This article is the last straw - I'll never believe anything y2kNewswire says again.

Http://www.y2knewswire.com/

Hoping For the Worst

September 2, 1999

Certain members of the federal government are fond of pointing out that a few "radicals" are actually hoping for massive Y2K disruptions. They spout highly-politicized buzzwords like, "cults," "hate groups" and "zealots," hoping to sway the public into associating these negative-sounding phrases with any person who doesn't agree with the no-big-deal view of Y2K.

Yet one point goes unmentioned: many government offices and officials actually stand to greatly benefit from Y2K disruptions. In fact, the worse Y2K gets, the more powerful these offices (and individuals) become. Even beyond that, many international governments and groups also stand to benefit from Y2K disruptions.

In this feature article, Y2K Newswire takes a brief look at who is likely to benefit from Y2K and why. A more detailed look is offered in our members-only article. If you're a paid subscriber to Y2K Newswire, click here to log in and read the article.

THE WHITE HOUSE The White House can deflect blame by pointing the finger at so-called "radicals" who actually prepared. All problems can be blamed on "radical Conservatives" thereby justifying a Presidential call to support Democrats in 2000 so that these events are never repeated.

DEMOCRATS All shortages in supplies can be blamed on those who prepared. These people are, by the way, mostly "conservatives." In this way, Democrats can use Y2K disruptions to bolster their own power. In fact, this strategy is already being put into place with the "blame the people" message now repeated by Koskinen and others.

REPUBLICANS Republicans can blame the White House and the Democrats for hiding from the problem, leaving the American people defenseless. The worse Y2K gets, the louder the cries from Republicans to hold Democratic leaders responsible.

REFORM / LIBERTARIAN PARTY MEMBERS In a worst-case Y2K scenario, both Reform Party members and Libertarians will point out that neither Republicans nor Democrats solved the problem. They all remained silent to preserve the status quo. Therefore, the only reasonable solution is to "throw the bastards out" and replace the dominant parties with reformists who will serve the interests of the people, not the power brokers.

FEMA With massive Y2K disruptions, FEMA will be handed broad powers and increased budgets. Instead of passing out checks to flood victims, they'll get to control entire cities.

THE FBI Because the White House is likely to blame some Y2K disruptions on "electronic terrorism," the FBI will demand increased resources to fight the threat.

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT In a medium-case or worst-case Y2K scenario, local law enforcement finds itself greatly outnumbered. In the aftermath of Y2K, police departments will demand increased funds and personnel in order to prevent the same mistakes from happening again.

EMERGENCY SERVICES The same theory holds true with 911, ambulance services, fire departments, and other emergency response services. The vulnerability (and importance) of such services will only become apparent after a crisis has appeared. Only then will the public agree to increase funding.

COMPUTER HARDWARE MAKERS Thanks to the fix-on-failure strategy now widely adopted for embedded systems (hardware), both mainstream hardware suppliers and custom-design shops are likely to experience record demand of a few key parts beginning January 3rd.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS Hired to be either on standby or "on the premises" at midnight, December 31, Y2K programmers will rake in bonus pay at $500 / hour. The more problems appear, the longer they stay on the clock. This is an interesting twist: older programmers got paid to cause the problem, now younger programmers are getting paid to fix it. And when the world finds out that software fixes are never perfect, the same programmers are going to get paid to re-fix the code one more time.

GUN CONTROL SUPPORTERS If guns play any role in Y2K-related violence, gun control supporters will latch onto the event to renew calls for scrapping parts of the U.S. Constitution. What will go unmentioned: episodes where private citizens use firearms to shoot criminals, defend communities, and assist law enforcement personnel in maintaining order.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISTS By timing their attacks to coincide with Y2K disruptions, international terrorists can amplify the impact of terrorism on U.S. soil.

CHINA Happy to hijack any issue that paints the United States as the enemy, China will paint infrastructure failures as an "act of war" by the evil, capitalist USA. How will they do this? Simple: by explaining to their population (through the controlled media) that the United States conspired to "plant" hardware and software they knew was going to fail on January 1. This, combined with the USA's recent bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, can easily be deemed an attack on China's "motherland."

