Apologies if already posted or OT:

Ready for Y2K: the State of International Preparation (December 13, 1999)

-- Anonymous, December 13, 1999

Answers

After reading what appears to be a substantial effort to diffuse last minute panic, I feel compelled to share the incredible amount of cognitive dissonance which I am experiencing. In the longer run (ie., post January 1st) no one could really believe that the dissemination of disinformation could be truly helpful, but only a tremendous disservice to the general public. Consequently, I find myself wondering, am I WRONG to be taking the precautions I have, and in motivating others to do the same? Then, I listen to the news, and I hear the newscasters calling those who attempt to prepare "crazies" (particularly when there is a tragedy), even as they go on to the next subject, which lately has been the sad state of y2k readiness of water reclamation districts. These are schizophrenic times, at best times of incredible "dissociation" from reality of providing useful service to the community of listeners (media)and consumers. I believe there is already an unraveling of the social fabric - or perhaps, it's just the dirty underwear showing. Without good water, there may be a lot of dirty underwear. In a country founded on principles of democracy, which assumes some basic levels of competency for a voting public, shouldn't there be just enough trust that the use of manipulation through lack of information or through disinformation would be considered unnecessary, if not simply wrong? Back to electricity. More facts hot off the press, to counterbalance the disinformation: In Chicago, Com Ed continues to declare that there is nothing to worry about. However, the City has gone deeply into debt (facing falling bond ratings) in its efforts, among other things to provide generator back up for crucial operations, such as at the water pumping stations (in case of the fires which the news says will most likely be started by residents whose generators malfunction on New Years Eve), and such.

-- Anonymous, December 14, 1999