As we approach the much anticipated rollover, and having been a regular lurker and participant in this great forum, I feel that I must make a few observations relative to everything that has been going on.

Regardless of all the hype, hysteria, unfounded rumor or meaningless press releases, nobody really knows exactly what will happen with Y2K or to exactly what degree of severity. Most people who have followed the issue seriously know, understand and accept that.

So, with all of the uncertainty it follows there is going to be more than a little fear, irrationality, anxiety, etc. This is normal and entirely human. Fear of the unknown. Fear of anything substantial that is still pending. If we did not experience these emotions, we would be turnips, not average folks trying to reinforce the seams of our lives.

Like many of you, I have my fears and concerns. As I posted to our man Flint the other night, I reserve my right to be worried. That does not mean that I am sitting here pondering the arrival of Armageddon. TEOTWAWKI has never been an issue for me. My highly specific concerns about Y2K have been spelled out previously...Oil, Electricity, Human suffering and finally, related issues of Liberty, such as TPTB, Martial Law, Comrade Clinton, etc, etc, etc.

As this event unfolds before us, may I ask all of you to make a valiant effort to retain some perspective. Be concerned, even afraid to a degree if that will motivate you and keep you alert, but do not go off the deep end. I like the thoughts of Jim Lord on this point... that America is stronger, more resilient and better prepared to respond and adapt to any significant changes that may take place.

Believe me, I'm not happy about facing anything nasty. Y2K and what MIGHT happen (emphasis on MIGHT is deliberate) is not conducive to feeling well and having the desire to get on with the plans for your life. So, to all of the hardcore Doomers I say "Keep your powder dry but be sure to keep your cool as well." To our equally hardcore Polly friends, "I hope you are correct, although my gut instincts tell me you are not."

Me? I'm staying right at my "7" and making every humanly possible effort to stay out of harm's way.

I wish everybody in here the wisdom and clarity of judgement to make that same effort.

Now, I just hope we can keep this forum up and running during rollover...

Thanks.

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 28, 1999

Answers

Well spoken!

-- Polly-Morphic Doomer (greenem31@aol.com), December 28, 1999.

I like the thoughts of Jim Lord on this point... that America is stronger, more resilient and better prepared to respond and adapt to any significant changes that may take place.

If this is the case, that the United States is "stronger", "more resilient" and "better prepared" what will you do dealing with the rest of us mere mortals around the world?

-- gary elliott (gelliott@real.on.ca), December 28, 1999.

Gary...I don't believe for a moment that Jim Lord was using those terms in any negative way. IMHO, the interpretation is quite simple. Because of our basic strengths and foundations in law, character, economy, etc, the view is that the United States is in a better position to cope than many other nations. Like anybody, we could be hit hard by Y2K or possibly not at all. I'm both puzzled and upset that you interpret these remarks as a "shot" at other people and places. That is not the case.

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 28, 1999.

You are right, some people are unable to accept reality at either extreme. For example on another message board that pertains to this, I came across a post several weeks ago from a young mother of two small children. She was fightened to the point of desperation. She said she was scared of the end of the world, she was not ready to die and she did not want her children to die either, and wanted to know what she could do. It is evident that she had exposed herself to some of the wild eyed religious fanatics. A wise old head, (not me) advised her to seek professional counseling, not from the board, but from a professional. Now this is what all this hype real or imagined is doing to those whose minds are on narrow borderline. We must be extremely careful about our words whethe what we say is true or not. We have no idea of who is reading our posts.

-- Notforlong (Fsur439@aol.com), December 28, 1999.

Thank you Irving, well said. If everyone keeps their heads while all about them is losing theirs, we'll be able to hold this country together. I wish no one ill, and I hope Y2k is not even so much as a BITR, though I'm prepared for at least a 7. We, as a family, and we, as a nation, have pulled together through thick and thin before. To the TPTB, all I can say is they have to face their maker when all is said and done....may He be merciful as they have not.

-- justme (justme@myhouse.com), December 28, 1999.

>>>I wish no one ill, and I hope Y2k is not even so much as a BITR<<<

Amen! Thank you.

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 28, 1999.