Please check out the Q&A I did recently with Bruce McConnell, Director of the International Y2K Cooperation Center. Better late than never? Hard to say...

Thanks,
Scott Johnson
Editor, y2ktoday

-- Scott Johnson (scojo@yahoo.com), April 12, 1999

Answers

Hi, Scott:

McConnell says he bases his expectations of Y2K's effects on the US infrastructure (power grid, communications) on Koskinen's press releases. He adds that on the international front, "the reports we get from national coordinators may differ from the other information we receive." Once again, doubts are cast on self-reporting. It was Sen. Bennett at the Y2K Food Supply hearings earlier this year who said that self-reporting was invariably too optimistic--"in every case," I believe he said.

Regarding triage and contingency planning, McConnell admits that his group has yet to identify "the biggest potential issues that would have the largest potential effect on the economy and society. . ." And here we are, in the middle of April. Tempus is fugiting. If he doesn't know by now what "the biggest potential issues" are, he has no business directing the International Y2K Cooperation Center. Maybe you could suggest he post the question here. We could give him some suggestions in a few minutes.

Better late than never? W-e-e-ll, yeah, I guess.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 12, 1999.

Old Git, I jes' ask the questions... I certainly don't know all the answers. However, I will say that Mr. McConnell was extremely cooperative and didn't make any effort to duck a single one of my questions. I'm thinking especially of his tacit agreement that government-provided information is to be taken with a grain of salt, and that contingency plans are vital because "we expect that, as a general matter, the reports we get from the national coordinators may differ from the other information we receive."

Also, Mr. McConnell said that cross-border issues under the specter of regional conflicts like Kosovo could become a matter for the UN Security Council, which I was thought was a remarkably frank statement for someone in his position, especially in comparison with some other policymakers.

Let's admit to one another that it is impossible for anyone to dot all the I's and cross all the T's when it comes to Y2K at this point. I'm going to stay skeptical of official pronouncements -- that's a big part of my job, and I think I at least do that part well -- but let's also acknowledge that, maybe, something is better than nothing at this late hour. As you said, "Tempus is fugiting."

Scott Johnson
Editor,
y2ktoday

-- Scott Johnson (scojo@yahoo.com), April 12, 1999.

Scott, didn't mean to imply you're at fault in any way here. I agree, McC was VERY cooperative, refreshingly so, and it's good to have another Person Who Should Know warning us that self-reporting is faulty.

I thought the UN might come in on the Kosovo crisis if it looks as if it's going to get out of hand. I think that's why the UN has been so supportive of Nato thus far--if Nato takes care of the problem then the UN won't have to. Makes sense.

"Let's admit to one another that it is impossible for anyone to dot all the I's and cross all the T's when it comes to Y2K at this point. I'm going to stay skeptical of official pronouncements -- that's a big part of my job, and I think I at least do that part well --" Yep, you do.

"but let's also acknowledge that, maybe, something is better than nothing at this late hour." Absolutely.

Sorry if I came across as too critical. I'll plead a bit of weariness from too much time on the garden and at the vet today. I still think McConnell should have some idea of what issues are going to be important, though. On the whole, it was an informative interview and added some new strands to the giant sifter of knowledge through which we strain Y2K news. Oh that's an APPALLING metaphor. Sorry.

I really do appreciate your seeking out and interviewing people like McConnell. Wish more would emulate your efforts.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 12, 1999.

Git, I didn't take it critical for a second. So no worries!

Scott (working way too late on a Monday night...my eye is starting to twitch)

-- Scott Johnson (scojo@yahoo.com), April 12, 1999.

Wow! You're one-eyed too? [.)]

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 13, 1999.