I've noticed a lot of posts here that combine faith and factual logic in making plans for what now appears to be an inevitability. As a relative newcommer (I've only been aware of Y2K for 4 months), I've prepared myself & family as best as I'm able. I thought I might share the reasons I've done what many may think is paranoid panic.

Regardless of how you should prepare, the point is to get ready. I've known deep-down the last few years that we as a nation were heading towards big trouble. I didn't know exactly what it was, but I was watching our nation become more corrupt, selfish, agitated, victimized, and lazy. I watched the people of this great nation become dependant on government handouts for survival, "feel-good" remedies for every ailment, take for granted technological advances that make instant gratification and services a basic necessity. I've watched our morals and family values ridiculed by the media until they flushed down the toilet as the popularity of a Jerry Springer mentality swept the nation. I watch a nation so selfish and greedy to hold onto stability that they will overlook the rule of law to keep a corrupt administration from being held to a standard of law that each and every one of us "little" people would be held to. In short, we are a nation divided among so many lines, that if the fabric of society would ever unzip--it would never be put together again because the lack of trust would replace the reliance on law and decency. Y2K may very well be the force that unzips everything. Face it, among racial, economic, class, gender, sexual preference and ideology we have been increasingly set at odds over the last 30 years. Over the last six it has increased multi-fold under a leader who claims to "heal" these divisions while exploiting them for political gain, even while we have enjoyed record comfort and prosperity.

I had believed that an economic setback would set this whole thing off. I mean, ask yourself...If this were 1973 again, can you picture the vast majority of Americans patiently wait hours on end for a gallon of gas? If you do, then you must spend your life watching cartoons. Just take a look at the big picture globally: Japan has been in recession for over 8 years now, their banks are on the verge of collapse...South America is about to implode just as Russia's economy did...and speaking of Russia, nuke proliferation in desperation for cash. You have N. Korea firing 3 stage rockets past Japan towards Hawaii, Iran and Iraq are racing to have weapons of mass destruction, India and Pakistan are ante'ing up the odds of a nuclear conflict as China provided recently acquired multi-stage guidance systems for ICBMs to Pakistan from the Clinton administration. Indonesia's economy collapsed, the failing IMF causing more grief, the scandals in this country...the social fights between Republicans & Democrats, I figured all it would take to create a firestorm of panic would be an economic dump. I mean if they will riot over a jury verdict in California, or over a Bull's championship in Chicago, segments of our society are ready to go beserk. We are ready to crack. But under it all folks is our total dependance on lightning-fast information transfers that power our way of life: the computer. It's a powder keg just waiting to be lit. My guess is the fuse and flame will be Y2K, and it's a short fuse that may turn a bad situation, worse.

What I'm getting at is that the mentality of Western society is ready to crack, while things are good. To bring God into the picture briefly as others have done...Jesus had said while dragging the stake he was to be crucified on, "Weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children...for if they will do this to me when the tree is green, what will they do to you when the tree is dry?" Jesus was referring to the fall of Jerusalem in 70A.D. where the Romans lay seige for over 3 months wherein women ate their own children within Jerusalem's walls. But how much of that truth may apply to us today? If people are threatening violence if they don't receive welfare or bi-lingual education programs, what will they do when essential services like heat and water cease to function?

Does anyone doubt that God has blessed our nation with great abundance and prosperity not seen in the entire written history of man? We did not create the wealth of natural resources in this nation, God did...and we have been abundantly blessed as a result of our obedience to laws that are based in scripture. But as of late, our dependance on technology has not only replaced our dependance on God, but our morality as defined by God has been redefined. Biblical history shows that every time a nation God had blessed forsook obedience to His laws and redefined them, God allowed them to be destroyed. Do we think we're any different? We claim to be a "religious" nation, but the news over the past few years is quite contrary to the definition God would have of a "just" nation. Everyone does and thinks what is right in his or her own mind. There are no more standards...of conduct or decency. We have defined deviancy down, to do what feels good. How much longer can we hold on before the natural consequences of division and reliance on man-made systems bring us down? How ironic isn't it? The same technology that separated us from reliance on God, the land and our family foundation, will be the technology that ultimately destroys us.

