First, to make my position absolutely clear; I am a "GI", not in the common sense of the term as used here, but "GI" enough to have done some prepping (I live in Wisconsin and have small dependents...). That said, do I think it will be "the end of the world"? Absolutely not. Do I think there will be significant problems? Absolutely. I've already had them at work, and one of co-workers has already lost her job as an indirect result of y2k problems here.

My point, though, and question, relate to y2k pro's constant badgering and ridicule of those people who can't see that "everything will be fine". Apparently what y2k pro does not understand that for most people, a little prepping goes a long way to acquire a little peace of mind in an unsure time.

I used to enjoy y2k's posts because they would make me re-think my own rationale, and I have to credit y2k pro with some of my belief that this will not be the "end game".

However, I have to make the distinction between sharing your point of view, and having a sense of "superiority" over people who you clearly feel are inferior. It takes away from your credibility.

Best regards,

Dan

-- dan (dbuchner@logistics.calibersys.com), June 04, 1999

Answers

he's admitted to storing a bit of food and water himself.....

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), June 04, 1999.

Dan,

Even if you don't expect the worst, please prepare for it just in case.

If you need added incentive, just imagine one of your "small dependents" looking up at you and asking for more water because he's thirsty.

Mine is almost 11 months old now. He'll be speaking soon.

-- nothere nothere (nothere@nothere.com), June 04, 1999.

Dan:

I am sorry if you perceive me as having feelings of superiority. I assure you I do not. Yes, I like to poke fun at those who promote:

NWO theories

Poison contrails,

UN Troops on the Mexican border

Martial Law

Clinton suspending the Constitution

POW camps for GIs

...and a hoard of other fascist claptrap. I also make fun of idiots hoping for the end world. As you know, they are legion on this forum, although few will admit it openly.

One of the great GI lies that they trot out on an almost daily basis is that if you disagree with them, then you disagree with preparing - which is, of course, specious nonsense.

I have not heard one person suggest that people not prepare for emergency situations. Not one. I was in eastern Ontario last year after they had their ice storm. I took the train from Ottawa to Montreal and back again and saw the devastation to the hydro infrastructure. You realize very quickly how easily our creature comforts can be taken away. Preparing is a good thing. Panicking and fomenting panic is evil behavior.

As someone who works in the airline industry doing Y2K remediation, I strongly believe, now more than ever, that Y2K will provide an insignificant technical hurdle. The real challenge is confronting the lunatic fringe that seek to panic people into believing that TEOTWAWKI is upon us. For me, they are the enemy of society and their lies must be challenged at every step.

Best dishes,

-- Y2K Pro (2@641.com), June 04, 1999.

If'n you're concerned about the lunatic fringe, you might have to look elswhere. The vast majority of the people here are typical, main street working folks, from nurses to engineers, to factory working stiffs to drivers, as we can document from the three "What about You ..." threads.

Unfortunately, as a paramedic who does first aid stations for LARGE events, I have to think out as many of the negative events as possible to be prepared to handle them. I have to have a plan in place, if only mentally, for anything from a couple of minor lacerations, to the spill of elephant ear fry grease on 3 or 4 workers to the detonation of a propane tank, to the arival of a severe thunderstorm showing a TVS return on doppler radar, to the possibility that one of the Blue Angels doesn't quite make it the way they planned and does a nose plant in the croud.

Does kicking these things around among fellow first aid practitioners make me a doomer??

Does it make me someone who WANTS these things to happen??

NO to both. It simply means that I am evaluating the posssible sub- optimal occurrences and planning to be able to take care of my self and my responsibilities should any of them occur.

Does kicking around various abhorent and (to many) unthinkable occurences in society with others make me a doomer?

Does it make me someone who WANTS these scenarios to occur?

NO to both. I'm just making sure that I can fulfill my responsibilities.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), June 04, 1999.

Y2K Pro = Norm = Vinnie = and more

-- Quiet (Observer@watching.you), June 05, 1999.