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Strategic Relocation: North American Guide to Safe Places
This is the long-awaited update of Mr. Skousen's classic book on relocation for security. Nearly 3/4 of this 3rd Edition is rewritten and it is expanded to 349 pages. In the process, the authors created all new graphics, charts and tables. There is also a new section on international retreat potential and 200 additional pages of analysis on every state and province of the US and Candada, complete with color maps. The maps are chock full of detail, including private and public land use, satellite terrain features, military target areas, roads and graphic depictions of population density---one of our major threats to security in a crisis. Despite the ongoing illusions of peace and prosperity, our world is getting less stable, not more. The economic foundations of the US and the world are all based on fiat money and are crumbling. Earthquakes, Hurricanes, War and terrorism are ever present threats, and the secondary effects of social unrest in large metropolitan areas will be disruptive and dangerous if there is a shortage of essential commodities that cause people to panic. When you relocate or retire your prime concern should be long-term security, not recreation. Sometimes you can have both. This book is designed to help you relocate around serious threats and to develop contingency plans when you can't relocate due to work or family ties. Strategic Relocation is more than just pointing out safe areas--simply because the safer the area, the harder it is, generally, to make a living and have access to the conveniences of life. For these reasons, relocation decisions are fairly complex, and Mr. Skousen walks you through all of the difficult choices and compromises that are inevitable in finding safety, without being totally isolated. This book has answers for nearly every situation.
349 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Joel Skousen
9 books14 followersPolitical scientist, commentator on law philosophy and survivalist.
Skousen is the founder and chief editor of World Affairs Brief, a weekly news-analysis service. He considers the Fall of Communism was a "carefully crafted deception," meant to gain Western aid and technology transfers that would eventually end in a resurgence of the Russian threat.
His main survivalist topics are survival retreat and fallout shelter design and construction, and strategic relocation.
He's the nephew of famouse Mormon Conservative commentator W. Cleon Skousen
Skousen is the founder and chief editor of World Affairs Brief, a weekly news-analysis service. He considers the Fall of Communism was a "carefully crafted deception," meant to gain Western aid and technology transfers that would eventually end in a resurgence of the Russian threat.
His main survivalist topics are survival retreat and fallout shelter design and construction, and strategic relocation.
He's the nephew of famouse Mormon Conservative commentator W. Cleon Skousen
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 13, 2020
I bought this book after hearing the author, Joel Skousen, on an episode of the "ReWild Yourself" podcast. At the time, my wife and I were living nomadically in a self-converted campervan, and were in the throes of trying to figure out a "safe" area of the country to purchase property in for the future. Hearing Skousen discuss all the things to think about when establishing a rural retreat was fairly eye-opening, so I ordered his book.
While the overall concept of the book is very useful - a guide to safe places broken down regionally and state-by-state - the book has several cringe-worthy flaws that ultimately make it useless for anything but a dejected laugh.
First of all, Skousen writes as if we're still in the Cold War. Nuclear war and proximity to nuclear targets has an outsize effect on his state ratings, whereas he completely ignores more contemporary (and serious/realistic) threats, like climate change.
On the subject of climate change, Skousen is a climate change denier. In the opening pages, he dismisses climate change as nothing more than a conspiracy. Well, I must say that finding somewhere "relatively safe" from the effects of climate change is the number one thing that I am worried about when searching for a place to establish a homestead. Skousen's complete denial of scientific facts deeply limits the utility of this book for those of us who want to make a future in reality.
What's more, Skousen is completely racist. He ranks states lower that have higher nonwhite populations. And in the demographic info he displays on each state, he only lists percentages of minorities (making it clear that his audience is white people who would want to know how many nonwhites are in an area before making a decision). Not only that, his information and interpretations of demographics are often inaccurate. For example, he dings New Mexico for having a large Hispanic population, and writes that the state has been overrun by Mexican immigrants. This is completely wrong. The Hispanic population in New Mexico by and large are descendants of Spanish settlers who came to the area in the 17th and 18th centuries. And in either case, what does this have to do with the suitability of an area or the resiliency of the population? Skousen's entire philosophy is based upon the superiority of white people, which, like so much of this book, is completely false.
I could go on, since there are many nonsensical things that he dings states for (having a higher percentage of Democrats, for one).