RUSSIA Russia, too, can blame the United States for disruptions and economic difficulties. Using this guilt trip, Russian officials can then appeal to the U.S.-dominated World Bank for additional funds to support their so-called "capitalist movement."

THE MIDDLE EAST By framing the United States as the "creator and distributor of disruptive evil technologies," the Middle East can use Y2K to rile up hatred for the "Great Satan" -- America. In fact, the worse the Y2K-related disruptions get in Middle-Eastern countries that dislike the United States, the more energized these people are likely to become.

OIL-PRODUCING COUNTRIES THAT CAN SHIP OIL Due to the likelihood of many oil-producing countries experiencing Y2K disruptions (and being unable to drill or ship their usual quantities of oil), any country that can actually ship oil to the United States, Japan, or other oil-consuming countries will be able to charge a premium.

GOLD ENTHUSIASTS The worse Y2K becomes, the higher gold prices are likely to climb. Why? Uncertainty always leads to a flight to "safe" investments, and most people consider gold to be one of the safest.

THE GOVERNMENT GAME PLAN In our members-only extension to this feature article, we offer more detailed descriptions of the Y2K "benefits" mentioned above, plus we cover five specific tactics the federal government may put in place in order to leverage Y2K events for political gain. We also describe four specific tactics that enemies of the United States will likely use to achieve their geopolitical goals during the Y2K disruptions. Click here to log in.

-- don weiss (d@w.net), September 03, 1999

Answers

Wow - totally discrediting

-- Paul Avery (Freet@microsoft.com), September 03, 1999.

Yup - it's to get all the wanna-doomers to subscribe and send him their money.

-- Mike Childs (MChilds@hotbot.com), September 03, 1999.

You know, if I had full faith and trust in the people who run this country today, I probably would discount most of the attributes of this story. BUT...... since that is not the case, since too many of our elected officials are so self centered, gearing all of their energies upon saving their own butts.... all I see is a lack of integrity, poor character, and a morality that stinks. How else could you interpret the way things are gearing up as this potential disaster approaches fast. One can only hope that there will be enough men of character that could step up to bat, at the right time, to keep most of these draconian measures from not being put into place. Who will be the ones to take a leadership role in their families, local gov't and elsewhere when the SH'sTF. A lot of prayer (no matter what faith you are) could only help at a time like this.

-- thomas saul (thomas.saul@yale.edu), September 03, 1999.

Yeah - I share your feelings about the politicians, with the notable exception of people like Barney Frank.

But we might really -need- our government to help us get through this crisis. If jerks like this y2kNewswire guy get us to mistrust ALL government elements, many people might miss out on getting the help they need. If this is half the problem it seems to be, we need a WWII mentality of banding together as a country, not hiding in bunkers with our bullets.

-- Don Weiss (d@w.net), September 03, 1999.

I missed the part about them wanting me to die. Are you engaging in the same tactics you are complaining about?

-- Dog Gone (layinglow@rollover.now), September 03, 1999.

Y2knewswire should be called y2knonsensewire.

I wont bother paying attention to them until they get their act together again.

-- hamster (hamster@mycage.com), September 03, 1999.

Just a minute. Before we string up the y2k newswire guy, let me point out his main message.

He is saying that no one in the political establishment gains anything by pointing out that y2k will be bad. Who knows? Everything might be a bump in the road (I know, I know, its unlikely from our perspective, I am just looking from the big shot view).

But if there is going to be a big problem, by best bet is to keep my mouth shut, wait for the disaster and then seize additional authority/budget/prestige/...

So either way, it is to the advantage of the establishment to keep quiet. And all these guys have an agenda if it gets bad.

Is it irresponsible to point this out?

-- David Holladay (davidh@brailleplanet.org), September 03, 1999.

Please do not automatically shoot the messenger on sight. He may have something of value to communicate.

Y2K Newswire's scare tactics are totally transparent. Yes, they want you to plunk down 129 bucks to get "the inside story." However, if you examine the *possibilities* listed, some of them seem quite plausible. Plausible is not definite, but it is worth considering.

