Reader J.B.G. sent this: Panic Buying Adds to Shortages After Japan Quake. JWR’s Comment: I predict that next they’ll try to cast blame on folks that stocked up before the earthquake. (True “hoarding” is something that occurs after a the onset of a crisis.) Meanwhile, in Tokyo: Japan’s nuclear emergency prompts panic buying in Tokyo
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Don’t miss this essay by Victor Davis Hanson: The Fragility of Complex Societies. (Thanks to Z. for the link.)
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Six Lessons for Preppers from the Japanese Earthquake / Tsunami / Nuclear Meltdown Disaster
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Reader Jim V. wrote to mention that the now dominant school of thought is that Potassium Iodate (KIO3), Potassium Iodide (KI) or other thyroid blockers for radiological events are not recommend for anyone over 40. Oh, and for the No Great Surprise Department: Potassium Iodide Runs Low as Americans Seek It Out. This underlines one of our mantras: “Better a year early, than a day late.”
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Given the high standard of living in Japan, I predict that in the next few weeks we may see some unofficial and very quiet refugees coming to the United States, via commercial airliners. They will declare themselves “on a vacation”, but they will actually be here on a long term “radiation vacation.”