While I wanted to like this book, Skousen's blatant racism, climate change denial, and questionable interpretations make this book essentially useless for finding a rural retreat that will actually be safe (or at least safer) from the threats that we are facing in our uncertain future.
While the overall concept of the book is very useful - a guide to safe places broken down regionally and state-by-state - the book has several cringe-worthy flaws that ultimately make it useless for anything but a dejected laugh.
First of all, Skousen writes as if we're still in the Cold War. Nuclear war and proximity to nuclear targets has an outsize effect on his state ratings, whereas he completely ignores more contemporary (and serious/realistic) threats, like climate change.
On the subject of climate change, Skousen is a climate change denier. In the opening pages, he dismisses climate change as nothing more than a conspiracy. Well, I must say that finding somewhere "relatively safe" from the effects of climate change is the number one thing that I am worried about when searching for a place to establish a homestead. Skousen's complete denial of scientific facts deeply limits the utility of this book for those of us who want to make a future in reality.
What's more, Skousen is completely racist. He ranks states lower that have higher nonwhite populations. And in the demographic info he displays on each state, he only lists percentages of minorities (making it clear that his audience is white people who would want to know how many nonwhites are in an area before making a decision). Not only that, his information and interpretations of demographics are often inaccurate. For example, he dings New Mexico for having a large Hispanic population, and writes that the state has been overrun by Mexican immigrants. This is completely wrong. The Hispanic population in New Mexico by and large are descendants of Spanish settlers who came to the area in the 17th and 18th centuries. And in either case, what does this have to do with the suitability of an area or the resiliency of the population? Skousen's entire philosophy is based upon the superiority of white people, which, like so much of this book, is completely false.
I could go on, since there are many nonsensical things that he dings states for (having a higher percentage of Democrats, for one).
While I wanted to like this book, Skousen's blatant racism, climate change denial, and questionable interpretations make this book essentially useless for finding a rural retreat that will actually be safe (or at least safer) from the threats that we are facing in our uncertain future.
March 23, 2013
This is what I learned from this awesome book.
Seriously considering the dismal state of the U.S. economy, massive government debt and overspending, the money printing out of thin air by the Federal Reserve (QE3 - printing money like it's going out of style, because it IS going out of style), and the U.S. Debt to GDP ratio.
Thus, it seems time to get out of the stock market soon, cash in your IRA-401K paying the 10% penalty and get reinvested in tangibles like the "Five B's": 1.) Beans, 2.) Bullets, 3.) Bandaids, 4.) Bullion, 5.) Books.
These five categories of tangible investments in your immediate possession (http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/09/s...) should be both stored and cached on your own productive farm land (http://www.survivalblog.com/retreatar...) that is in a lightly-populated region with plentiful water and rich topsoil (preferably the "American Redoubt" - http://www.survivalretreatconsulting.com http://www.revrealty.us). Such a Survival Retreat (http://www.survivalrealty.com/what-is...) should first and foremost have a reliable water source, preferably a spring, or less preferably a year-round creek-stream, and a water well. It should be private, secluded property, with the ability to defend the retreat in the case of a total collapse in which crime becomes rampant. It should have a minimum of 3 acres with some downward hill slope for permaculture (see Montana Paul Wheaton's http://permies.com) Hugelkultur and swales on contour, with a mix of forested (for firewood and food forest), pasture (for micro-livestock), garden land with good topsoil and a water pond or small lake for biodiversity. All of this should be in a rural area; and have potential for solar (http://www.solar1234.com), wind and/or micro hydro power.
Time to get invested in these big six areas NOW.
This means investing in inflation-hedging useful tangibles stored on your own Retreat land including:
1.) Beans = 8 to 12 months of mostly long term storable dry-goods foodstuffs, and less of canned goods. Squirrel away lots of salt, sugar, honey, coconut oil and olive oil, ghee, tea and instant coffee with 2 to 3 months of water in blue 55 gal drums with a Big Berkey water filter and replacement filters, plus three seasons worth of non-hybrid open-pollinated heirloom vegetable-fruit seeds and cooking herb seeds. Expect to spend at least the same amount per month as your monthly food bill X 2 (at least $5,000) since you need to buy lots of 5 gallon food grade buckets with color coded screw-on Gamma Lids and 55 gallon blue water barrels (see http://www.beprepared.com Emergency Essentials) along with Country Living grain mill-grinder, bread maker, dehydrator, canning supplies, 1 quart Mason jars, 2 camp stoves and lots of propane tanks, etc.
