I live in rural Michigan, and being prepared for prolonged power outages is something people up here have always done. We don’t get prioritized when a storm knocks transmission lines out.

So everyone takes basic precautions like keeping kerosene lamps and candles around for light, and generators for basic electricity needs. Our village keeps a hand pumped well operational for people whose wells depend on electric pumps.

Those are all just basic precautions, I guess, for people who live in rural areas and have to depend on themselves when things go wrong.

Oddly though, even though my internet browsing habits and everything else would indicate that I’m a pretty liberal person and not the “prepper” type, YouTube keeps pushing prepper ads at me. I don’t mean ads about what rural people should do to be prepared in case of a storm or prolonged power outage.

I’m talking about crazy people recommending all sorts of different kinds of weapons and supplies necessary for living through apocalyptic violence.

“Get your AK-47s and dehydrated military meal supplies now before it’s too late! Don’t forget to stock up on ammo!”

I know that’s not what you’re writing about, but I was kind of shocked when I saw the first ad, and I continue to be shocked that they keep getting pushed at me when I don’t want them. I already know how to keep non-perishable food around in case I need it.

The ads, which push paranoia and armed militia mentality, are just another example of big tech acting irresponsibly and amplifying the voices of violence-worshiping nuts.