I couldn't agree more with their analysis. Ed, congratulations on your sucessful presentation!

R.

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www.y2knewswire.com

"If the government decides, in its infinite wisdom, to restrict access to [accurate Y2K] information, then it has not only usurped our freedom, but has also taken upon itself a God-like responsibility for our lives and safety." -- Ed Yourdon, United States Senate testimony, May 25, 1999

The following is a full reprint of Ed Yourdon's Senate testimony. Y2KNEWSWIRE considers this testimony to be one of the most important ever offered on the Year 2000 subject. If, somehow, you don't know who Ed Yourdon is, visit his web site to learn more.

-- Roland (nottelling@nowhere.com), May 28, 1999

Answers

Roland,

Thanks, I appreciate the compliment. I'm still unhappy about the fact that only two of the "regular" members of the committee bothered to show up for the hearing (ex-officio member Senator Stevens from Alaska also showed up, but only for about 20 minutes before he had to dash off for another committee meeting).

I know that lots of things are going on in the Senate, and May 25th was also the day that the Cox report was released ... but the fact remains that we witnesses (who appeared at their invitation, at our own expense, and having expended a considerable amount of time and energy preparing our statements) were speaking to an essentially empty room. To me, that says a lot about the degree of interest, and the sense of urgency (or lack thereof) that the government feels about all of this.

I think Paloma O'Riley had the best comment of all, when she said that all of the concern that is being expressed about panicking and over- reaction is ONLY related to preserving the economy; the politicians and government leaders show no such concern about the lives, health, and safety of the citizens themselves. But as the Clinton camp would, no doubt, remind us, "It's the economy, stupid!"

-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), May 28, 1999.

FM,

Paloma O'Riley brought up that point during the Senate hearing, and pointed out that the state of Colorado is considering such legislation. Senator Dodd seemed a little surprised by the notion, and indicated that was not aware of it. He indicated that he would check it out, and that he might consider incorporating the concept into the business- liability-oriented legislation that's still under consideration.

It tends to reaffirm the other point Paloma made: most of the concern being expressed by the government re Y2K is concern that we do whatever is necessary to keep the economy and the stock market from suffering any interruptions. Little or not interest is being aimed at consumers, and the potential health and safety risks they may be facing.

Ed

-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), May 28, 1999.

Mr. Yourdon,

Given what you've just written, what would you say the chances are that the Senate will legislate some consumer Y2k protection into that reform bill?

Snowball's chance in Juarez?

:)

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), May 28, 1999.

Ed:

I was unable to watch your testimony, but read all of the witness testimony from the transcripts. I thank you and the other witnesses for conveying our concerns most effectively. I am very discouraged to hear that the Committee room was mostly empty, and share your concerns about the implications of this.

I am curious: Were you able to meet with any of the Senators privately? If so, could you characterize the tone and/or content of those meetings?

-- Steve Hartsman (hartsman@ticon.net), May 28, 1999.

FM,

My state, NC, is considering consumer protection legislation as well. I'm not sure what it entails...just found out today.

R.

-- Roland (nottelling@nowhere.com), May 28, 1999.