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John R
John R
12 years ago

Jack,
I was literally standing up and applauding after your response to the person from Florida regarding All of us here in the New York/ New Jersey area.
THANK YOU!
P.S. Congrats and best of luck with the new homestead.
John R
Long Island, NY

Mike
Mike
12 years ago
Reply to  John R

I was thinking the opposite. I don’t have any sympathy for those who did not evac if they were told to. I don’t think the guy was saying he would not help if they needed it and neither am I. Jack is over-reacting more than just a bit. What is the difference between Jack saying he would not help the guy vs the guy saying he had no sympathy? None.
We don’t have to like everything someone says or the way they say it. But along the lines of helping or even caring about others, a rant is not the answer.

Mike
Mike
12 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Just in case Jack wants to try and ream me too, let me make a final point. There are different levels of sympathy and that may be the missing link that is not communicated very well. Jack may be expecting people to convey these things more clearly than they thought they needed to in such a short time frame. After all, it is Jacks show. Vent away.

DudeInPhoenix
DudeInPhoenix
12 years ago

When that season arrives, the grasshopper finds itself dying of hunger and begs the ant for food. To its reply when asked that it had sung all summer, it is rebuked for its idleness and advised to dance during the winter.

Mike
Mike
12 years ago

Ouch :^) Good way to get people to look at what they say out loud. I understand your passion and really do appreciate you holding such a strong opinion that allows each of us to compare ours to that very easily. Your show is doing what you planned. Make people think. BTW, been called worse and slapped in the head. I don’t mind as long as the intent is good.

On another topic. I liked the response on the foreclosed homes and why the banks hold onto them. It makes more sense to me now, why my sisters short sale was such a nightmare.

SwitchThrottle
SwitchThrottle
12 years ago

On your workshop, and the limits that you need to place on participation. Can/would you consider hiring someone to video document the entire 10 day process and make that available to those who can’t attend for whatever reason?

I imagine that the number of people wanting to see the process and hear the explanations will be overwhelming.

Nate (flippydidit)
12 years ago

Jack,

Are you going to be hosting workshops on your own? We have many questions and would like instruction on the permaculture plans for our own property, but we don’t think that the workshop with Mr. Lawton is the right venue for this. We’d like to attend one with you that wasn’t detracting from the time sensitive nature of having Mr. Lawton fly all the way in from Australia. Thank you!

Rex
Rex
12 years ago

Jack,
I was speaking with someone within BOA and was told that the FED currently was only buying new MBS, not existing ones. Not sure how true this is or if it is across the board at other banks, or if it would change in the future. So if the FED is avoiding the more toxic assets, then maybe QE3 doesn’t have much teeth with regard to monetary policy. It could have been more of a pre-election ploy to boost the market and prop up housing. And it could explain why Uncle Ben is now complaining about the tight lending standards. Is there any evidence that the FED is buying older, existing MBS?

Roberto
Roberto
12 years ago

Business tax in the end is passed on to the consumer.

So the banks got the people to put up the materials and the labor to build the houses. They created the funny money to finance. They foreclose on the property which means they now have a tangible asset for nothing. Property can be sold, rented, exchanged, or leveraged. Great business model.

jim
jim
12 years ago

Of course no one wants to see another human being suffer, but I can see the point the guy in Florida was trying to make. Most of these people affected by the storm in New York/New Jersey are big Government Obama loving socialist/communists. Many were dumpster diving after just a couple of days, and others were fighting and killing each other over gasoline. Then there is complaining that the government is not spending my tax money fast enough to help them. The caller in Florida, and I am frustrated by the lack of personal responsibilty people seem to take for their own lives and property. I would be happy to help those that lost everything, but for those too stupid to have a little extra food, water, and things put away for an emergency, whose homes are still in tact, I have very little pity.

Rex
Rex
12 years ago

I guess I’ll pipe in and give my 2 cents. I lived through Hurricane Ike and realized how “stupid” I was. Totally unprepared, and I’m educated and have the means to avoid being caught with my britches down, so I can identify with people that have just lived through that experience. I was fortunate to have family and neighbors that could look after my kids, lent me gas and helped me during that crisis. And I can testify that my noodle was my best asset. The elderly, poor, and homeless are totally helpless in this situation. They have no means to prepare for this, so do you have sympathy for them? We as preppers need to be prepared to assist others no matter what. Yes, way too many rely on the government for hand outs, but in a crisis…screw the government! Make people understand that the government will NOT be there for you, but WE (your neighbors) will!

mitko
mitko
12 years ago

I am fluent in Russian and learning Brazilian Portuguese already.
The reason is simple and have nothing to do with prepping. I am an avid soccer fan and plan to visit next two World cups, if I have that chance. 🙂
Good point about op-sec, Jack, never thought of it. There is one problem though – most of the Eastern Europeans can understand Russian, even if they cannot speak it. The same goes in smaller scale for some middle eastern former Soviet states – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. So just in case the group can learn two languages to use in certain situations – maybe even make their own 🙂

Jose Garcia
12 years ago

Jack,

Not sure what was more vile caller 2 or your response to the caller. Hate to say it, but after listening to every one of your shows I’ve begun losing interest in your podcast. The content is great but your delivery is sometimes unacceptable to me.

Still, thanks for 1000 plus great shows.

Jose Garcia
12 years ago

I’ve listened to your show since episode 3. Don’t assume things that are not, and I’m not shocked in any way by your response. And if I may, a good leader, as you have called yourself, takes criticism well, at least the ones I’ve worked with do.

You don’t owe me anything for spending 1000 hours listening to what you have said. On the contrary, I thank you for you have been a great mentor in many areas. As a matter of fact in 2010 I bought some silver motivated by your shows and immediately set aside 2 oz for you. You now have 4 in my safe, one for each year you’ve been on the air. I will send them to you one day when I go to the bank.

You have something real good going. Don’t let emotion get the best of you. I bet you lost caller 2 when you could have very easily guided him in the right direction, and made something positive out of something negative.

Best regards

Skip ONeill
12 years ago

I too was deeply disturbed by the question from the NY/NJ called. I was equally disturbed by the vile and hate that Jack expressed toward a misguided listener. It might have been in Jack’s best interest to just ignore the call and not put it on the “air”. Maybe that way everyone’s blood pressure would have remained “normal”.

Melodee
Melodee
12 years ago
Reply to  Skip ONeill

I agree Skip. The guy said in the beginning: “When you are told to get out, you get the hell out” That is clearly whom he was talking about. Yes, he didn’t articulate the rest of his statement clearly, and it did sound rather harsh and cold hearted. But that is no reason to turn around and trash a guy and call him names. It should have not been played; period.

I think this one pushed me over the edge too. I don’t care if I this earns me a ‘FU’ response from Jack for posting this; but I’m done. It just seems that he can call people names, trash their opinions and always be ‘in the right’. And all this from a guy who can’t get his thens and thans straight and mis-pronounces at least a dozen words a week.

Jack, ban my ass, but you’re not always right – and in this case – dude you were wrong.

Melodee
Melodee
12 years ago

@Jack

My criticism toward you is not directed at your opinions for those that do not feel sympathy for those hurt in this or any disaster.

