When it really happens: SHTF...

[Ovidio]

Today's information about our neighbour family has opened my eyes. I'm not a kid, so I imagined that there would be lots of families facing hardships, but that close and that personal...well, that I did not expect. We are a small and tightly knit community, and I'm sure they will be held above water by all of us.

The hoarding is really a basic, instinctive move that is totally senseless. It only heightens the risk of escalating the situation, but I see in these weeks, that there are people who simply are not able to think clearly anymore. They are mentally paralysed by an atavic fear and just act.
I don't really like being in close company of such people. I keep thinking that a "spark" could bring them to start a fire.
The small stores are a wonderful thing, I agree.
It would be important not to forget them after the storm, and help them stay afloat. Big chains are potentially a bottleneck, and raise the risk in such situations. Apart from the quality of many fresh products, this is generally higher in smaller shops. Also more expensive, but they have a great social function, keeping the neighbourhoods from becoming dormitories only.
Politicians should tear themselves apart trying to bring the message to everybody that the world is not going to end, that shops are and will keep being supplied, and that everybody should just arm themselves with a lot of patience and tolerance.
And arm themselves...

All the best, gentlemen!

Ah, we're third now. Spain has overtaken us. I feel a lot for our cousins...