
The Rise of the Preppers
by Dina Rae
Politics aside, we all can agree the world is a very dangerous place. Some people prepare for the worst. TV shows such as National Geographic’s Doomsday Preppers and Discovery’s Doomsday Bunkers highlight a segment of society who believes impending doom is near. In response, they put all of their time and resources into future survival. The “prepper” label emerges.
Preppers collect water through cisterns, stock canned food, invest in remote underground living quarters, and practice off-the-grid living. Their reasons exceed fear, ranging from nuclear war and natural disaster all the way to prophecies of End of Days and New World Order.
Whatever the belief, they continue to unite, forming their own subculture. This movement is similar to the ‘70s and ‘80s survivalism, but much more sophisticated in technological advances of supplies, weaponry, and social networking. They even have their own vernacular. Here are some of the more popular terms:

Bag packed with necessities when it’s time to take off. Depending on location, terrain, and weather, the contents vary. Everyone should have a flashlight, water, lighter, thermal blankets, radios, compass, hard-copy of a map, knife, gun, first aid kit, and cash. (3 days worth is the minimum recommendation) SurvivalJane.com sells them pre-packed.
Zombie Apocalypse: It’s not just a horror novel term. When people who are infected and/or insane and become a threat.
PSS: Primary Shelter Site
A hideout. Prepper favorites-a home or trailer in a remote area, underground bunker, a spider hole (very temporary), and a cave
WROL: Without Rule of Law
No government or law enforcement-Chaos
SHTF: Sh@t Hits the Fan
The moment when a prepper makes the decision to bug out
Those who watch prepper reality TV have seen million dollar bunkers, advanced solar technology, militia sized arsenals, and endless shelves of medical supplies. Any attempt to prep seems overwhelming. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to prepare. For an interesting read about New World Order and those who prepare, check out The Last Degree.
About the Novel:
The Last Degree is a fictionalized account of how Freemasons and other secret societies set up the world for takeover. Ancient writings foretell a ‘Shining One’ who emerges as the world’s prophet. A murder of a Most Worshipful mason resembles a secret oath. A cop gets too close to solving the crime. Paranoid preppers go underground, preparing for war.
Headlines such as the Norway massacre, meltdown of the European Union, unscrupulous media, animal die-offs, Middle Eastern unrest, and U.S. shrinking power make the plot relevant to present day. The Last Degree is an ode to Christians, Birthers, 2012ers, Truthers, preppers, and/or other conspiracy junkies who enjoy Dan Brown, Jesse Ventura, Brad Meltzer, Alex Jones, Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. A sequel will soon be available.
Prologue
“I am sending you a master craftsman named Hiram-abi, who is extremely talented. His mother is from the tribe of Dan in Israel, and his father is from Tyre. He is skillful at making things from gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and he also works with stone and wood.
2 Chronicles 2:13-14
The mystery of Hiram Abif originates from the Biblical passage above. Secret societies have given him credit for constructing Solomon’s temple. According to legend, Hiram used talented craftsman and secrecy, such as passwords for orchestrating its construction.
Solomon didn't like Hiram's growing power, along with the attraction the Queen of Sheba had for him. Some scholars imply he may have had something to do with his death. Hiram remains the primary protagonist and martyr in modern day Masonic circles.

Dina Rae is a new author here to stay. As a former teacher, she brings an academic element to her work. Her three novels, Halo of the Damned, The Last Degree, and Bad Juju weave research and suspense throughout the plots. Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character. Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.
Social Links:
Dina Rae’s Write Stuff
Dina Rae Site
Dina Rae’s Books on Facebook
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Dina Rae on Twitter
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