The Machine Stops

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), July 31, 1999

Answers

Pretty good, Andy.

To paraphrase, "Forget the facts, rely on fiction".

Always thought that was where you were coming from, anyway.

-- Hoffmeister (hoff_meister@my-deja.com), July 31, 1999.

Facts have very little to do with the collective "gut feeling" that the Doom Zombies rely on so heavily. After all they can't POSSIBLY be wrong because they aren't thinking, they are feeling.

-- (D@z.F), July 31, 1999.

Au contraire Hoff, unlike you and your friends, I look at the facts, on a WORLDWIDE basis, and yes, combine the indisputable fact that WE HAVE RUN OUT OF TIME WORLDWIDE with my personal gut feeling that things will not be pretty in five months time.

At least we know where we stand - you and your fiends (oops friends) are automatons, in contrast the doomers (tm)[pat. pending] are able to PROCESS the facts and on an INTUITIVE level come to the correct CONCLUSION.

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), July 31, 1999.

Just a minute, Andy. Allow me to barge in on this conversation for it seems the onus is upon you to provide the factual data with regards to just what will happen. I am going to say it again----I am on the fence on this issue----but will be happy to see one of the camp mentalities provide that which they have been unable to provide so far: clear rendering of what will happen. You see, Andy...that is FACT. Your idea that 'we have run out of time' may be quite truthful and yet, may be way off the reality of the situation. In this regard, only time can prove or disprove, and consequently, it is way too early to discen just what is fact and what isn't.

But keep prodding along,all. I enjoy the emotional outbursts that eminate from both camps in this issue. It is when they try to delve into intellect (example----the 'factual' basis in this mess) that I tend to double over in laughter.

-- Bad Company (johnny@shootingstar.com), July 31, 1999.

Kind of amazing how 'gut feelings' become 'indisputable facts' and vice versa so easily. But I did enjoy E. M. Forsters's story.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), July 31, 1999.

There are no facts, only lies, misinformation, Public Relations Obfuscations,and "managed earnings" reports.

It's only too easy to collect those "facts" and demonstrate everything is ok. Proving otherwise is, for the average person, very difficult. For the average engineer a certain amount of dilbertian scepticism (reality dose) is essential.

Both sides in this debate have plenty of "facts" and it isn't exactly easy to tell which facts are deserving of the name. I like to think my technical background helps me separate the fluff from reality, and that my several years monitoring of the reported progress helps put current claims in perspective.

But maybe that's all wishful thinking.

I do know that I haven't seen the kind of data that would convince me conclusively either way. This lack of openness in itself is very disturbing and sufficient reason to engage in preemptive and expensive preparations.

I do not want assurances, promises, or guarantees by "regulators" and other government authorities who couldn't rewire a wall switch or a lamp socket to save their lives.

I want proof, backed up by third parties I can belive in (ie with hardware or programming experience)

-- hunchback (Quasimodo@belltower.com), July 31, 1999.

hunchback:

I assume you're aware of the impossibility of proving a negative, right? Many hypotheses exist which could be disproved if anyone could find a single exception. But they can never be proved.

What you're really asking for is a more credible *indication* that things won't be so bad. But credibility isn't something an indication has intrinsically, it's something you *give* it. The most pessimistic posters to this forum maintain that level of pessimism by refusing to lend credibility to *any* positive indication. And no amount of information can possibly be sufficient to change the viewpoint of anyone who just says "I don't believe it".

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), July 31, 1999.

Quasi, you're missing the point here. Things at this very moment ARE functioning. I want assurances that things will continue to function from the powers that be, and I want assurances from the naysayers that things won't function if either side is to receive any blessing from me.

Odd thing is, neither can do so.

And that is why I have little faith in the camp mentality at this juncture. I've been reading articles and commentary for two years now, and in that time, the same old points are constantly regurgitated from both sides.

Sad to say, the truth is what has been set aside in this matter, and nothing more. With that in mind, I say bring on the date rollover and let's let the chips fall where they may. After all, those who were going to partake in basic preps have done so and those who were dragging their fee t would've done nothing anyway. If we roll the clocks ahead now, we'll all be spared the never-ending, refried banter that has ben around for years now.

Let's cut to the chase. The sooner, the better. Truly, there is nothing new under the sun.

-- Bad Company (johnny@shootingstar.com), July 31, 1999.

Lets see... Natl Guard Preps, FBI cancels leave, Urban warfare training, CIA warning, current glitches, "warming centers, FAA caught lying, missed remediation deadlines, massive generators in DC, Yep, I get a feeling....I forgot Red Cross warning, FEMA warning, command center bunkers,

-- KoFE (your@town.USA), August 01, 1999.