2). Bullets = Invest in, Support, Protect and Defend the Second Amendment and the other 9 Amendments of our sagely and compassionate Bill of Rights with 2 AK-AR Personal Defense Rifles with 2000 rounds mil-surplus ammo and 10 full capacity 30 round magazines, one Ruger 10/22 Take-Down Rifle with 2500 rounds 22LR and 5 BX25 full capacity magazines, one S&W M&P or Glock centerfire handgun with 1000 rounds and 10 full capacity 19 or 15 round magazines of 9mm or .40S&W, 1 S&W M&P 22 rimfire backup handgun (for affordable weekly practice on same manual of arms/ergonomics as your primary 9mm or .40 S&W handgun) with 2500 rounds and 5 full capacity 12 round magazines or for Glock users an Advantage Arms or other 22LR replacement barrel, two 12 gauge pump or semi-auto shotguns with 1000 rounds mixed slugs, 00-Buck and #7 birdshot. Remember that "Two is One, and One is None!" Don't forget cleaning supplies, holsters, cases, slings, optics, basic gun-smithing tools, high quality Spyderco and Cold Steel knives and force multipliers like security cameras and Comms such as CBs-MURs-HAM-Short Wave radios. Get in-person training, not just YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy) and gun range time. Invest at least $5,000, to $10,000.
3.) Band-aids = first-aid and medical supplies and 12 months of vitamins-minerals-nutraceuticals, top 50 most common herbs or herb formulas, and over-the-counter and prescription meds pharmaceuticals. Invest at least $1,000 to $3,000. Don't forget non-hybrid open-pollinated seeds for the top 10 medicinal herbs that grow in your area.
4.) Bullion = As an inflation hedge-investment put 10 to 30% of all your net worth in 65% "Constitutional Silver" coins (pre-1965 Washington 90% silver quarters - https://www.providentmetals.com/bulli..., https://www.tspmint.com/silver.html, https://silverbulletsilvershield.com), 35% Gold Eagles in mix of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1/4 oz coins, and $1000 in pre-2014 nickels made of nickel as emergency "cash". Invest at least $10,000. Get out of $ denominated Federal Reserve QE3 deflated fiat-currency ASAP, apart from sufficient emergency cash for 1 month or more.
5.) Books = Knowledge and Skills, so join Amazon.com Prime for free shipping. Read especially King James Version of The Bible or appropriate scriptural texts of your religion. Join the Member Support Brigade (MSB) of Jack Spirko's http://thesurvivalpodcast.com and download and listen to / study more than 1200 hours of amazing content. To start out read M.D. Creekmore's "31 Days to Survival" (http://thesurvivalistblog.net). To go to the next level for serious Patriot Preppers, read and re-read James Wesley Rawles "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It" (get it on Audible.com as well - http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?...). Then study Carla Emery's "Encyclopedia of Country Living". After reading Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation - North American Guide to Safe Places (also watch his video with Alex Jones' http://www.prisonplanet.com/strategic...) you will want to relocate to the American Redoubt (Idaho-Montana-Wyoming - Eastern Oregon - Eastern Washington). Finally study American Red Cross First-Aid book, and get Red Cross certified for CPR and first-aid. See http://www.survivalblog.com/bookshelf... for a complete list -- expect to invest at least $500 to $1000 on books.
Keep your powder dry! God bless, God speed, Good luck, and Long live our Constitutional Republic.
From somewhere in the American Redoubt
http://www.American-Redoubt.com - new site with Podcasts
https://www.youtube.com/user/American...
https://twitter.com/AmericaRedoubt
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Americ...
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/1097639...
https://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/...
Seriously considering the dismal state of the U.S. economy, massive government debt and overspending, the money printing out of thin air by the Federal Reserve (QE3 - printing money like it's going out of style, because it IS going out of style), and the U.S. Debt to GDP ratio.
