)
• A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes, etc.
• Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference
• Maps and travel information •Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies
• Weather appropriate clothing (e.g., poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
• Bedding items such as sleeping bags and blankets
• Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period
• Medical records
• Pet, child, and elderly care needs
• Battery or crank-operated radio
• Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks)
• Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation
• Positive identification, such as drivers license, state I.D. card, or social security card
• Birth certificate or passport
• Fixed-blade and folding knife
• Duct tape and rope or paracord
• Plastic tarps for shelter and water collection
• Wire for binding and animal traps
• Compass Some users include the following.
These items are appropriate and legal in some areas:
• Slingshot, pellet gun, blowgun or other small game hunting equipment
• Firearms and appropriate ammunition
UrbanMan's comment: Then just when you think this guy is providing some decent type of service to people who are pretty clueles about Survival and Preping, Marotta say's this: Just to be clear. Firearms are the last item on the list, but they are on the list. There are some terrible people in this world. And you are safer when your trusted neighbors have firearms . But in most disasters, including I suspect TEOTWAWKI, most people you meet will be civil.
UrbanMan's comment: Yep!! I'm banking on people being civil, listening to reason, not trying to take what I have,....and I rely on my neighbors to protect me and my family. NOT!! 