And, this mindset is not without precedent. What about the "War on Drugs"? IF our national leaders were truly interested in eliminating drug use in this country, there are much saner tactics than the ones being used. I've seen reports of small rural communities buying surplus army helicopters at a discount to "fight the war on drugs" even though those communities don't have a drug problem. Education and treatment work much better than stiff jail sentences and sending military hardware to poor countries. It's a power game. The evil bugaboo is used to whip up a frenzy, and this gives the power-mongers the opportunity to get what they want. Usually, the bugaboo is never addressed head-on. Doesn't this also describe much of the Cold War?

Look, there are forces at play here that are simply mind-boggling. We have entered a new phase in history, where corporate/political control is global, and the likelihood that some of the players in this game would use a global crisis like Y2K disruptions to consolidate their power should not be considered to be beyond the realm of possibility. Forget about Y2K Newswire's trawling for readership, and look at the way the world works. Then make up your own mind.

-- (Watching@global.power), September 03, 1999.

$500 an hour bonus pay?!?!?

That'll sure feed the babies...........

Deano

-- Deano (deano@luvthebeach.com), September 03, 1999.

Uh, y2knewswire aside, *many* of the points above are valid questions to ask.

Remember there's a 2000 election coming up. Do you NOT think both Democrats and Republicans, et. al., will point fingers and deflect Y2K blame? Not to mention the rest of the world? Wasn't that the intent of the Y2K legislation to deflect blame and "frivolous lawsuits?"

Sure is gonna be "interesting" next year.

To quote a friend in a recent e-mail...

"...And at the political level, it will be interesting to watch: there will be Presidential campaign underway, and the Democrats will presumably argue that there are no serious problems ... while the Republicans will argue that the problems are serious enough to warrant throwing the Dems out of office, but not so serious as to throw EVERYONE in Washington out of office..."

;-D

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), September 03, 1999.

In everything we do collectively as a people in this country, there always seems to be this battle between the haves and the have-nots. why should the Y2K battle be any different. What is the difference between those who are extremely wealthy because of the current ecconomic climate, who refuse to acknowledge the Y2K threat to there empire, and the poor sap who has very little resourses but has put all of his net worth into Y2K preps. Some will say the differents is life and death. One fellow will due what ever it takes, including mass. murder to protect his long built family fortune, were as the other who after researching everthing he could find out about Y2K, rolled the dice, and now waits hopeing he made the wright call. Y2K does not care, the rollover approachith. All the familly fortune wont fix all what has to be done. How does it go, 1% of the worlds population has 99% of the worlds wealth. Apparently the majority dosent rule today, maybe next year that will change. It seems brutal to say, hope for the worst, but the up and coming event may just be one of the most important events ever to be recorded in history, were nice-itys and small talk no longer make sence, were reality will rule the day. I beleive there will be a leveling of the playing feild next year. The question is would the majority be able to rule?

-- Les (yoyo@tolate.com), September 03, 1999.

This NewsWire report was right on target. It's what most people have been saying here all along. I don't understand why some are freaking out about it. Sounds like Polly trolls at work.

-- (jeff@under.the.window), September 03, 1999.

I can't believe that you people think there are a total of 3 elected officials or high ranking beurocrats who give a damn about the sheep.

-- Goldbig (Goldbug@TheMint.com), September 03, 1999.

The powers that be have known about this problem since 1968, when "they" mandated a two digit year. "They" were reminded of the problem in 1984, and continued to let it lie. After 32 years, the chickens will come home to roost. What I'd like to know is, if these twits in charge have not made an adequate effort to repair their double digit code in 32 years, how could ANYONE believe "they" are fit to govern "us"?

-- Hillbilly (Hillbilly@possum.creek), September 03, 1999.

I agree Jeff. Their problem with the article is...?...they think it is scaremongering?

"By timing their attacks to coincide with Y2K disruptions, international terrorists can amplify the impact of terrorism on U.S. soil."

My husband, electrical engineer, relocated us from southern CA because this is his biggest concern regarding the grid.