You work with a lot of people. You present yourself as their friend; someone they can easily and freely talk to. When a friend says something stupid to your face; do you turn around and say “you stupid idiot, you need to be slapped”? No, you educate your friend, kindly.

The reason it affected me so personally is because for a fleeting moment, I felt the same way. I just didn’t take that moment to call you and leave my rather poorly formed media-fed opinion on record for you to replay to the audience.

You said you get a lot of emails from ‘idiots’ like this guy. I’m sure you do. But to single out one, to make an example of one, to verbally beat the crap out of one; is tantamount to bullying.

Unfortunately, you’ve been doing this more and more. I listened to and supported you because you were a hero. You raised your voice for those being bullied by the authorities. You served in the military. You are helping to form the TSP-DRT. But, yesterday – you were a common everyday bully.

In the past you’ve handled situations like this more fairly and constructively. You’ve said “for those of you that have written me and said _____ Here is where I say you are wrong” I feel that would have been a better, more productive rant.

I know this is your show; you’re entitled to your opinion. But I’m not going to condone bullying of anyone – idiot or not.

CVT
CVT
12 years ago

Jack relax, please.
1 – Do you only want people to leave positive comments about your show or something?!
2- Some of us listing to shows in order of publication and comment in that order.

The FL dudes comments were a bit insensitive but your reaction was what got listeners up in arms. You could have reacted better and we have all read your comments and listen to you next podcast on it now but please stop telling people what to do.

Most reactions for either side have been well constructed and thought up and were constructive in nature with an exception here and there. I doubt anyone really can agree with what the dude said 100% the way you have portrayed it however your anger was uncalled for and that is what is concerning.

The Lawton info is cooler than cool though! Too bad it got drowned out. Hopefully when he actually comes out with the video in 2013 you can bring it up again and it will get more comments.

Oh, DRT for Disaster Response Teams in some circles also means Dead Right There. For a marketing guy it you may have picked another acronym? Constructive criticism so don’t take it too hard.

MW
MW
12 years ago
Reply to  Melodee

I agree with Melodee. The response was another in a slow slide away from humility. I don’t think Melodee expected to be banned, but just expected a tongue lashing – anyone who tries to be a member of Jack’s “community” and disagrees often receives such (despite the repeated assertions that constructive disagreement and dialogue are fostered here).

I agree with Jack’s position that helping should be our first instinct, rather than turning our back on those in need. There was just too much hate and venom in his response. Which I guess is fine, but the then you read the comments on the blog, and you find more hate and venom (from Jack). I suppose that is one way to treat those you don’t agree with. Melodee and others appear to believe that there is a better way – I tend to agree.

CVT
CVT
12 years ago
Reply to  Melodee

Got to agree with Melodee, I just can’t get my reply behind her’s (?).

I have to agree that Jack has been trashing and beating listeners and posters up wayyyy to much. Too much uncontrolled anger, name calling and the threat of violence. BTW, not a good idea should you God forbid ever get into an actual fight with this history or verbal and physical threats against others… Hint.

To me it shows a lack of respect and professionality on Jack’s part. In the past Jack has told subject matter experts with more knowledge than Jack that “… I don’t care what you say…”. Not good. Even way back when in the Jetta the anger if he got cut off by someone was over the top.

Jack seems to be trying to more and more use anger etc. and make us think it his “passion”. Last time someone yelled at me whether it was deserved or not it did NOT make want to listen or learn. Name me a good teacher or leader who used that to educate which is what Jack claims to be right?!

Breath, count to 10 before you open your mouth.

Linda Johnson
Linda Johnson
12 years ago

As a longtime listener, I appreciate your stance on communities helping those in need. Many people do lack the means to prepare much for disasters like hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires, etc.; however, there is a significant element within American society with no desire to EVER attempt to take any personal responsibility regardless of their circumstances and regardless of past personal experiences. They will NEVER change. For folk in that category that I personally know I simply sigh and shake my head. I wouldn’t say I have no sympathy, but I have very little use for these “users”. Unfortunately these “users” are the very folk who scream the loudest and (figuratively) flop around like fish on a bank after any upset. These are indeed the ones who make “good copy” for the clowns in the media. These are also the folk who obscure the many hundreds who are truly doing the best they can in soul-trying circumstances. Determining who “deserves” help is not within my purview. I simply refuse to enable users to continue their poor choices at my expense.

JerseyDevil
JerseyDevil
12 years ago

Wow….. I live right off a major river in South Jersey. Luckily the highest tidal storm surge did not enter my property as part of it is flood zone. With that…..
I find your reaction to the Fla. caller a bit overboard and drama like.. I despise drama…. You chose to become a “public” entity and offer your knowledge to anyone willing to listen and with that comes a responsibility to “maintain some kind of *&^%ing control” …. Telling a listener you’d slap him… Cmon.
Instead of internet drama bitch slapping this caller, why didnt you use your talent of “speak” and explain what was wrong with his ideology..???? Your reaction shows a failure. (with a large touch of psycho drama)

Now, with many natural disasters, there are always those that just cant escape the coming damage. There are those that choose to ignore the coming damage and those that will actually use it to their advantage…. Living here all my life, this was the first time I ever left my home in fear of Mother Nature. Right now, there are many still with out electric and much of that has to do with an outdated infastructure… It also has to do with a term you used in your rant..
“Density of population” Let me tell you something…. There is a part of those areas effected I would not accept in my home no matter how hard they begged. Not because I dont care but because I know their “nature”… I’ve dealt with it all my life. Understand, you nor anyone else can save everyone… Man must eventually be left with his individual skills.

So, if you or anyone else wants to help….. Start digging thru the internet and find some local NJ area websites that you can send some cash or diapers or canned food,…. maybe a truck load of *&^%*&%^ chain saws, axes or safety gear. I mention local NJ sites because sending money to the Red Cross would most likely not be felt by those needing. If one can, look up some local NJ Radio Station websites where one can donate and feel better that their donation (even a dollar) might stay local and reach those in need vs going to the feds…

In the end, the area is starting to see a flow and any outside “gung ho” bs is not needed… (Especially DRAMA)
Jack, save that drama based energy for what may one day effect your local community “OR” use it to “TEACH” those you find offensive and want to slap… Unless…. you are above it and can save the entire &^%&ing world? If you can, then I’ll submit to a slap in your office.. (after that, all bets are off…)

All drama aside…. In my opinion, ya kinda “Jumped the Shark” today..
Not because of the drama based “passion” in your words but because of the lack of control …….. Stay wise while spreading the wisdom or just STFU…
Really…

: )

CVT
CVT
12 years ago
Reply to  JerseyDevil

Holy smokes Jack
“…See my other comments to you and go screw off. …”???!!!!
“…This comment wasn’t deleted or held back dumbass,…” ???!!!

Are you under more stress than normal that you respond to anyone like this?

UfoznBacon
12 years ago

This episode was interesting to say the least.
On a side note,I would give my eye teeth to go fishing with Geoff, I hope it works out for someone and I hope you have a blast!

JerseyDevil
JerseyDevil
12 years ago

“It is basically I might end up helping a person that may not deserve but it is my responsibility to help who I can, when I can, as I can and trust that God will sort it out in the end.”

