Assuming I'm already on a watch list, I've compiled my shopping checklist for my next surplus store stop:
Nightvision
Gas mask
2 lbs. of freeze dried beans
paratrooper harness
150' of rope
200 count of camo condoms
duct tape
old USSR flight helmet
and 3 "zombie hunter" patches.
2 tubes of all purpose lubricant
sounds like a good shopping list to me! I'd add a couple of MagPul 30-round magazines and some plastic tubing w/o-rings. Oh, and a couple of ammo cans.
On a more serious note of this subject, I would have to add that if we are to believe the FBI really wants surplus stores to spy on their customers, then the FBI has made the very same mistake hundreds of thousands of regular consumers have with their "want it now"/"fast food" mindset. The idea that you can go out and 'buy' everything you need to be a big threat. Think of it this way:
Is a consumer who purchases night vision, gas masks, even bullet proof vests a 'threat'? I say NO. They could be more of a challenge, should they decide to oppose the powers that be, but they are not a threat.
What about the consumer that purchases MREs, bulk ammo, fire arms? Again I say NO. And this time only due to the fact of consumer limitation of said purchases. Its not like he/she can go out and directly purchase weapons of mass destruction. Chances are the consumer is simply preparing themselves for plausible future events. Thus again, making them difficult to subdue, but not impossible.
And now the flip side to that coin... Said consumer purchases, or otherwise has possession of all above. Consumer has a very heavy automotive, mechanical and steel fabrication background. Consumer regularly participates in seasonal hunting and the purchase of ammo and items related to, thus never really raising any flags of concern during purchasing. Consumer has a very in depth knowledge of "things that go boom" and combined with the mechanical knowledge and parts availibility, could potentially create some very unsavory devices to thwart any would be adversary no matter how technologically equipped. For the sake of argument, said consumer might possibly have the knowledge and ability to create anti-aircraft capable implements.
I ask you now...... is said consumer now a threat?
Again, I would say NO. "Intention" and "preparedness" are not always one in the same. And many would agree that to be overly prepared, is better than under. "To have, and not need", mentality.
I agree completly, Badger. And BTW, I find it pretty amusing that the government's FEMA website recommends many of the things the FBI is looking for in "preppers": waterproof matches, flashlights, cash, food. Of course they don't list gas masks or firearms or ammo - can't have that now, can we?