"politicized buzzwords like, "cults," "hate groups" and "zealots," hoping to sway the public into associating these negative-sounding phrases with any person who doesn't agree with the no-big-deal view of Y2K."

This is true, this isn't speculation anymore. Read their lips!

"many government offices and officials actually stand to greatly benefit from Y2K disruptions"

What is typical government about? Greed and power. What has been used historically to grab power?

"The White House can deflect blame by pointing the finger at so- called "radicals" who actually prepared."

Everyone under the sun will play CYA and point a finger. Do you think those who don't have what you have will ride away peacefully into the sunse, happy because you were wise enough to prepare and willing to sacrifice when you did, and they were not and did not? Not the human beings I've known.

"Therefore, the only reasonable solution is to "throw the bastards out"

How can anyone not see the hope in this happening? If only we had no career republocrats getting fat (and fat heads) off their constituents.

"FEMA With massive Y2K disruptions, FEMA will be handed broad powers"

Duh. Read the EO's.

"THE FBI.... will demand increased resources .....LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.... will demand increased funds...... EMERGENCY SERVICES..... increase funding..."

This is a no brainer.

"), both mainstream hardware suppliers and custom-design shops are likely to experience record demand of a few key parts beginning January 3rd. "

Common sense.

"December 31, Y2K programmers will rake in bonus pay at $500 /hr"

They wish. But who knows yet?

"gun control supporters will latch onto the event to renew calls for scrapping parts of the U.S. Constitution. What will go unmentioned: episodes where private citizens use firearms to shoot criminals, defend communities, and assist law enforcement personnel in maintaining order. "

Already happening. They are practically peeing their pants trying to figure out how to disarm the law abiding civilians and turn them into easily controlled slaves.

"international terrorists can amplify the impact of terrorism on U.S. soil. "

True. Another no brainer. Find out what the government representatives are saying at professional conferences.

"CHINA....explaining to their population (through the controlled media) that the United States conspired to "plant" hardware and software they knew was going to fail on January 1"

Do you think they will blame themselves? CYA is universal. Ditto Russia and Middle East.

"any country that can actually ship oil to the United States, Japan, or other oil-consuming countries will be able to charge a premium. "

Naturally.

"most people consider gold to be one of the safest. "

Only for centuries.

Okay, I'm not plunking down my money to hear more no brainers. My question is, what specifically is your problem with this article?

By the way, as far as the govt. wanting to "kill us" (tsk tsk, inflammatory) have you actually read Al Gore's writings regarding his views on global population? He is not alone.

-- Mumsie (Shezdremn@aol.com), September 03, 1999.

-- Don Weiss commented:

Yeah - I share your feelings about the politicians, with the notable exception of people like Barney Frank.

"But we might really -need- our government to help us get through this crisis. If jerks like this y2kNewswire guy get us to mistrust ALL government elements, many people might miss out on getting the help they need. If this is half the problem it seems to be, we need a WWII mentality of banding together as a country, not hiding in bunkers with our bullets. "

Don, have you had your head buried in the sand for the last few years??

This government had an opportunity years ago to step up to the plate with regard to y2k. They did what they have done for years, opted to get reelected rather than face the music and take the tough measures required.

If y2k is as serious as I believe it will be these politicians will NEVER come out of their bunkers!!

Don, repeat after me 100 times, there is NO LEADERSHIP in Washington DC.

Ray

-- Ray (ray@totacc.com), September 03, 1999.

Wow, do we bite when the government disinformation pollies troll. Yea, let's go out and string up those y2knewswire hacks! This is the last straw! Pleeeeaaaaasssssseeeee!

-- James (b@b.com), September 03, 1999.

I do not expect that there will be a direct U.S. Presidential election in 2000. Now, voting by state legislatures or the U.S House of Representatives, or the elections being simply put off until the emergency abates (remember, this president has decades of actuarial life expectancy left)... Well, any of these would not surprise me.

www.y2ksafeminnesota.com

-- MinnesotaSmith (y2ksafeminnesota@hotmail.com), September 04, 1999.