Thus, it seems time to get out of the stock market soon, cash in your IRA-401K paying the 10% penalty and get reinvested in tangibles like the "Five B's": 1.) Beans, 2.) Bullets, 3.) Bandaids, 4.) Bullion, 5.) Books.
These five categories of tangible investments in your immediate possession (http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/09/s...) should be both stored and cached on your own productive farm land (http://www.survivalblog.com/retreatar...) that is in a lightly-populated region with plentiful water and rich topsoil (preferably the "American Redoubt" - http://www.survivalretreatconsulting.com http://www.revrealty.us). Such a Survival Retreat (http://www.survivalrealty.com/what-is...) should first and foremost have a reliable water source, preferably a spring, or less preferably a year-round creek-stream, and a water well. It should be private, secluded property, with the ability to defend the retreat in the case of a total collapse in which crime becomes rampant. It should have a minimum of 3 acres with some downward hill slope for permaculture (see Montana Paul Wheaton's http://permies.com) Hugelkultur and swales on contour, with a mix of forested (for firewood and food forest), pasture (for micro-livestock), garden land with good topsoil and a water pond or small lake for biodiversity. All of this should be in a rural area; and have potential for solar (http://www.solar1234.com), wind and/or micro hydro power.
Time to get invested in these big six areas NOW.
This means investing in inflation-hedging useful tangibles stored on your own Retreat land including:
1.) Beans = 8 to 12 months of mostly long term storable dry-goods foodstuffs, and less of canned goods. Squirrel away lots of salt, sugar, honey, coconut oil and olive oil, ghee, tea and instant coffee with 2 to 3 months of water in blue 55 gal drums with a Big Berkey water filter and replacement filters, plus three seasons worth of non-hybrid open-pollinated heirloom vegetable-fruit seeds and cooking herb seeds. Expect to spend at least the same amount per month as your monthly food bill X 2 (at least $5,000) since you need to buy lots of 5 gallon food grade buckets with color coded screw-on Gamma Lids and 55 gallon blue water barrels (see http://www.beprepared.com Emergency Essentials) along with Country Living grain mill-grinder, bread maker, dehydrator, canning supplies, 1 quart Mason jars, 2 camp stoves and lots of propane tanks, etc.
2). Bullets = Invest in, Support, Protect and Defend the Second Amendment and the other 9 Amendments of our sagely and compassionate Bill of Rights with 2 AK-AR Personal Defense Rifles with 2000 rounds mil-surplus ammo and 10 full capacity 30 round magazines, one Ruger 10/22 Take-Down Rifle with 2500 rounds 22LR and 5 BX25 full capacity magazines, one S&W M&P or Glock centerfire handgun with 1000 rounds and 10 full capacity 19 or 15 round magazines of 9mm or .40S&W, 1 S&W M&P 22 rimfire backup handgun (for affordable weekly practice on same manual of arms/ergonomics as your primary 9mm or .40 S&W handgun) with 2500 rounds and 5 full capacity 12 round magazines or for Glock users an Advantage Arms or other 22LR replacement barrel, two 12 gauge pump or semi-auto shotguns with 1000 rounds mixed slugs, 00-Buck and #7 birdshot. Remember that "Two is One, and One is None!" Don't forget cleaning supplies, holsters, cases, slings, optics, basic gun-smithing tools, high quality Spyderco and Cold Steel knives and force multipliers like security cameras and Comms such as CBs-MURs-HAM-Short Wave radios. Get in-person training, not just YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy) and gun range time. Invest at least $5,000, to $10,000.
3.) Band-aids = first-aid and medical supplies and 12 months of vitamins-minerals-nutraceuticals, top 50 most common herbs or herb formulas, and over-the-counter and prescription meds pharmaceuticals. Invest at least $1,000 to $3,000. Don't forget non-hybrid open-pollinated seeds for the top 10 medicinal herbs that grow in your area.
4.) Bullion = As an inflation hedge-investment put 10 to 30% of all your net worth in 65% "Constitutional Silver" coins (pre-1965 Washington 90% silver quarters - https://www.providentmetals.com/bulli..., https://www.tspmint.com/silver.html, https://silverbulletsilvershield.com), 35% Gold Eagles in mix of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1/4 oz coins, and $1000 in pre-2014 nickels made of nickel as emergency "cash". Invest at least $10,000. Get out of $ denominated Federal Reserve QE3 deflated fiat-currency ASAP, apart from sufficient emergency cash for 1 month or more.