I’ve spent 100 bucks on this mentality for the past 2 yrs….? %&*^% me!!!!!

Good info for the most part, but I didnt sign on to pay for “personal opinions”

#*%^*- ing libs in disguise!

Whats next, a rant on abortion?

Unreal!

TxJoker
TxJoker
12 years ago

I was excited when you started talking about your new piece of land and the workshop with you and Paul Wheaton ‘ But then got depressed when I found out there is basically no chance I will get to attend Because of price . I am the overflow thats not wanted 🙁

CVT
CVT
12 years ago
Reply to  TxJoker

It’s expensive but it is Lawton coming to town!
Same here though price makes it hard to justify right now as well as schedule but there will be many who would or can go. May be Jeff can come again to someone else’s properly on the forum if this first visit is a success. I did not realize it was doable to have Lawton come though. I will certainly keep that in mind should I get that piece of forever land that I have been looking for… Options!

We should get Jack in TX to host him, some one in the NW host Lawton, someone in the NE host Lawton, someone in the frozen North host him. Can you imagine how much useful data we can all share after these visits??

upstate
upstate
12 years ago

Regarding houses the banks own ; my daughter lives in Fla and in her neighborhood at least 1 in 15 houses are empty.You couldnt give them away..they have been looted! The fixtures stolen,doors, windows,pipes even tiles from the floor.It has lowered her property value beyound belief. Its dangerous and the banks dont even try to sell them or fix them etc.I dont understand how letting them set empty is better then selling them at a fairprice or letting some company or agency rent them to people.

CP
CP
12 years ago

Ear enema. Awesome. I’m stealing that one.

Jasper
Jasper
12 years ago

Wow, reading all comments of this episode makes me happy 🙂 Boy, Jack is on it today 🙂

I kind a have to choose the side of Jack on this. Although their are shedloads of unprepared people that need help at this moment, that probably should have been more prepared and should have listened to the evacuation calls, chances are we all might have been in that situation as well once.

I don’t know about you all, but i’ve been preparing for a couple of years now. Had something major happened before that, I would have been just as helpless as all those dumpster divers. And yes, I might have even been at my home after the call to evacuate, probably will still stay at home if such a call would come now.

Makes me wonder by the way, how preppers are supposed to form a new kind of community after a big SHTF with such a egocentric mentality. Your not gonna survive all alone in the woods, and if you do, your not gonna be happy anyway. So, if you can, without putting yourself at risk, goa and help someone else. I would.

I did love Jacks rant, but i doubt this will inspire more people to call in. I do hope Jack will compose himself again for next week, it prolly would have been better to call this dude an asshole with a calmer tone of voice, because he sure as heck is one.

Bigger Picture
Bigger Picture
12 years ago

I believe the caller from Florida was being his true and authentic self.
I believe Jack’s response was a true reflection of his authentic self.

I find it humorous how similar they both are… both are comfortable telling others what they should do and feel.

They should have gotten out… they should have prepared ahead of time… or you will not get assistance.
He should open his mind and apologize or be banished from the SPC.

I would like to thank both Jack and the Florida caller for motivating me. I just donated $100 to two NJ food banks… http://www.njfoodbank.org/ and http://www.foodbankmoc.org/.

Go your own way, the others will follow…

Steve
Steve
12 years ago

Put me down as someone else who thinks your response wrong. It wasn’t what you said but how you said it. You can tell me to go away if I don’t like it too. I’m not. There is far too much of value to your show. I don’t like the vitriole though. You say you think of us as friends. I would and am telling g a friend ” say what you want to say, but don’t say it with such hatefulness.”

My opinion for what it’s worth.
Steve

Steve
Steve
12 years ago

You’re not the most sympathetic guy with people who disagree with you. You have said several times if people don’t like what they hear go somewhere else. I like tons of what you say. Listening to your show has mademy life a lot better. But I really didnt like the way your comment was made.

Steve
Steve
12 years ago
Reply to  Steve

I want to leave the conversation by repeating I have learned a lot from tsp and appreciate the job you do.

Best wishes to all the tsp community and am looking forward to thousnds of more show.

Steve

KC
KC
12 years ago

I am interested in attending when you have your workshop with Geoff. I have the financial means to make the trip and absorb the expense. Perhaps afterwards people that are interested in learning what Jeff had to offer could team up with folks that attended. This would be advantageous if there were people coming from all over the U.S. In effect, this could also be a way to spread community and meet fellow TSP folks. Maybe as we get closer to the date there could be a forum post to bring people that went, together with people that wanted to go.

Steve
Steve
12 years ago

That post right there sums up why I listen to survival podcast.

markl32
markl32
12 years ago
Reply to  KC

Ditto. Email sent.

I realy need to get in on this.

Travis Shute
Travis Shute
12 years ago

Jack,

I thought the response to the Floridian was the correct response because its Jack’s response. The people that are upset about the way it was delivered need to put their big boy pants on. This is the reason why I listen to the show. FOR the emotion. If Jack would have just read off a line for line response like a robot, I would have been upset. Jack and I have disagreed about a lot of things but NEVER and I mean NEVER will I or anyone else should be upset because Jack put emotion into what he was saying. I applaud Jack for not being a coward and dumbing down his response to the caller. Actually, I’m upset with audience being upset. Good show Jack. Don’t change a thing.

Mo Better
Mo Better
12 years ago

I have to say your behavior regarding the unsympathetic Floridian was boorish, immature, and distasteful. I do have to agree with you, however, in that no one who has listened to you for more than a week should be surprised – you are frequently arrogant and foul mouthed. You seem to see that as a badge of honor, many see it as an indication of an arrested development.

You’ve got some good information to convey, however, you fail to realize that unlike you, a person of little patience with those with whom you disagree, people who have listened to you regularly unilaterally choose to overlook your shortcomings. You do have a few, as do we all. When you have a moment, and have calmed down, look at the responses and count those who have agreed with you and those who have not. The numbers are not in your favor.

It has always been my experience that a good businessman does not go out of his way to alienate his clients, who are, in fact, the liveblood of his enterprise. Just a friendly suggestion – consider storing your ego in your desk drawer more frequently – the bully-boy persona wears thin, quickly.

Dibatep
Dibatep
12 years ago
Reply to  Mo Better

Jack IS the business…

Tera
Tera
12 years ago

Dear Jack Spirko,
After listening to the show, where a caller says he doesn’t feel bad for the people in NY, I believe that you took what this gentleman said out of context, since he never said he wouldn’t help, just that he does not feel bad. Let me elaborate… The caller stated that he lives in Florida, and when a hurricane is coming he makes sure he is prepared. He feels that since the New Yorkers had a weeks notice, they should have prepared themselves more. Isn’t this what your show is about?
You made yourself look like an A$$ CLOWN (in your own words), by calling a listener an a$$hole because he does not share your opinion. The caller was polite and cordial, while you sounded like Hitler incarnate. In one podcast you tell people to prepare, and in another podcast you flame listeners for not “feeling bad” for people who watched TV instead of preparing for the coming storm. Am I supose to feed everyone who is hungry? Shelter everyone who is without a home? Where do you draw the line? How is that different than the social welfare system our government has in place now? What did you do to help the people in New York? Did you donate money for a nice tax write off?
I used to respect you for what you teach, but after hearing you lose it on your podcast I thought about my dad saying I better do as he says or I will get spanked. You are not my daddy and you do not have the right to tell others what to feel or think.
You told the gentleman that you hope he never needs help because he won’t get it from you. Most people who feel the way the caller does would say “I don’t EXPECT your help”. When is it time for people to take on some responsibility for themselves? Stop relying on others to help you, if they do then great, but you are NOT entitled to get help. I was also hit by Hurricane Sandy, and was without power for a while, not able to travel to the grocery store, I have 2 small children that I need to take care of. I did not expect anyone to feel sorry for me nor did I expect anyone to help me. I believe there comes a time were we stand on our own 2 feet or fall down.
I was originally upset at what you said to the caller, but it was worth it to see your true colors. I will never listen to another episode, as you suggested. I will not listen to anyone who thinks they are more rightous than everyone else, telling people to think and feel like them.

