Did anyone see Koppel's interview of the Chinese government spokesman about the mass detention of Falun Gongs on Nightline last night?

Koppel gave the government spokesman unmitigated hell (and rightfully so) for China's refusal to allow investigative reporters to delve into the details of the story.

So I'm sitting there shaking my head wondering why the American press is more concerned about bird-dogging the detention of a few thousand Chinese than with the veracity of compliancy claims upon which Western Civilization delicately rests.

I have never heard of a big-name "journalist" insisting that the US government or multi-national corporation submit to serious investigative reporting of its readiness claims.

Go get'em Ted. It's real hot in Beijing this summer, so get your Ray-Bans, Ban de Soleil, Evian and your snappy linen correspondent's shirt complete with nifty little weenie epaulets and go after those Chinese meanies. China needs change and your just the man to do it. You can do it Ted.

But is Duke Energy compliant? Well, gosh, if they said so it's got to be true right? How about that power company they just bought in Brazil, I'm sure there are no problems there right?

Have Exxon and Mobil been called into Congress to testify under oath about their refineries, ports, shipping. Don't worry about that stuff Ted. China, that's the story.

Why bother.

-- Puddintame (achillesg@hotmail.com), July 29, 1999

Answers

Why bother? Good question Puddintame, and one that's increasingly hard to answer positively. The movement of the herd toward the cliff continues unabated, it seems.

I realized months ago that what is coming cannot be altered through my puny efforts. Now, I only address Y2K when someone honestly seeks my opinion. Fortunately, my immediate family (physical, by marriage, and spiritual) are for the most part preparing for the tough times that lie ahead.

I wish all of you the best, even the pollys who have made destroying this forum their life's goal. Something wicked this way comes...

-- Nabi Davidson (nabi7@yahoo.com), July 29, 1999.

I agree. I'm just about spun out on it all myself. This last thing - my posts about the grid, and August 21, and my first ever post to this forum, about the 13 month year, this was my last effort to find sanity in a world that has none it seems. Thank God I have a healthy garden on 10 acres, behind a locked gate, on the other side of a river, many miles from major population centers. Thank God there are friends there, holding that space, while I slave away in the city, getting the last bit done. Thank God August 13 is only two weeks away.

-- Tim Castleman (aztc@earthlink.net), July 29, 1999.

Sorry Puddintame, here's my vote for Dope Of The Day... <:)=

Is Sen. Phil Gramm an idiot, or what?

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), July 30, 1999.

Yes, Ted Koppel and Sam Donaldson don't mention Y2k much, but don't let that fool you; I bet they're stockpiling toupees bigtime.

-- Tim (pixmo@pixelquest.com), July 31, 1999.

Syrups Tim, syrups.

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), July 31, 1999.

Puddintame,

Why Bother?

Because you are compeled to do what is right. It is reasonable to do the right thing. If you question that, you deny your reason for being.

Just trust yourself, and what difference you can make, will be enough.

Father

-- Thomas G. Hale (hale.tg@att.net), July 31, 1999.

Hey I was actually able to get a full y2k spiel to an active listener last night in under 6 minutes - I try for 5. Her hair resembled Don King's when I walked away - ;-D Who knows maybe even just a little bit of the prep part stuck? I sure hope so!

Hey, whaddya doin watchin Kopple or Donaldson? Eh? :-)

-- Mitchell Barnes (spanda@inreach.com), July 31, 1999.