link

``I have a nightmare of CNN cameras in villages or cities where there is no power, no telecommunications, the banking system is broken down, widespread rioting,'' said Utah Republican Robert Bennett, chairman of the Senate's Special Committee on the computer problem.

-- Deborah (info@wars.com), March 04, 1999

Answers

Hi Deb. You beat me to it! I was just getting ready to post this link. Some bump, huh... <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), March 04, 1999.

In same week we are informed that there will be NO POWER OUTS, PERIOD, ANYWHERE in the US.

DOE: No problemo!

[snip]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said Tuesday the nation won't experience electrical brownouts on New Year's Day 2000 due to computer problems at utilities.

[snip]

``I am confident that there will be no power failures with small power companies (or) big power companies,'' Richardson said in a speech at the National Press Club.

``Our electricity grid is in good shape to meet this (computer) challenge,'' he said.

[snip]

He also goes on to say that [paraphrased] the Senate Report is unnecessarily alarming the American public with out-dated information.

-- Lisa (can@top.that), March 04, 1999.

I live in Utah. Senator Bennett is from Utah and is LDS (a morman). I see people in Utah preparing and I bet Bennett has a year's supply of food, etc., just as the LDS Church requires of its members. I'm sure Senator Bennett talks both to the governor and to the president of the Church. He probably would like to tell the rest of the nation, "prepare!" but worries about how to do it without appearing to be a lunatic. He can take care of Utah because this is his state, but his ability to influence other states is obviously not great. Sincerely, Apple

-- Apple (villarta@itsnet.com), March 04, 1999.

My analysis of the electrical situation is that New Year's Day may not be a problem, but later on into the year maybe. The reason is that as the year wears on, systems break and replacements are needed, they may not be there. If the power companies have spare parts stockpiled, their extra parts may run out after several months, and their expectations of getting more parts will not happen. So, with the idea that things will *gradually* get worse, our best electrical situation may be on 1 Jan 2000, and as the year wears on, the whole grid may gradually crumble because the logistical support needed to keep it up may not be there. Sincerely, Apple P.S. If this does occur, it will be accompanied by the government continually telling people,"Things will get better soon!."

-- Apple (villarta@itsnet.com), March 04, 1999.

Yah, SOME bump.

Funny I have that nightmare too.......

Hubby was saying this morning, "it's a bump on the road, on a bump on the road, on a bump on the road, until it's a mountain." Not bad for a lowly Teamster.

-- Deborah (info@wars.com), March 04, 1999.

I believe Bennett was referring to other countries, at least that was my take since the quote was made at the world-wide Y2K summit.

-- Buddy (buddy@bellatlantic.net), March 04, 1999.

that is my take too...that Bennett was referring to off shore.

Got "Bundles for Britain?"

-- Taz (tassie@aol.com), March 04, 1999.

I say the speech on tv when he made that remark. It was definitely about other countries. He made it clear he doesn't believe that is going to happen here.

However, the earlier press release on the Senate report the quote was "Those who think this will be a bump in the road are mistaken".

Now it's: "It will be a bump in the road in America." Obviously\the spin doctors got to the committee just in time.

-- linda (thinkimright@sure.com), March 04, 1999.

"Bump in the road"...

Apparently, the people who say this haven't driven some of the roads in Michigan...some of those "bumps" (potholes) can do some serious damage to rims, suspension, tires, etc.

-- Tim (pixmo@pixelquest.com), March 04, 1999.

Even a small bump hit at the right moment, at the right place, by a civilization hurtling along at high speed is a prescription for disaster!

-- John (JBHager@webtv.net), March 04, 1999.

Some of our bumps here in Florida can jar your teeth and I've seen bumps(Potholes) in Guatemala that you can bury a semi-trailer truck in so I guess it's a matter of interpretation which "bump" you are refering to or call it CYA (cover your...)

-- sue (deco100@aol.com), March 05, 1999.

I once broke a trans-axle hitting one of those potholes...

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), March 05, 1999.