mike
mike
12 years ago

You are a marketing guy…. here is a link for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDW_Hj2K0wo

MichaelP
MichaelP
12 years ago

First I want to say that I think all the people giving Jack shit about this dick head (yes that is what he is) from Florida should read ALL of the comments including Jack’s responses to them before opening their pie holes to pile on here. Jack was a bit over the top, but in my view just a tiny bit, not for what he said but for the level of anger in which he allowed himself to enter. But HELLO FOLKS, this is the same Jack most of us love and to you haters, why are you still here?

Next for the love of all things, Jack has said I think about 12 times in this comment storm “I will make this right on Monday” so how about giving the guy that built this entire thing by shear will a fricken chance to do so before acting like a bunch of hurt children. The problem here is some of you want to make Jack your hero, he doesn’t want to be anyone’s hero, he is a teacher and an honest man. Respect that honestly even when you do not agree with it.

The other thing I have seen Jack say many times here is this

“Those of you who are most upset likely see yourself in the comments of this man”

Or something to that effect and DAMN IT, Jack is 100% correct. Take his challenge folks, go stand in front of a mirror and say shit like screw them they should have been prepared. Jack is right if you can do that and don’t feel like a piece of shit after you do, well, something in your heart and/or soul is DEEPLY damaged.

Jim Teague
Jim Teague
12 years ago
Reply to  MichaelP

@MichaelP,

Actually I came here and was pissed at Jack but I read your comment before commenting and well, you are correct. I was pissed mostly because I have said many times during this period, those people should have gotten out and stuff like, they should have been prepared.

Now I am sitting here and thinking about my call for episode 1000 and thinking about the huge list of stuff my family and I have done in the past year. Today I am pretty prepared but I could still be on the wrong end of something. But thinking of what we have done since we found TSP I have to admit if I was in this thing a year or so ago I would have been 100% screwed.

Jack is a good man, he works his ass off for us and I do consider him my hero, but that can be a problem as you point out. I do think you are correct as well in saying he doesn’t want to be a hero, just a teacher.

Thanks to your comment I also see he did say he had more to say to “make it right” on Monday, I don’t doubt him.

And you know what while I came here to bitch you out Jack, now I want to say thank to you and to Michael. I have acted like a dick in the past few weeks watching the news, I have said “they should have left” and I have lost touch with how much pain those folks are in. I realize that now, please try to be less hostile in the future but thanks for being true to yourself and honest with all of us and making us be honest with ourselves.

Melodee
Melodee
12 years ago
Reply to  MichaelP

I’m the one who used the ‘hero’ word; so I’m assuming you are referencing my comment. Which, by the way, was made early on in this discourse.

Definition of Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

You don’t think Jack wants to be recognized for these qualities? I think he does. But is he someone I look for to rescue me? Am I some kind of star-struck admirer; hurt that my object of affection disappointed me? Not. And I repeat; Not.

I just find it kind of ironic that some of you that feel anger at Mr. Florida are the same people that are stocked up with guns and ammo – going through training and drills to KILL people , if the situation dictates. Where will be your love and compassion then? If the crap hits the fan – who do you think is going to be ‘your enemy’? People who are prepared, or the minions that are not? i.e. those people that Mr. Florida was referring to.

Define Hypocrite: a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

Yes, I did feel like Mr Florida for a fleeting moment as I mentioned. Why? Perhaps it was because I’ve heard derogatory words such as “Sheeple” used on this show. Perhaps it was because the media used this occasion to exploit those less fortunate. It is human nature to have a bad thought now and again. As I said, I just didn’t make the stupid mistake to call Jack at that low point in my thinking.

I’m going to listen to Jack on Monday; I’ll be eager to hear what he has to say.

Melodee
Melodee
12 years ago

That may be true Jack – but I guess we wont know that until we are all tested in that regard.

Let’s look at a scenario: A woman, with 3 starving children under age 4. You catch her stealing your eggs. Really Jack? You’re going to shoot her? No, you are not. But make that a young male; dressed in gang colors – now what are you going to do?

When the crap hits the fan; where will we draw the line on when we can, as we can, and who we can? Are you wrong to draw the line before I do? Who can answer that but ourselves?

I feel it is better to help our neighbors. For my inspiration, I look to the various death marches that have occurred under various circumstances – the only people that made it as a group were the ones that shared everything to the smallest morsel of food.

We all just need to agree to disagree on this one. It is a matter of conscious – and everyone had a different standard for conscious.

MichaelP
MichaelP
12 years ago
Reply to  Melodee

Melodee, no my comment had nothing to do with you specifically. It is clear that Jack is treated with hero status by many and I don’t think he likes it, I base this on the fact that I have shaken the man’s hand and looked him in the eye.

When I did the first thing I said to him was “I want you to know you changed my life”, he rolled his eyes and I could tell it was genuine not some act and said, “no man YOU changed YOUR life and he was emphatic with the you and the your, hence my use of all caps.

I’d bet my bottom dollar that nothing scares Jack more then being someone’s hero.

Melodee
Melodee
12 years ago
Reply to  MichaelP

I can believe that. I like Jack, I just disagree with how he handled this caller. And while, when I first responded, I was kinda pissed; I’ve come to appreciate the dialog unfolding. I think it really says something for us as people. And I think it has made us think more that his rant did 🙂

He may not want to be a hero, but as you yourself say – he tends to earn that title by some of the things he does. I can still remember painting my house and being moved to tears as I listened to him talk about Jan Cline. I stopped my work that moment and made a donation. That night I joined the TSP.

Thanks for responding…

tom
tom
12 years ago

News Flash – No one is entitled to receive help and no one is obligated to give it

john
john
12 years ago

I know you’re not stupid enough to think that everyone in the Jersey area needs help equally and the same amount. Because that would be socialist. So really this is a disagreement on who should be helped and how much. There are plenty of people in that area who did nothing to prepare for the coming storm and nothing to mitigate the situation after they do not all deserve the same amount of help. Someone who sat on their ass and watched TV until their house blew away does not deserve my help. I can say that because it is my money or supplies that is being given away so I get to make that decision of who is worthy.
Just because people don’t share your opinion does not make them an asshole but it does make you an intolerant prick

John
John
12 years ago
Reply to  john

I’m not saying F my fellow man, I am saying I can’t afford to help everyone. What happened to “I don’t agree with what you are saying but I’ll defend your right to say it”?

