Dear Mr. Rawles,
I wanted to thank you for what you are doing and your work. I think that the reality is that you are saving a lot of people’s lives in addition to helping people to continue to be “in” the world but less and less “of” the world. I have been able, in turn, to pass along to other people a lot of things that I have learned from you and your readers, and I hope help them to focus and remain calm in their preparations. (I have also pointed them all to your web site).
Now three things that I have done/learned that I would pass along to your readers:
1) I did get some guns and ammunition recently following the information I learned from your web site and novel. Then I found a man that would teach me basic marksmanship – again as your advice suggested, learn the tools you could be relying on. After just one day of proper training I was shooting better than 90% of the yahoos at the range that had far better gear than I have. It cost me a little money But I am better equipped, more confident, and have a foundation to build upon – add each day I am at the range I am better and better. So I would tell your readers that if they just “think” they know what they are doing, then spend a little money and really learn what you are doing.
2) I bought and read “Patriots“. It was a good read, but sobering. At the same time, it helped me frame better the “problem” I am trying to solve. And while I hope it never gets that bad, it sure allowed me to get some perspective and begin to work things out in a way that fits my scenario. My advice would be for others to get your book and read it.
3) I purchased the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course. When I first started this process a few months ago, I was very overwhelmed. I noticed your course and its price and I thought – “Too much.” However, after reading the blog for a month or so and after reading your your book, I felt you could be trusted and that your course was not “hokey.” I have been very, very pleased. It is practical, well organized, and adaptable. There is a saying “How do you eat an elephant? – One bite at a time.” And your course helped me to get things aligned so that I could eat things “One bite at a time.”
I have been working on a one year preparedness program since the week after Christmas. I am probably 75% of the way toward where I want to be. The remaining 25% is probably one-half just finishing purchasing and storing some things and one-half understanding if my retreat location can handle some of my “plans” and if not, [then determining] what is Plan B.
My family and I would not be nearly so far along without your help. I wish we had started this process long, long ago, but c’est la vie. We are on our way now!
May God bless you and your family, Kind Regards, – Jay