Since the middle of September I have given five local (central NJ area) presentations in which I analyze the factors which contribute to the high risk associated with y2k. Despite advertising in several local papers plus the Star Ledger and Currier News, the average turnout has been no more that 7, and many of these people appear to have known quite a bit about the problem already.

My presentation for our township committee not only revealed almost a total ignorance of risks and essential community action required, but most disturbing of all was their lack of interest to become y2k educated. They were much more concerned that I may be scaring people since my presentation was taped by the cable service for later viewing. This intellectual arrogance on the part of our local leadership, is the single greatest hurdle we y2k alarmists must scale. For those in the trenches who are attempting, or are planning to give similar presentations, my only suggestion is to keep chipping away since we all know a reality check is a scant two months away.

Although I'll admit to more than a little frustration, I am gratified that those who have sat through the (1 to 1 1/2 hour) presentation have come away with an awareness that will not be easily placated by the sugar-coated, y2k 2 minute spot on the 11 o'clock news. What they do with this information, I have know idea. However, personal contacts with those who I have "converted" indicate that they are not doing anything to prepare. What else is new?

Roger Altman

-- Roger Altman (rogaltman@aol.com), November 06, 1998

Answers

Human nature does not change. Those that Noah warned of the coming flood didn't prepare either. But I guarantee you there were a bunch of them headed for that ark after the rain started. Those of us who have prepared will see that same situation, and this time they won't all drown before they get to where we're at.

The moral of this story is: Be prepared. Not only for yourself and your family, but also for those who show up with nothing.

-- Nabi Davidson (nabi7@yahoo.com), November 07, 1998.

Sobering news, keep up the effort(s).

At least this end of the horse is pulling for you. Now which end of which horse has the brains, and which end has the a**hole we don't know yet, but .....

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), November 07, 1998.