John
John
12 years ago
Reply to  John

So where do you draw the line for helping people? When should I stop helping? When the world has no more hungry people? You either learn to take care of yourself or you don’t make it. It’s called natural selection. If someone happens to help, thats wonderful but don’t ever bank on that.

John
John
12 years ago
Reply to  john

Guy in Florida: I don’t want to help
Jack Spirko: You are an asshole, and if you don’t think like me then you are wrong.

Pretty much sounds like an intolerant prick to me.

John
John
12 years ago
Reply to  John

It’s hard to feel bad for someone you don’t know and this is not because I hate mankind it is because I love my family and I will feel for them before I feel for anyone else. You make this evident in your own words when you say “what if it was your family and your parents in New York”. This means that you acknowledge that you would feel for your family before anyone else. I’ve got news for you — somewhere somehow people are going to die… thousands of them… all over the world. Should I morn them the way I would morn a death in my own family? I would be swinging from a chandelier if that were the case. Think of all the starving children in Africa… they need help…. they have flies on their face…. how many have you adopted?

MW
MW
12 years ago
Reply to  John

Regardless of whether I agree or disagree with this sentiment – this response was funny as heck.

TexasWolf
TexasWolf
12 years ago

Jack,

Thanks for the show. I have to say, it DID make me take a hard look at some of my own thoughts. I grew up pretty poor as a kid, and it shaped me in a lot of good ways, but looking back, I see that it also shaped me in some ways that I am not too fond of. We didn’t really get that hand up when we were down, and had to do it our self. Did it lead to me being a pretty self reliant guy? Sure. But it also manifested itself with a certain amount of ‘screw em if they wont prepare’ mentality as well. That caller, and your response to him, made me realize that I would have LOVED to have gotten that hand up as a child, and that instead of manifesting it as a childish ‘screw em, no one helped me, so why should I help them?’ mentality, I should do for others what I would have liked to have had done for me. Bravo, sir. I needed to take that second look at myself.

John
John
12 years ago

That’s right, let’s help everyone!!! Handouts for all! Later join me so we can hold hands and sing “we are the world”.

Dave
Dave
12 years ago

Quick story for reference purposes. Sister in law has an asshole boyfriend who constantly does things to screw her over. He leaves her on the side of the road and she calls me asking for cab money. My choices are – help her by giving $20 or leave her on the side of the road. I’ll give her the $20 bucks AS I TELL HER “I don’t feel bad for you”.
I don’t feel bad for people in New York either. Just because I don’t feel bad for the people in New York doesn’t mean I hate them. What I do hate is people telling other people what to do and how to live. Kind of like what you are doing Jack. If someone doesn’t want to feel bad for someone else or help them what business is that of yours ?
You can run around and be a philanthropist if you wish, but just because other people don’t does not make them assholes. The fact that you think it does makes you an asshole. Stop telling people what to think and what to do!!!!!!!

Dave
Dave
12 years ago
Reply to  Dave

I’ll follow your lead and call you an asshole then.

Jersey Devil
Jersey Devil
12 years ago

So, it’s a day later. I still believe I am dissappointed in hearing what I take was an “over reaction” by someone I have taken a position of following/listening to/learning from for, the past 2 yrs. Understand, here in Jersey we are quick to “over react and demean” at the drop of the hat…… I think I was “surprised” at the level of the hosts reaction because the message of this community “In my mind” was and should be above that. I never had a problem with Jack calling some politician an “A** clown” but again, this reaction I felt was overboard. The caller was not disrespectful, in my opinion, but as truthfull as he could be while readily admitting an influence by the “Mainstream media’s” portrayal of what happened here.

Meanwhile, the Gov. of the state has already publicly stated that homeowners in some of the hardest hit areas might see a rise in their property taxes…. Now…Thats something that needs a “dramatic response” asap!

In the end, people base opinions upon what they see, hear and experience.
I would like to think that if Mr. Florida saw the report on the senior citizen complex where 80+ yr old people had to walk up and down 10+ flights of stairs just to get fresh water he might just “feel something”…
I know I did. Sympathy is but an emotion and easily posed- dismissed verbally… How a person reacts when confronted in a situation is another..

Jack, IMO you handled this the wrong way…. No matter how small this community might be compared to other mainstream crap, the responsibility is the same…… (maybe even more on your part?) You have the option of topics on the “Listener calls” platform and now maybe you have found the “limit” of what to approach and what not…? (or at the least, how to/not to)…

It’s your house….

: )

Sharon
Sharon
12 years ago

Well, I agree Jack was too intense on this one. I think he was too harsh on the caller and I think it was because he used the caller to vent on all the people basically saying the same thing. I don’t think his view is flawed only his delivery. I am also willing to over look that as I have gained tons from the man who 95% of the time is brilliant in his delivery.

I have also read though most of these comments and have two things to point out.

To those still bitching about Jack’s rant the man has said you are right and promised to follow up on it on Monday. Respect that please, how many people in broadcasting big or small are willing to do that? When is the last time if ever you saw anyone do it? I have seen it once before, it was Jack that did it that time too.

Next, I get why Jack is so mad! Those of you who are not upset with Jack about how it said it but more for what he said and defending the position of the caller do need as Jack put it an ear enema! Damn have you listened to nothing this man has said to us in 4 plus years now?

Jack you said in one of your comments,

“I feel I HAVE FAILED as a teacher. Anyone listening to TSP for any length of time that feels this way is to a degree a person I personally have failed. ”

No! No sir you have not failed them, in my view they have failed all of us. Sometimes teachers are to blame, but not always, sometimes a student’s failure is his or her own. I would say that is indeed the case here.

Shawn
Shawn
12 years ago

Well I don’t get how anyone is defending the caller. I get how some might be upset with Jack for getting so PO’d but not me, I was honest to God cheering. Of course I am listening to this after it took us the best part of the first week after Sandy to get to my brothers place. Our house was literally destroyed while we were inside it.

We had pretty good preps and we didn’t starve as much was salvaged but much was also lost. We had no power even with a generator because the home was so badly damaged it wasn’t safe to stay in. We helped others with what we had and they helped us. We ended up taking what we had to a less damaged home and holed up with some neighbors until we could get out of the area.

I wasn’t told to leave and stayed put like some dumbass, no we were not in a mandatory evac zone. There were not as many mandatory evacuation zones as the TV has led some of you to believe. The advice was to stay in our homes just as Jack stated. We did listen, in retrospect it would have been better not to listen, but you learn as you go.

I don’t want your sympathy guys but as someone who has been through this and did his best for his family and really doubted myself at times during it. Well, if you have no sympathy for anyone up here there are only two words that come to mind – heartless bastard.

familydog
familydog
12 years ago

Jack,

I think it is important to differentiate “empathy” and “sympathy” for everyone. I know you understand the difference, but not one comment by the audience has stressed this. Empathy means that one can understand the feelings of others and their situation and imagine those feelings in themselves. Sympathy is simply having feelings for that person or their situation. These terms are not interchangeable.