That's the big picture. Some folks are motivated by mere facts and secular logic, others are motivated by faith and religion. Put these two together and you still have the same conclusion: We're in big trouble, of our own making.

I was making plans to get out of the 'burbs of Chicago (albeit my timetable wasn't for another two years) before an economic hiccup caused soccer moms and suburbanites to go insane at the loss of their 401K and other investments. When my Mac went down last Spring, I learned about Y2K from the chap that fixed it. Since then I've learned enough about the problem, and the inability to fix it in time to put 2 and 2 together to see that we are in for an implosion of the likes we have never experienced. We are so far removed from being able to live off the land, and so far removed from common decency anymore, I began to see an apocalyptic event unfolding.

With articles about National Guard units and Marines training for urban combat, reports from ITT directors and programmers stating the hopelessness of the situation to last week's Nightline program, I say that I got out of dodge at just the right time. We are out of Urbania and in the far country--WAY far country. We're preparing for family to join us (much like Dr. Olmstead), learning to live off the land and yes arming ourselves to the teeth. Sorry to you anti-gun zealots, but human nature is human nature, and if jerks will shoot people over the way they drive, I am damn sure they will shoot you for what you have when they are hungry and mad. As my wife & I already experienced, there is great respect and avoidance of conflict when you are armed.

As for food storage, water and other self-preserving ways of sustaining ourselves, I have to thank many of you for posting instructions and opinions of what it will take for survival.

But being ready for Y2K begins with mental preparedness. You have to mantally prepare for the "worst case scenario", so that if it does occur, you are ready for it. If it doesn't occur to the severity you imagine, you stand alot taller being ready for the minor inconveniences you will need to work on during a Y2K breakdown. I'd like to think that the nation is in for a "spiritual spanking". What father doesn't discipline his children to make them better people? I'd like to think the same. We will need to turn back to the land, and to God. Things will be bad, perhaps worse than I imagine. But being ready to deal with hardship in a medieval sense can only make us stronger. Mankind must go through some deep dark tribulations to grow in character, but I know we all win in the end. It's getting through it that will be the greatest challenge our society and perhaps the world will ever face.

If a numnut like me, who only has Mac graphic experience can see what's coming and prepare, how much better will all of us be if we heed those warnings and prepare as a whole?

-- Mike Deering (mdeering@wk.net), October 26, 1998

Answers

Anti-gun zealots? Who is the zealot here.

Why would an anti-gun zealot not personally choose the gun laden, armed-to-the-teeth Y2K scenario? For myself, I just happen to have an appreciation for life. I also have faith that some people out there will really walk their talk ... and actually love one another, not kill one another. Like their teacher taught them.

Im willing to die for my beliefs, because I KNOW its not the end. Its just another beginning, on this planet, or if we collectively destroy it, another one out there in that vast star-studded sky we look at but dont SEE. Are you willing to LIVE for your beliefs?

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), October 26, 1998.

Hi Mike,

don't mind the hoplophobic newagers - if it turns into a meltdown scenario, they will become self-eliminating problems (and boy wont they be surprised when they find out what *really* happens next!).

As to this country turning back to God - possible, but doubtful - go back and read Isaiah and Jeremiah...and remember that practicing Christians are no longer the majority in this country.

Arlin Adams

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), October 26, 1998.

Arlin,

Practicing Christians are no longer the majority in this country.

You got that right. How many do you know that are practicing what their teacher preached? If they were, this Y2K focus would be more of the Love Thy Neighbor variety.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), October 27, 1998.

Two Christian y2k leaders, Shaunti Feldhaun and Chuck Missler are advocating y2k as a HUGE ministry opportunity to feed and clothe our neighbors and give them the love of Christ. They are encouraging pastors and communities to get organized to be relief centers for their respective towns. Mike, what is your opinion of this?

-- Donna Mittelstedt (dmittels@csuhayward.edu), October 27, 1998.

