The mythologization of the Lone Ranger is just that: a myth. And yet, it persists in movies and novels because it’s something many people aspire to be—a rugged, self-reliant individual who overcomes the worst adversities with his or her talent stack of survival skills and vast knowledge of nearly everything.
In reality, the Lone Ranger is more likely to end up alone, injured, and dead, with no nearby friends or tribesmen. The fact is, we all need a support system, and back in the day, that system would’ve been our clan, tribe, or extended family. In modern communities, as most families are spread across a country if not a continent, it’s difficult to find a new “tribe” in which you not only fit in but your values and worldview are shared as well.
The truth is that when a crisis hits, the first thing on your mind is, “Who can help me?”—and the answer isn’t your stash of freeze-dried food or a garage filled with survival supplies.
People are paranoid about this, but in a crisis, everyone will need others. The question now, ahead of time, is: Do you want to hope that random strangers will come to your rescue, or do you want it to be people you know and trust?
Building a community of trusted and like-minded people doesn’t happen by chance or overnight. It’s something that requires focus and purposeful action. It’s difficult, and you’ll likely end up with only a small number of people in your closest inner circle. But eventually, this might be your most important survival prep.
Begin With Who You Know
They could be family members, coworkers, or casual acquaintances you seem to “click” with. Chances are that right now you know at least one or two other people who fit this description. Keep a list of anyone who embodies some or all of these characteristics:
- Reliable
- Similar interests
- Compatible political and religious beliefs
- Gets along with your spouse and family members
- Has a variety of practical skills
- Interested in learning new things
- A history that demonstrates trustworthiness
This isn’t a comprehensive list, of course, but will give you a starting point as you move toward purposefully creating that support group.
Rediscover the Lost Art of Hospitality
It’s a lost art in a lot of circles, but simple hospitality goes a long way in forming close friendships. And hospitality isn’t confined to your home or apartment; inviting someone to have a cup of coffee is an easy way to open the door to a possible friendship. For families, meet up at a pizza or burger joint where the kids can play while parents chat and get to know each other.
You’ll soon know if this person or family will become part of your circle of close friends or remain as friendly acquaintances. Those acquaintances could become a lifeline in a major crisis, so it’s as important to build and maintain a growing circle of these as well as establishing an inner circle.
Often, and especially in an emergency, the most helpful response is “I know a guy,” and having a large circle of acquaintances increases the odds that you’ll “know a guy” who’s the right person with a solution. Even better, there will be situations in which you’ll be “the guy” who’s ready and able to help with your own set of skills and knowledge base.
The Rule of Reciprocation
The Rule of Reciprocation, as defined by Psychology Today, is: “The universal tendency in human beings to feel compelled to repay or reciprocate when given a gift whether it has come in the form of a material object, a kind deed, or an act of generosity.”
You undoubtedly remember a time when someone was especially kind or generous to you or a family member, and they did it with no expectation of being repaid in kind. Yet you might’ve responded with something in kind, such as returning the favor or offering a helping hand.
When quid pro quo is the expectation, the Rule of Reciprocity can become a tool for manipulation. There, it creates the opposite of the environment that you’re hoping to establish: a small community built on mutual respect and trust.
Instead, apply this rule in your daily life. It need not cost anything, and it opens the door to new or deeper friendships, which might lead to finding someone else to add to your inner circle.
Apply Survival Mom’s Platinum Rule
If your goal is to create a group of like-minded people who are focused on prepping for survival in a worst-case scenario, trustworthiness is key.
You’ve invited someone for a cup of coffee, and you really hit it off. Your personalities click, family members get along with each other, they have a valuable bank of skills, and it seems that you’ve finally found your “tribe.”
This is when you must apply Survival Mom’s platinum rule: Would you trust this person alone with your children or grandchildren?
If not, why would you trust him or her in a time of peril, when emotions are high and life-or-death decisions must be made?
Somewhere in your gut, you probably already know the answer to this question. And when you’re forming your inner circle, there can be no question about the answer.
Combine an Inner Circle With a Web of Acquaintances
Children make friends instantly and without question, but as adults, we know the wisdom of being slow to trust. Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist and friendship researcher, says that most people have just five very close friends and only two in their innermost circle.
Don’t be surprised if, after extending hospitality, applying the Rule of Reciprocity, and devoting hours and many cups of coffee to the search, you find only two or three truly compatible families that you know with certainty you can count on when the final chips are down.