The lack of sympathy for the recent hurricane victims is startling. However, the lack of empathy (which is the next step after one has sympathy) is all-in-all wretched and dangerous. We, as human beings, must learn to empathize with our fellow humans. This not only affects our outlook on disaster victims, but on our society as a whole. If we cannot have basic human empathy and compassion for suffering in the event of a natural disaster, how can we expect to correct the sharp turn towards socialism and the police state? If we cannot “walk a mile in someone’s shoes,” how can we ever construct a network of mutual aid if/when government support systems fall?

I see the lack of empathy as a disturbing trend within the prepper community. How can one be a prepper if one cannot empathize with her/his fellow human? You have stressed in so many episodes that being a prepper is about being a community. Not just local communities, but a human community. Why do so many people not understand this?

While I do not get as animated as you when I am upset, I completely understand your response. I also agree with your sentiment. Human beings must have empathy for all other humans. That doesn’t mean we agree with them politically. It just means we come to a greater understanding of ourselves, our neighbors, our community and our species. If we fail at this, we fail as a species.

Jose Garcia
12 years ago

Jack,

Do yourself a favor and close the comments of this episode. This is bordering on abuse by the audience. You have made your position and motives abundantly clear and have promised to explain further on Monday. If people can’t understand or respect that, they are entitled and beyond reach.

Gene
Gene
12 years ago

You know, this whole situation/reaction would make for a great episode for 5MWJ.

Desert Dog
Desert Dog
12 years ago

First of all, drama is drama, but in the end analysis, Jack is right with helping those who need help. Please remember there are many who are not aware of situations or things we are. We are the revolution, we are the light in the darkness, we SET THE EXAMPLE for others to see. That is why I fully agree and will support Jack’s initiative on the disaster response team. We are the teachers, it is time we act like it. An honorable man holds himself and his standards to a higher level, perhaps that is where the disagreements come from. May the Lord bless us all, and may compassion fill those who have empty hearts. Thank you Jack for all that you do.

Brent Eamer
Brent Eamer
12 years ago

“Brent in PEI”
Wow, took a while to read through this thread!

If, for a moment, Mr. Florida, were shown two houses next to each other prior to the storm, but did not meet the owners. One owner, fully prepared, food, water, generator, flashlights; the other, not one iota of prepardness. Storm comes in, wipes both houses to the ground, all you see is foundation. Mr. Florida is now flown back and he meets the two owners standing on their foundations. And we tell him which one was prepared. Is he going to help the guy who *was* prepared, but all his preps are floating along in the Gulf stream to England??.
*Just* because he *was* prepared??

Short answer, both individuals need help. No discrimination…

Charlie
Charlie
12 years ago
Reply to  Brent Eamer

Well said, man.

Charlie
Charlie
12 years ago

Jack,

With regards to the caller from Florida, I agree with your response 100%. I’ve seen too much disaster in my life and too much pain, struggle, and…ignorance.

Rich
Rich
12 years ago

So shoot me but I thought that Jack’s response was appropriate. It’s a good thing that the guy is a prepper and that he’s (apparently) prepared for whatever may come his way, but to say that you don’t empathize or otherwise care about the plight of those in the affected areas is just wrong. While the caller didn’t say this, we can infer that he would most likely not lend a hand to this similarly situated in his area because as the caller stated they are “fools”.

What is telling is that given the callers misguided world view and conclusions Jack said that he would in the end probably end up helping him in a similar circumstance. I have long believed that the best leaders are those that first lead by example. Jack stated that he would ultimately help the caller if he were in need and thus exhibited (and thereby led) by the empathy that the caller apparently lacks.

Don’t be too hard on Jack with his response. Hard times call for hard attitudes and sometimes we need to be reminded that there will always be others out there that need our help and we should be willing to lend a hand regardless of the circumstances that may have led to that need. That’s what makes us human and separates us from the other animals on the global savannah of self interest. Keep up the great work Jack.

Finally, to those that want to excoriate Jack for his response, keep in mind that the world can be a dangerous place full of violence and selfishness.

Rich
Rich
12 years ago

Sorry, the last sentence was meant to be deleted. Too late for making comments I guess…..

Jarrod
Jarrod
12 years ago

“He who takes a fable to heart and learns from it is a wise man. He who takes a fable as literal and uses it as an excuse to treat his fellow man with disdain is a fool.”

Well said, Jack.

Jarrod
Jarrod
12 years ago

Okay. It’s late and I’m tired, so I don’t know if this is going to come out right.

However, I see a big difference between the “unsympathetic” caller and Jack. The caller expressed no sympathy for those who were deeply hurt because they didn’t or couldn’t leave. Jack royally reamed this guy, but it was out of sympathy for unprepared people who were deeply suffering.

I’m not perfect, but I do view myself as a Christian. (The more closely I see the perfection of Christ, the more humbled I am by the flaws I have.) Jack reminds me of the Roman Centurians He interacted with. The Centurians were like Indantry Gunnery Sergeants, pretty rough around the edges, occasionally foul-mouthed, and hard bitten … but they said what they meant, and meant what they said. Occasionally foul-mouthed, but not mealy-mouthed. You knew where you stood with these men, and if they told you they were going to do something, they did it.

Jesus had more respect for these men, and sailors, and harlots, etc than He did for the mealy-mouthed, conniving, hypocritical religious leaders of His day who put more burdens on the people than they could bear. While He loves them all (hypocrites, like myself) He was more patient with the honest but rough man who prayed “Forgive me Lord, a sinner” had empathy for the suffering than for the pompous religious leader who looked down on the struggling masses and prayed “I thank you God that I am not like them.”

Jack reminds me of the Centurian who might cuss you out to your face, but would still run through wall to pull you and your children out of your burning house.

I figure, Christ is the One who kept the soldiers’ hearts beating while they drove nails through His flesh to pin Him to a cross and He still could pray for them “Forgive them, for they know not what they do”, then at the *very least* I can help storm victims regardless if they acted foolishly or not. How many times have I walked straight into something because I was stupid, and He still helped me.

OTOH, while Jesus accepted rough fishermen, Centurians, and even hypocritical, pomous religious leaders (me) just as they were, He didn’t leave them there … 😉 While it must always be honest, are better and worse way to communicate.

Charlie
Charlie
12 years ago

Thanks for a great show. Loved it all. You mentioned that you were going to put links to videos on Quantitative Easing in the show notes. I’d love to see the vids. Thanks. Wish I could come out and see you and Geoff, but too rich for my blood.

Garrett
Garrett
12 years ago

Thanks jack for being who you are! I wouldn’t have responded the way you did to the Florida guy, but I agree with you. We should have sympathy for people who are experiencing hardship. that kind of attitude sensationalizes the prepper movement. It makes all of us look cold and inhuman. We cannot act that way and hope others around will be open to change.

Jack I don’t expect you to change, but from the perspective of a new listener the rant against the Florida guy might turn away less calloused persons. People that you want to reach, and can make a difference in their lives. They could be looking for reason in this world of craziness. Many people do their best to avoid getting yelled at. So those rants may drive the new listeners away. Perhaps there should be some sort of warning before a rant ?

Jack I know you get a lot of negative comments and emails so I am thankful you are yourself inspite of it. I don’t always agree with you, but you are always consistent. Keep doing what you are doing!