5.) Books = Knowledge and Skills, so join Amazon.com Prime for free shipping. Read especially King James Version of The Bible or appropriate scriptural texts of your religion. Join the Member Support Brigade (MSB) of Jack Spirko's http://thesurvivalpodcast.com and download and listen to / study more than 1200 hours of amazing content. To start out read M.D. Creekmore's "31 Days to Survival" (http://thesurvivalistblog.net). To go to the next level for serious Patriot Preppers, read and re-read James Wesley Rawles "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It" (get it on Audible.com as well - http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?...). Then study Carla Emery's "Encyclopedia of Country Living". After reading Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation - North American Guide to Safe Places (also watch his video with Alex Jones' http://www.prisonplanet.com/strategic...) you will want to relocate to the American Redoubt (Idaho-Montana-Wyoming - Eastern Oregon - Eastern Washington). Finally study American Red Cross First-Aid book, and get Red Cross certified for CPR and first-aid. See http://www.survivalblog.com/bookshelf... for a complete list -- expect to invest at least $500 to $1000 on books.
Keep your powder dry! God bless, God speed, Good luck, and Long live our Constitutional Republic.
From somewhere in the American Redoubt
http://www.American-Redoubt.com - new site with Podcasts
https://www.youtube.com/user/American...
https://twitter.com/AmericaRedoubt
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Americ...
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/1097639...
https://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/...
March 28, 2017
I'm very disappointed with this book. It is the first book I have ever given 1 star. I knew there was something wrong when I read this in the introduction:
"We conclude that there is an unseen, organized power working behind the scenes to create and use terrorists attacks, social unrest, racial tensions and war to create excuses for removing personal liberties." Introduction.
Then this on page 3
"...systemic collusion to keep to keep evil acts secrets...controlled by those same hidden power groups."
Then this on page 4
"phony global warming... or claims that the world is running out of energy...These are false threats promoted by dishonest academics with an ax to grind"
He then goes on to rate each state in the U.S. based on how "safe" each state is to live in, many of which I object to wholeheartedly.
As an example, he gives Utah the highest "safety" ranking of 5, completely ignoring perhaps the most important aspect: the very low precipitation and hot weather will make it nearly impossible to acquire food here if it can't be shipped in. Meanwhile he under-ranks many states, while simultaneously giving no good reasons why. For example, he rated Indiana, Virginia, Iowa and North Carolina 2, while giving Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky 3. Meanwhile he gives Arizona a 3. The most parched, unsustainable place in the U.S. A place where civilizations have collapsed, that is currently extremely overpopulated, and where most people would literally die if the electrical grid crapped out, cutting off their air conditioning.
He then has a map of the different regions of the U.S. where he circles the different areas that are "recommended areas." In most cases he simply circles the least populated areas of the region, ignoring that in most cases there are very good reasons that few people live in those places. As an example in the North Central region he circles Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These areas are essentially boreal forest, suitable for growing very little with the very short growing season (snow October-May) and acidic soils.
Despite all of the above, there is scattered good information and figures in the book- if you can get through the all the Fox News ( or maybe even Info Wars) style conspiracy rants and completely ignore his ranking system.
"We conclude that there is an unseen, organized power working behind the scenes to create and use terrorists attacks, social unrest, racial tensions and war to create excuses for removing personal liberties." Introduction.
Then this on page 3
"...systemic collusion to keep to keep evil acts secrets...controlled by those same hidden power groups."
Then this on page 4
"phony global warming... or claims that the world is running out of energy...These are false threats promoted by dishonest academics with an ax to grind"
He then goes on to rate each state in the U.S. based on how "safe" each state is to live in, many of which I object to wholeheartedly.
As an example, he gives Utah the highest "safety" ranking of 5, completely ignoring perhaps the most important aspect: the very low precipitation and hot weather will make it nearly impossible to acquire food here if it can't be shipped in. Meanwhile he under-ranks many states, while simultaneously giving no good reasons why. For example, he rated Indiana, Virginia, Iowa and North Carolina 2, while giving Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky 3. Meanwhile he gives Arizona a 3. The most parched, unsustainable place in the U.S. A place where civilizations have collapsed, that is currently extremely overpopulated, and where most people would literally die if the electrical grid crapped out, cutting off their air conditioning.
