Hate to think of myself as a pessimist..but I must admit I've been pretty gloomy about events surrounding 2000. I'm starting to think that when it comes to world events I must be standing way outside the popular beliefs of most americans. That doesn't mean I think I'm wrong,but it does bother me that so many things that seem "big to me don't seem to bother 95%? of the rest of the population. As a matter of fact, I am astounded at Americas seeming lack of concern about so many things that should cause much concern.. Some examples.. This week most media have absolutely been an embarassment in the way they have toaded to the to the Kennedys. Really!..While the real news stories that could have profound effects are put on the last page. Isn't the fact that China and Taiwan are rattling sabres rather loudly big news? It should be...Isn't it alarming that North Korea, a country completely paranoid about the west and South Korea is ready to test a missle that has a range of 3500 miles?..and that same country is standing eyeball to eyeball with 35,000 american soldiers?..Does it bother you somewhat that Russia has missiles and nuclear power plants that we suspect are not safe for y2k? It's no big deal that our president was given a 'get out of jail' card after the most smarmy acts in our oval(oral)office?(oriface)Doesn't it send a small tingle down your spine to know that the world economy is in dire straits and that it could collapse at any time? Does it bother you att all tthat some terrorist may at this minute be bringing a suitcase nuke into this country,purchased from a corrupt,greedy Russian technician? Perhaps you are aware of all these things and more. Perhaps I'm not a pessimist ,but a realist?

-- citizen (lost@sea.com), July 23, 1999

Answers

citizen,

Don't you know your suposed to be eating soyburger and vacationing at this time of year? How dare you remain awake in all the FCC, travel industry, ocean communities, public parks, etc..., have to offer. Now go back to sleep and don't worry your pretty head about a thing, cause Unc Sam is taking care of everything. And by jove were about to offer you a tax break to sleep even more.......rant off

-- R. Wright (blaklodg@hotmail.com), July 23, 1999.

Citizen

You are not alone, there are many of us who have the same uneasy feeling deep down in the back of our minds that all is not well with the general population. There are just too many possible difficulties looming on the horizon for one of them not to alter our way of life.

Don't take the crusty manner that you will some times meet here. To heart. For they are all (except for a certain few trolls). Willing to help you, even if it is to just to let you know that you are not alone in your worries about the future. ~~~~ Shakey

-- Shakey (in_a_bunker@forty.feet), July 23, 1999.

Don,t feel alone, the handwriting is on the wall.how about=spiritual GET-IT? knowledge without=WISDOM. = FAILURE. the fear[respect] of GOD is the beggining of=WISDOM. how far has so-called knowledge brought= us? the problem= BIG HEADS--small hearts. flame-on.

-- sadman. (dogs@zianet.com), July 23, 1999.

Citizen,

Yeh, you get it all right. There's a major disconnect going on now. On the one side we have the confirmed Polly crowd telling us it's all overblown and not a big problem. We'll handle it as it fails (if it fails) in a few days or so. And the official government statements about "we're OK, but the world will have problems." That sort of thing that the public at large, and most people in particular want to believe.

However, on the other side of the picture is the tremendous preparations going on officially behind the scenes. National Guard units buying and installing more generators, testing HF emergency radio communications in case of telephone failures, DoD memos to the bases to be ready for callout starting Sept. 1st, the Prez polishing up the executive orders for martial law, the State Dept telling it's people to be ready to evacuate foreign posts, the CIA warning of fuel supply problems world wide, etc, etc, etc.

So, what's the truth? The happy face public stuff, or the behind the scenes emergency preps? If the world at large is in such bad shape, as even Koskinen admits, do we escape it all? Who makes so much of what we take for granted? Take a look at the labels on your "things" from disposable lighters to television sets. None of that stuff is made in the US anymore. Even Sen. Bennett, bless his soul, is telling people not to take a bunch of money out of the bank. Why? Because any run on banks would immediately crash the system. Of course the Feds won't let that happen, because they will put stops on withdrawals, even declare bank holidays if need be. But that will really alarm the public and they will create runs on other things they decide they need. So, you get to decide where the truth is, Polly or Gloomer?

-- Gordon (gpconnolly@aol.com), July 23, 1999.

citizen,

Sorry about the comeback. I agree with you totally. It's not only the actions of foreign countries that bothers me. Might I add our Fiat money. How about those puters IBM sold to China? Spinless Congress? India/Pakistan? Wait a minute, here comes Jan/Feb 2000. We gonna make it? How bout the new and improved Isreali situation? Jes*% C#$%@! I'm starting to see red again.

-- R. Wright (blaklodg@hotmail.com), July 23, 1999.

Before I begin: al-d I see you!

Citizen,

You are not alone. No way, no how. You just summarized the thoughts and fears of 90 % of the people that frequent this site.

I have brought up every one of your potential conflicts at one time or another in the last month.

As for Kennedy, by all account he was a good man. I have no particular love for the Kennedy clan overall, but this one seems to be worthy of mourning.

For all the Conservatives out there, Captain Ron (President Reagan) is not doing well. Lets all put him in our prayers.

Requests:

Hardliner, your opinion please.

Decker, I would like to here your view of Ronald Wilson Reagan

All others are very welcome........

-- MidWestMike_ (MidWestMike_@hotmail.com), July 23, 1999.

citizen:

Yep, your line of thinking is definetly out of the box, like the majority of the people that frequent this forum and we are aware of the dangers facing us.

Let's take a moment to be sorry that JFK Jr. did not have a father for most of his life to teach him the responsibility and rites of manhood that only a father can impart to his son. I feel that in the end it will be our loss.

The people sleep now............ In what mood will theybe in when they awake?

-- B (hunting@nm.com), July 23, 1999.

America is the ultimate consumer society and ... it does not like to consume *difficult to understand* news that could be bad!!

-- Will (sibola@hotmail.com), July 23, 1999.