Roundabouts
Roundabouts
12 years ago

Wow this is crazy. Are you kidding me? Very interesting. Wonder what the response would be if the caller had said the SAME thing in a different way? SAME MESSAGE different words & LOUD voice tones? Such as ” I don’t feel sympathy for those fat lazy dumb asses. They were told to get out. They didn’t so tuff F in shit. If they are to stupid and lazy to prep like I do then they deserve what they get. To bad the storm didn’t take more of those lazy obama loven self entitlement sons of bitches out. They are all just looken for a free hand out and I don’t feel any sympathy for them at all. NO FRIGEN WAY would I give them shit. ”

I don’t think Jack would have even played the call if it had been spoken like that. The message is still the same. I heard that loud and clear.

No this guy was soft spoken and used the words “forgive me” . Sorry you can say “oh man I just took a F in shit” or ” oh I just made a poopy” either way it still stinks.

This guy also had to know if he has listened to the show at all what was going to happen. Seriously do you think for one second Jack is going to sit quietly by and not point out flaws in thinking or non thinking patterns? UM when has he ever done that? He ALWAYS points them out duh that’s a huge part of the show. Then he explains WHY. Then he asks you to THINK. Then he asks you to come to your own conclusions. But KNOW WHY you THINK WHAT you think. He also says every day “THIS IS ONE MANS OPINION”

I suspect this guy knew what was coming. I think this was his way of asking for help. Why do I think this way? Or just a plain old attitude adjustment. Or just a few seconds of fame.

I can’t imagine the amount of times Jack get emails calls and such similar to this one. Shoot just read the forums and you will see many times ;I’d just shoot em; I warned them so now they are on their own. It runs a muck out there. It would drive me crazy. How sad it is and quiet frankly scary. Really people that’s how you want to be? Maybe just maybe that is part of what started the entitlement attitude in the first place.

No I believe you help people when where and how you can. Those that are suffering in a crisis should not be subjected to judgment or questioning. Seriously you go to help with a pot of hot soup but before you can pass it out you ask…. Did you prepare for this? How many hours a week do you work? How did you vote? What religion are you? What’s your sexual orientation? Do you believe in the 2nd amendment? What food allergies do you have? What have you done to help yourself first? blah blah blah …. So very sorry to ask you all these questions PLEASE FORGIVE ME but I needed to make sure you are worthy of my soup and wont sue me.

Oh good grief give me a frigen break.

NO Jack does not ever need to sensor what he says or how he says it out of FEAR of losing a few bucks. The day he does that is the day he sells his soul for money and prostitutes himself for cash. Those that are word sensitive turn up the filter on your brain and ears. Focus more on the message it’s self. That’s YOUR responsibility. He has enough integrity honor and courage to self correct and admit when he is wrong or mistaken. I have heard him do it several times. Never does he need to do it out of fear threats or ultimatums. Like he says if you don’t like it then maybe this show is not for you.

tarheelgarden Joe
tarheelgarden Joe
12 years ago

the best nugget of the show is a chance to do a Permaculture design with Geoff and Jack!! A once in a lifetime opportunity? I believe so and very excited!!

Roundabouts
Roundabouts
12 years ago

I will most defiantly second that!! I can’t even begin to think it would be less than $4-5000. At that price it still would be a bargain. That is unless you just plant potatoes the whole time. lol Oh to watch and learn from the master and not have to fly clear around the world to do it. WOW. Plus get to see the beginnings of Jacks new place. It’s like being part of very important history. To be able to talk & walk with them learn from them and not just sit and listen to a lecture. Just does not get any better than that. Well yeah it can if there is fishing involved!

Gump
Gump
12 years ago

I didn’t care for the way you responded to the guy from Fla. either. I think what really pissed me off is when you said if he was in your office you would/might (whatever) slap him. Regardless of what he said I think you need to apologize to him for that statement.

Gump
Gump
12 years ago

Good man!

Nate (flippydidit)
12 years ago

Jack,

I avoided commenting on the litany of rhetoric about “Mr. Florida”. It’s apparent to me that there is a knowledge gap within our community that hasn’t been addressed. You and I are both prior service. We have both been to areas of the world that define “unprepared”, “disaster area”, “abject poverty”, and “seemingly hopeless”. However, many community members really don’t have first hand experience with this. It’s seems to be a case of “you don’t know what you don’t know”. To base your reactions/response on what YOU THINK you know about the people involved in a disaster is short-sighted and naive. For that reason (among others), I’m firmly rooted in agreeing with Jack’s response to the heartless and flippant statements of the caller.

As to your reaction to the caller, I’d say it was perfectly indelicate and applaud you for your candor. You see, being former military, I understand the need to paint the picture as real as possible to others. I actually respect honesty and blunt dialogue (unlike others who just say they do until it happens). I have two relevant quotes for you.

“Profanity and obscenity entitle people who don’t want unpleasant information to close their ears and eyes to you.”
-Kurt Vonnegut

“When angry count four; when very angry, swear.”
-Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

I firmly believe that while obscenity is never excusable, the use of profanity must be employed to precisely admonish the opprobrious (I like to use my big boy words once in a while).

I’d go as far as to offer that Jack is a modern day example of John Wayne.

Is Jack Spirko perfect? By no means. But I dare you to find me someone that is. I take my heroes just like I take my friends — the good with the bad. Nobody’s perfect. And what Jack does well, he does very, very well.

Jack is a shining example of a true American patriot in my book. Saddle up and fix their wagons Jack. I salute your integrity and hope others can recognize the depth of your sincerity, compassion and stubbornness for who you are; the America we believe in.

Marty
Marty
12 years ago

A bit of bad timing…

While I have been an avid TSP listener since the ‘In the car’ days, my wife has only rarely listened over the years. I got her to listen to an episode of TSP with me while we were out & about on Saturday. Unfortunately I chose the latest episode without screening it first.

The rant did not go over well. She asked me point blank how that rant “Helped me live a better life if times get tough or even if they don’t” (hey, she paid attention to the intro!). I admit, I didn’t have much of an answer. She then asked me to shut off the podcast while she told me everything that was wrong about that caller & response. It wasn’t fun.

Now don’t get me wrong… I love a good “Jack Rant”, especially when it targets big food, big government, or the resident ass-clown in office. Targeting a listener though seems a bit much, even if they are misguided.

Anyway, for me, the timing of this rant could not have been worse. It may be a while before I convince my wife to try some TSP again.

James Vaught
James Vaught
12 years ago

In regards to Jack’s response to the last question of the day, whether or not to move–the caller from California.
Recently watched Joel Salatin giving his presentation and Q&A from the students at UCBerkley. Great hour and a half spent, Joel giving his usual speech, but very near the end, the last question actually, Joel put forth this axiom:
“Tomorrow’s opportunity is predicated on today’s inertia move.”
2×4 upside the head moment to me and I’ve been dwelling on the thought, and just wanted to encourage the California caller and Jack with it!

bloody rich
bloody rich
12 years ago

The guy complaining he has no sympathy for ny/nj area folks in need now – didn’t he listen to the episode where Jack read emails from some of us? How we helped those who hadn’t/couldn’t prep rare, how we used it as a teaching lesson. I was able to show people just why I prep. The people in manhattan who went without power for 5 days were not told to leave. People in brooklyn & manhattan told to leave 99% did. People who lost their homes- many left, but can’t stay where they were for months while they build a new home….

