Letter Re: The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

Many people preparing for the inevitable SHTF situation overlook the simple day to day needs of the children. It is easy to forget, especially being pre-occupied with food, water, ammunition and the like. I remember when I was in the army in the late 1980s, we were on a project in Honduras. We would make frequent health and welfare flights into the mountain villages to provide medical assistance and rendering aide were possible. One thing that amazed me was the educational system in the third world. Basically, if the child did not have a pencil and note book, they could not attend school to learn. I remember contacting my dad back in the states, having him buy a couple of thousand pencils and note books and send them to me in country. I became a pretty popular guy with the natives after that. Now as I look around at all my preparations for keeping my family alive, I realize what I have neglected. My wife and I have two extremely beautiful and smart children, ages 2 and 4, not that I am biased. When thinking of their needs, I need to also consider the progressive development in a post-SHTF society. Because we will after all have to be the teacher not only the protector. Here is the list I have come up with, and it is by no means complete.

1. Crayons- lots of them

2. Coloring books

3. K-12 text books

4. Books- children’s-teen-and adult, science, history, science fiction, a good mix, considering the library will be your living space and you will be replacing the television

5. Pencils- lots of them

6. Lots of note pads and books

7. A couple of solar calculators

8. Pens (and see items 8 and 9 below, for when ballpoint pens are gone)

9. Bottles of India Ink

10. Quill pens (for the ink)

11. Chalk board and chalk

12. A couple of educational science kits

13. And depending on how long you think things might last, learn to make paper, ink etc.

All the above is relatively inexpensive, but a mandatory investment as far as I am concerned. Hope this helps someone in their preparations. Sincerely, – Craig B. in South Korea