He then has a map of the different regions of the U.S. where he circles the different areas that are "recommended areas." In most cases he simply circles the least populated areas of the region, ignoring that in most cases there are very good reasons that few people live in those places. As an example in the North Central region he circles Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These areas are essentially boreal forest, suitable for growing very little with the very short growing season (snow October-May) and acidic soils.
Despite all of the above, there is scattered good information and figures in the book- if you can get through the all the Fox News ( or maybe even Info Wars) style conspiracy rants and completely ignore his ranking system.
June 21, 2014
The amount of detail in this book is simply amazing!
Joel Skousen has done a 360 degree analysis of the world and in this book shows you which are the safest places to live in the world and how to kit yourself out.
I highly recommend you to buy this book, study it carefully & then strategically relocate!
Joel Skousen has done a 360 degree analysis of the world and in this book shows you which are the safest places to live in the world and how to kit yourself out.
I highly recommend you to buy this book, study it carefully & then strategically relocate!
April 14, 2014
Definitely worth reading, but don't believe every detail. Some of the 'facts' raised my eyebrow, but others really make a lot of sense. It's helpful in understanding which factors to consider when planning a hunker-down or bug-out location.
May 24, 2019
Great Book helped me find the perfect location to retire.
December 13, 2019
A mostly objective review of countries safest for relocation, with a focus on North America. The author definitely favors conservatism though. One contradiction I noticed: it says that the world is not running out of energy (4), but later admits that China has energy shortages (6) and there could be a long-term energy crisis in the future (11).
I found it interesting that most European countries require people moving in to already have a job in the country and meet certain financial requirements. Meanwhile in the US, the democrats want to let every immigrant into the country even if they’re unemployed and flat broke.
Almost every US state has a high rating of corruption, and so many countries are socialist or communist! It’s sad that socialism/communism has its origins in benevolence and compassion, but it always ends up corrupt and keeping the masses in poverty. Looking at the evidence and history, capitalism, while not perfect, brings about the most prosperity for the majority of people.
One thing I don’t get is why the US went to war with Vietnam to stamp out communism if the US wanted to eventually succumb to communism. Or maybe it was never about communism with Vietnam but establishing a world bank there?
Quotes:
“Unions are often hostile to workers even within their ranks who work ‘too hard’ and who make the others look bad” (26-27). Wow.
“The primary personal weakness that affects the propensity for criminal activity is the unwillingness to forego instant gratification—which comes from a combination of being spoiled by permissive parents or teachers and not being required to develop and use self-control themselves” (27). Interesting.
South Korea mandates circumcision for all male babies (43). Wow!
“This isn’t politically correct to say, but, even with the history of colonial exploitation, most middle class Africans now realize that there was never a time of greater relative peace than during colonial days” (52).
“Most states with high regulation require that if a student fails to perform to certain standards, then they must return to the public schools. None allow the parent to demand the same right if the student fails to perform in the public schools. This is proof that the issue is not one of quality of education, but of who will have the ultimate sovereignty over the child’s education—and the state clearly thinks it has the ultimate authority” (91).
“A conspiracy doesnt like people with independent, big egos that cannot be controlled by others” (106). Must be why the powers that be despise Trump.
“There was also the subsequent sealing of the FBI files on [Martin Luther] king’s blatant immoral lifestyle with prostitutes” (106). Wow.
“Christian conservatives are too trusting of those who claim to be one of them even when their actions betray their words. . . . Under the Obama administration, it has become all too obvious that government control and tyranny is accelerating faster than ever; but remember, all of it was started (or was continuing) under George W. Bush” (108).
I found it interesting that most European countries require people moving in to already have a job in the country and meet certain financial requirements. Meanwhile in the US, the democrats want to let every immigrant into the country even if they’re unemployed and flat broke.
Almost every US state has a high rating of corruption, and so many countries are socialist or communist! It’s sad that socialism/communism has its origins in benevolence and compassion, but it always ends up corrupt and keeping the masses in poverty. Looking at the evidence and history, capitalism, while not perfect, brings about the most prosperity for the majority of people.
