Some of you that are much more wise than I am answer this question for me. What the hell is wrong with hoarding? Every time I see that expression used it is a derogatory manner. I personally see nothing wrong if I want to hoard ten thousand cans of soup, or a million cases of toilet paper. What is the difference between hoarding food, and hoarding gold or wealth? That is the basic reason to gamble on the stock and bond market, and to play the lottery. Hoarding gold is the sin that is the backbone of this nation, and then have the gall to look down on those that hoard supplies of any description. Hypocrites of the highest order.

-- Notforlong (Fsur439@aol.com), January 07, 2000

Answers

Greed is good, greed works, greed is the hard and soul of corporate America! (Gordon Gekko, Wallstreet)

Good point, same discussion going on in Netherlands.

-- hzlz (mph@netbox.org), January 07, 2000.

Strange you mention that. A group of us at work last night had the same conversation. We were all in agreement that we like the feeling of being prepared for whatever's in the future and will continue to "hoard", if that's the proper term for having enough food and necessities to last us several months. Everybody indicated they intend to replace items that are used from their "hoard". Perhaps "household pantry" would be a more politically correct term.

-- Nurse@still.hoarding (rtorbett@usit.com), January 07, 2000.

Cartoon in morning paper....

Picture shows a room with a number of free standing shelves loaded with supplies. Husband says, "Dear, I'm looking for a way to apologize for stockpiling the house for Y2k". Wife replies, "Greeting cards are on Aisle 7"....

-- tc (trashcan-man@webtv.net), January 07, 2000.

I believe that there should be a distinction between "Stockpiling" and "Hoarding". The former is "stocking up" on items for personal use in the event of an emergency - the latter would be accumulating items in anticipation of a shortage, with the hope of making a profit.

-- Michael (mhgentry@prodigy.net), January 07, 2000.

I tend to agree with Michael. I'm frantically looking for a dictionary but can't find mine! But I think "hoarding" has more to do with gathering as much up for yourself as possible, so no one else can have any, and "stockpiling" is basically stocking up on items.

-- Newbie (newcomer@this.site), January 07, 2000.

The terms "hoarder" and "hoarding" acquired negative connotations during WWII, when supplies of certain items were needed for the war effort. Anyone who kept "extras" they didn't need for their own immediate use deprived the troops of what they needed. Keeping the supply lines flowing was important - anyone one who hoarded was putting soldiers' lives at risk. Nylon, gasoline, rubber, fats (for explosives) were rationed, other things were voluntary. Most people "made do" and didn't take more than their share, so their loved ones overseas could have a better chance at staying alive and winning the war.

There are still people alive in my family who remember - and tell stories about - one branch of the family tree who were "hoarders." They were considered selfish and immoral for doing it.

The situation is far different now, but the word "hoard" retains that WWII taint - a loaded word that still has the power to condemn.

-- Linda (lindelf@earthlink.com), January 07, 2000.