This is a respose I received from a Russian citizen concerning the Y2K problem. ---- "You could have called our opinion on the y2k problem a misinterpretation if our country was in the same position as yours [it is America,I suppose]. However, it isn't. An important factor is that computer guys haven't yet decided whether the problem is as disastrous as you think it to be. It may cause some troubles with credit cards and so on. Or it may not. And even if the possibe consequences are more terrible than a credit card mess,Russian government will NOT do a single thing unless they are absolutely positive that the problem might cause serious damage. It is in America that doesn't have to beg for international loans that may afford 200bln on something that might not happen at all. We have far too many problems to worry over such trifles [in our opinion]. Besides, the y2k problem is not as real to us as it is to you. In America, a woman can't give birth without a computer attached to her. It's true that in our everyday life we have to experience more troubles than you thru lack of computor equipment and so on [and our women do have to suffer in giving birth],butit also has a possitive side- we are less dependent on computerized systems]. And we really don'thave that many credit cards to cause us that much trouble. And another thing - our people can stand anything. That is not Pathetics - that is the reality [we've been standing Yeltsin for the last 8 years] and the way we see ourselves. Believe me, even if something terrible in your merits happened here, no one would be much bothered or surprised. Everyone would soon get used to it anyhow. We are very patient you see. And if you are starving or dying for a job some problem connected with computers and the Y2000 semms unreal and hardly concerns you at all.

-- ThinkIcan (ThinkIcan@make.It), May 28, 1999

Answers

Well said and rings true, but even endurance has its end. Living without electric for two months in Moscow means death for millions. May God truly have mercy on that still utterly corrupt system with respect to those who "cannot tell their left hand from their right".

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), May 28, 1999.

if only we could wish it away,"it won't happen because I don't want it to happen"

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), May 28, 1999.

ThinkIcan,

Thanks for sharing. The mindset of stoical acceptance of that which one feels powerless to change, certainly has resonance over here.

I'm thankful, though, that when we have the will and determination and freedom to change what can be changed, we try, and try again, often until we succeed. (Or fail up in flames).

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 28, 1999.

They may notice a lot of vapor escaping from the nuclear plant down the road. They certainly would notice the radiation sickness.

The poor citizens deserve better than this.

-- Doug (douglasjohnson@prodigy.net), May 28, 1999.

ThinkIcan,

I have heard just about the same from people all over the planet-- of course, substitute someone else for Yeltsin depending on the country that you are talking about.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (info@giglobal.com), May 28, 1999.

"In America, a woman can't give birth without a computer attached to her"

Women give birth all the time its just safer with the right equipment.

I delivered 2 babies this year and the moms could have done it without me! Johnny a paramedic whose skills will always be in demand!

-- Johnny (JLJTM@BELLSOUTH.NET), May 28, 1999.

What do the polly's think the effect of the Russian Governments reaction to how they are handling y2k. [the Russian Government will not do a single thing unless they are absolutely positive that the problem might cause serious damage.]

-- thinkIcan (ThinkIcan@make.it), May 29, 1999.