GrizzlyAdams
GrizzlyAdams
12 years ago

For the people who did not like Jack’s response:

How would you feel if Jack read a prepared statement in a controlled and polite voice to the caller? For the long-time listeners, you would pretty much know immediately that it was not authentic. It would be a watered-down version of Jack. It would be phoney. Is that what you want? For me, Jack’s niche in the self-reliance community is his authenticity, quality of information, and range of topics. Once you compromise on authenticity, you take away from YOUR OWN authenticity because you put wanting to pampered with white gloves as a priority over authentic living and reality.

GA

"Top" W. Kone
12 years ago

My Holy Scriptures explain two things to me. First that you best serve God by serving others. Second, if you with hold help from others because you say to yourself “This person brought this upon themselves” you are going against what God wants you to do.

Years ago, back in the last century, (the 80’s) I got dragged to a community kitchen with the youth of the Church. As I was serving I would look at each person and say to my self “this guy is healthy, he should get a job. This lady look like she uses drugs, she should stop.” etc. It must have shown because the director of the kitchen pulled me from the line and put me on pots and pans.

Afterwords she sat me down in her office and talked to me. In short she showed me how to see people: They may have made bad choices. They may have done something to deserve what happened to them. But right now, when you are in front of them, they need help. What kind of human refuses to help another? They need help, they are drowning, they are hungry, they are hurt, right now. Right now you can help. Don’t look at them and judge how they got there, look at them and judge how you can help.

Andrew
Andrew
12 years ago

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-4010772.html CBS did a story back in 2009 about flushing drugs

Poolboy
Poolboy
12 years ago

sheesh, some people are really upset at Jack over the FLA guy. Not so much at his response but how it was delivered. C’mom people, toughen up. Jack is just a normal person like everyone else and we all get pissed from time to time. I’ve been hearing him get pissed for years and kinda like it.
Maybe a new personal prep should be thicker skin. People are so sensitive these days.

Justin
Justin
12 years ago

Episode 1022! How did you not make this an episode about the 22 rifle. With the number 1022 this would have been a perfect time to do another episode featuring the Ruger 10-22. LOL

Mike Danapas
Mike Danapas
12 years ago

I appreciate your stand Jack, on being real, being who you are all the time, and the belief that that is what you must always or nearly always be. I’m sure being a public figure and enjoying the incredible growth of your dream that is the Survival Podcast is a lot of hard work but it is not thankless, and it has it’s rewards. It’s funny, normally I don’t give a shit about a public figure destroying his own golden goose but I, mistakenly I’m sure, feel the empathy for you and the other members of the audience enough to pipe up just this once. Opinions are like ass-holes you know…
Since I’m am a paying member mine ought to count for about 18.3 cents.
You do us all and yourself a huge disservice when events like the rant-responses you dish out in the mainly one sided format of a podcast actually make it to “air”. For all the good you do, you do very much destruction. Your audience is made up of people from all backgrounds and we all have not been listening to you for every show. Your verbal smack down of someone who is taking the time to participate in your show is not professional and you become the ass clown that you also like to label others as. Instead of handling the situation with some style and making a teachable moment profitable for everyone involved, you take the opportunity to be a small god and exhibit your righteous indignation over the four years you have been on this ride because we all don’t get it yet. Let me help you out here…we are not wasting your time… so how about practicing a bit of what you preach. How about doing a show on conflict resolution and I suggest that if you want to keep the success going that you are currently enjoying, you should take a moment to dial your rage back when someone who made an oversimplified statement that was thoughtless tramps all over your ego.
I have been becoming more and more disenfranchised over the last year by many of your egotistical statements and actions. I’m not a follower, jack. I’m a learner and a teacher of the things I’ve learned. You will always have minions who look up to you and will pay for your product. Dynamic people always do, just look at out government. But, people like me are getting turned off buy your increasing hypocrisy and we are about done putting up with it so that we can learn at your feet. I’m definitely searching for a alternate place to send newcomers to the preparedness lifestyle as a better place to get started…you have become a detriment to their transitions just like a preacher in a church that thinks he is god.
It’s too bad but it is predictable…pride comes before the fall.

Sincerely,
Mike Danapas

Mike Danapas
Mike Danapas
12 years ago

Fair enough.

Bruno
Bruno
12 years ago

Jack,

Love the show more than I can say, and was particularly moved by how you handled the now legendary Florida Guy. When I first subscribed to TSP a few months ago, I thought you were going to be an amusingly paranoid right-wing nutjob, stockpiling ammo for the day the lib’ruls fled post-nuclear New York and came to try to steal your canned goods. The compassion you showed for the victims of Sandy was the perfect reminder of how completely this show has upended my expectations, and why it’s come to mean so much to me. It’s not a show about how to cut yourself off from society; if anything, it’s about how better to plug yourself in, and I was never prouder to be a listener that during your majestic reaming of Florida Guy.

When you’re wrong, however, you’re wrong, and your throwaway comment about the state of voting in America struck me as not just wrong, but irresponsible. It’s right and proper to be skeptical of government’s ability to solve our problems, and anyone who thinks our system is immune to corruption and skullduggery isn’t paying attention. But in your otherwise very persuasive discussion of GMO foods today you stated, as if were a well-known fact, that elections in America are now routinely rigged. They aren’t, is the fact of the matter, and that’s a charge that shouldn’t lightly be tossed around, especially not when talking to an audience as uniquely well armed as yours is. Spend five minutes looking into the issue and you’ll find that the GMO-labeling bill in California was defeated not by ballot-stuffing or vote-rigging, but by an $40 million avalanche of deceptive advertising in the run-up to election day that steadily drove down support for the bill, a drop-off in support that was reflected in all the polling. That’s not good–don’t get me wrong. But it’s a far cry from someone actually tampering with the vote totals, which is what you seemed to be alleging. Like much about America, our voting-system isn’t perfect, but it gets the job done.

Keep up the superb work,

Bruno

Bruno
Bruno
12 years ago
Reply to  Bruno

Jack, I will indeed look into it, and I’m not saying shenanigans never happen. What I’m saying is that in this instance, all the evidence points to a fair vote-count after an unfair ad blitz by the GMO lobby.

To recap: you said on your show that 80% of voters supported the bill mere months before the show, yet somehow it was defeated, ergo a clear-cut case of election fraud.

But here’s the actual polling:

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_37,_Mandatory_Labeling_of_Genetically_Engineered_Food_(2012)

Support for the bill was only 61% in late September, and after $45 million in deceptive ads—claiming among other things that the labeling would raise food costs–two different polling outfits found that support had been driven down to 39% by late October, two weeks before the election. Now you can argue, I suppose, that the GMO lobby also paid for multiple sets of fake poll-results, to cover their asses in advance of a bought election, IN ADDITION to wasting $45 million on advertising they didn’t need because they were planning to rig the vote anyway, but at that point you’re talking about an implausibly vast and elaborate conspiracy which, were it ever uncovered, would blacken the industry’s reputation beyond any possible redemption. Isn’t it much more likely that what appears to have happened did happen: the GMO lobby scared voters into defeating the bill by simply lying to them?

Best,

Bruno