One thing I don’t get is why the US went to war with Vietnam to stamp out communism if the US wanted to eventually succumb to communism. Or maybe it was never about communism with Vietnam but establishing a world bank there?
Quotes:
“Unions are often hostile to workers even within their ranks who work ‘too hard’ and who make the others look bad” (26-27). Wow.
“The primary personal weakness that affects the propensity for criminal activity is the unwillingness to forego instant gratification—which comes from a combination of being spoiled by permissive parents or teachers and not being required to develop and use self-control themselves” (27). Interesting.
South Korea mandates circumcision for all male babies (43). Wow!
“This isn’t politically correct to say, but, even with the history of colonial exploitation, most middle class Africans now realize that there was never a time of greater relative peace than during colonial days” (52).
“Most states with high regulation require that if a student fails to perform to certain standards, then they must return to the public schools. None allow the parent to demand the same right if the student fails to perform in the public schools. This is proof that the issue is not one of quality of education, but of who will have the ultimate sovereignty over the child’s education—and the state clearly thinks it has the ultimate authority” (91).
“A conspiracy doesnt like people with independent, big egos that cannot be controlled by others” (106). Must be why the powers that be despise Trump.
“There was also the subsequent sealing of the FBI files on [Martin Luther] king’s blatant immoral lifestyle with prostitutes” (106). Wow.
“Christian conservatives are too trusting of those who claim to be one of them even when their actions betray their words. . . . Under the Obama administration, it has become all too obvious that government control and tyranny is accelerating faster than ever; but remember, all of it was started (or was continuing) under George W. Bush” (108).
October 25, 2021
Had a quick look through the old edition and pretty impressed, might buy the new version. His criteria for rating places is solid even if you don't agree with his specific priorities. He lays it all out for you clearly and succinctly.
My main point of disagreement is his conspiracy paranoia about russia having secret communist insiders who want to take back Europe (not just former Soviet bloc places with large ethnic Russian population but western Europe). However he is right in the sense that there is a geopolitical struggle between Russia and USA over Europe, and this struggle causes problems for these areas at the border. Less so now than when the book was written as US seems to be on the wane. Then there is the Muslim/Christian border tension too for more southern countries in eastern Europe.
I was most impressed on his take on Australia, which was spot on, even prophetic given how old this edition is. So the fact that he was right on my home country, which I am familiar with, gives me some assurance he may be right on other places too.
My main point of disagreement is his conspiracy paranoia about russia having secret communist insiders who want to take back Europe (not just former Soviet bloc places with large ethnic Russian population but western Europe). However he is right in the sense that there is a geopolitical struggle between Russia and USA over Europe, and this struggle causes problems for these areas at the border. Less so now than when the book was written as US seems to be on the wane. Then there is the Muslim/Christian border tension too for more southern countries in eastern Europe.
I was most impressed on his take on Australia, which was spot on, even prophetic given how old this edition is. So the fact that he was right on my home country, which I am familiar with, gives me some assurance he may be right on other places too.
May 4, 2025
EN: As a GIS professional, I was mainly interested in the hazard maps in this book, which are very detailed and well-made. However, the rest of the book is full of conspiracy theories and strong conservative opinions I don’t agree with.
There is some helpful advice here and there, especially about choosing safe places to live, but I’m not a hardcore prepper. I believe in having balance in life. Some comments in the book are strange or uncomfortable, like denying climate change or ranking states based on race, which really hurts the value of the maps and research. The book has interesting ideas, but you should read it carefully and critically. Take everything with a big grain of salt.
There is some helpful advice here and there, especially about choosing safe places to live, but I’m not a hardcore prepper. I believe in having balance in life. Some comments in the book are strange or uncomfortable, like denying climate change or ranking states based on race, which really hurts the value of the maps and research. The book has interesting ideas, but you should read it carefully and critically. Take everything with a big grain of salt.
January 13, 2018
Absolutely amazing! This book has everything you need to make a sound decision on where to move in North America.
May 7, 2022
Some good things to think about? Sure. Some crazy conspiracies? Also yes. Take it with the whole salt shaker.
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