You still have all those friendly acquaintances you’ve come to know better, and they’re still part of your web of friendships.
Unlike the Lone Ranger, your new tribe is there for each other when or if the worst happens. Until then, enjoy a full social calendar—and lots of coffee!
Article cross-posted from our premium news partners at The Epoch Times.
Most “Conservative” News Outlets Are on the Big Tech Teat
Not long ago, conservative media was not beholden to anyone. Today, most sites are stuck on the Big Tech gravy train.
I’ll keep this short. The rise of Pandemic Panic Theater, massive voter fraud, and other “taboo” topics have neutered a majority of conservative news sites. You’ll notice they are very careful about what topics they tackle. Sure, they’ll attack Critical Race Theory, Antifa, and the Biden-Harris regime, but you won’t see them going after George Soros, Bill Gates, the World Economic Forum, or the Deep State, among others.
The reason is simple. They are beholden to Big Tech, and Big Tech doesn’t allow certain topics to be discussed or they’ll cut you off. Far too many conservative news outlets rely on Google, Facebook, and Twitter for the bulk of their traffic. They depend on big checks from Google ads to keep the sites running. I don’t necessarily hold it against them. We all do what we need to do to survive. I just wish more would do like we have, which is to cut out Big Tech altogether.
We don’t get Google checks. We don’t have Facebook or Twitter buttons on our stories. We don’t have a YouTube Channel (banned), an Instagram profile (never made one), or a TikTok (no thanks, CCP). We’re not perfect, but we’re doing everything we can to not owe anything to anyone… other than our readers. We owe YOU the truth. We owe YOU the facts that others won’t reveal about topics that others won’t tackle. And we owe America, this great land that allows us to take hold of these opportunities.
Like I said, I don’t hold other conservative sites under too much scrutiny over their choices. It’s easy for people to point fingers when we’re not the ones paying their bills or supporting their families. I just wish there were more who would make the bold move. Today, only a handful of other major conservative news outlets have broken free from the Big Tech teat. Of course, we need help.
The best way you can help us grow and continue to bring proper news and opinions to the people is by donating. We appreciate everything, whether a dollar or $10,000. Anything brings us closer to a point of stability when we can hire writers, editors, and support staff to make the America First message louder. Our Giving Fuel page makes it easy to donate one-time or monthly. Alternatively, you can donate through PayPal or Bitcoin as well. Bitcoin: 3A1ELVhGgrwrypwTJhPwnaTVGmuqyQrMB8
Our network is currently comprised of six sites:
- NOQ Report
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- Freedom First Network
- Based Underground
- Uncanceled News
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We are also building partnerships with great conservative sites like The Liberty Daily and The Epoch Times to advance the message as loudly as possible, and we’re always looking for others with which to partner.
Some of our content is spread across multiple sites. Other pieces of content are unique. We write most of what we post but we also draw from those willing to allow us to share their quality articles, videos, and podcasts. We collect the best content from fellow conservative sites that give us permission to republish them. We’re not ego-driven; I’d much rather post a properly attributed story written by experts like Dr. Joseph Mercola or Natural News than rewrite it like so many outlets like to do. We’re not here to take credit. We’re here to spread the truth.
While donations are the best way to help, you can also support us by buying through our sponsors:
- MyPillow: Use promo code “NOQ” to get up to 66% off AND you’ll be helping a patriotic, America First company.
- ZStack: Improve your immune system with the Z-Stack protocol or rejuvenate your body from vaccines or shedding with Z-DTox by Dr. Vladimir Zelenko.
- OurGoldGuy: Tell them JD sent you in your request to buy gold and it will help us… AND (wait for it) you’ll be helping a patriotic, America First company.
- MyPatriotSupply: Stock up on long-term food, survival gear, and other things that you’ll need just in case things don’t recover and we keep heading towards apocalypse.
We know we could make a lot more money if we sold out like so many “conservative” publications out there. You won’t find Google ads on our site for a reason. Yes, they’re lucrative, but I don’t like getting paid by minions of Satan (I don’t like Google very much if you couldn’t tell).
Time is short. As the world spirals towards The Great Reset, the need for truthful journalism has never been greater. But in these times, we need as many conservative media voices as possible. Please help keep NOQ Report and the other sites in the network going. Our promise is this: We will never sell out America. If that means we’re going to struggle for a while or even indefinitely, so be it. Integrity first. Truth first. America first.
Thank you and God Bless,
JD Rucker
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