>>Arlin,

"Practicing Christians are no longer the majority in this country."

You got that right. How many do you know that are practicing what their teacher preached? If they were, this Y2K focus would be more of the Love Thy Neighbor variety.

Diane <<

Ms. Squire,

I am amazed at the number of non-Christians who preach Christianity! The above quotation is more telling than any of the New Age babble you've spouted so far. The implication that Christians are hypocrites totally destroys your veneer of "tolerance". You do not practice what _you_ preach. But... perhaps that's ok with your belief system.

In an effort to get back on topic, I offer this thought: Only a fool sees trouble coming and does nothing. The Christian prepares for Y2K not out of fear, but from prudence. He prepares for the family members who may be unbelievers (in Christ or the seriousness of Y2K) and the neighbor or the stranger who knocks at the door. He prepares for others who need help, but he also prepares for the individual who's only intent is committing evil.

One bad guy can ruin your whole day.

I pray that we will be able to discern the one from the other.

-- Elbow Grease (Elbow_Grease@AutoShop.com), October 27, 1998.

Mr. Elbow,

My flavor of Christianity is Christ Consciousness others are rather attached to Fundamentalism, others to Catholicism, Baptists, Quakers (Friends), etc. Lets see, how many thousands of churches are there in the U.S. alone?? (Not to mention Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, etc.) Whatever your particular flavor is, frankly doesnt matter to me. You live your way, Ill live mine. And I support your right to do so. I would ask that you reciprocate.

What I noticed is a rather alarming trend within this forum as to the way people are focusing on arming their last stand locations. Yes, some people prepare for Y2K not out of fear, but from prudence. Im seeing and awful lot of FEAR based preparation here. I would much rather see prudent cooperation.

And by the way, only some Christians, Jews, Buddhists, New Agers, etc. are hypocrites. Thankfully most of them are real caring people, who want to celebrate New Years, 2001 and so on.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), October 27, 1998.

Rehashing old topics here, this forum has been through this argument before. I guess this is what will happen when the rest of the public finally understands the threat of Y2K.

-- Buddy Y. (DC) (buddy@bellatlantic.net), October 27, 1998.

>>My flavor of Christianity is Christ Consciousness others are rather attached to Fundamentalism, others to Catholicism, Baptists, Quakers (Friends), etc. Lets see, how many thousands of churches are there in the U.S. alone?? (Not to mention Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, etc.) Whatever your particular flavor is, frankly doesnt matter to me. You live your way, Ill live mine. And I support your right to do so. I would ask that you reciprocate.<<

Ms. Squire,

I didn't ask you for your flavor. You respond to a post with a little off-topic Christian bashing. Now it's "Live and let live." Your precepts need an adjustment.

>>What I noticed is a rather alarming trend within this forum as to the way people are focusing on arming their last stand locations. Yes, some people prepare for Y2K not out of fear, but from prudence. Im seeing and awful lot of FEAR based preparation here. I would much rather see prudent cooperation.<<

From my POV, this forum is very sedate. I am surprised at how well most posters are dealing with the possibility of such a profound discontinuity. What you may perceive as fear could be expressions of shock.

You've stated your proficiency with the bow, [Diane... Diana? Hmmm...] so apparently "arming" is only a matter of degree. I might point out that by the time you've nocked your second arrow, the guy with the AR-15 can squeeze off 5 or 20 rounds. Owning a firearm does NOT automatically imply "Fear-based preparation" any more than owning a bow and quiver of arrows. You've heard about the guy who brought a knife to a gunfight? However, it's only right to urge caution to anyone contemplating buying firearms _for the first time_ solely because of Y2K.

>>And by the way, only some Christians, Jews, Buddhists, New Agers, etc. are hypocrites.<<

Backing away from your original statement? I looked and looked but did not see any mention of New Agers there... Here's reciprocity for you: please keep on-topic.

This has been beaten to death. Have the last word if you wish.

-- Elbow Grease (Elbow_Grease@AutoShop.com), October 27, 1998.