By Brooke Woitalla
Y2k- One of the most controversial issues of today. Will our computer dependent world fail us? I would personally like to put in my two cents and say, “I think the majority of our population has created a problem that screams paranoia”. Many do not share the views as I do. For instance did you know that it is virtually impossible to buy a power generator right now because the demand is so high.
There are people throughout the country forming communities and heading west for preparation. My own stepfather wants to stock up on ammunition and build a fireplace just in case. Now I can understand some concern regarding civilization, but let’s be realistic here. The same people that create and modify the computer systems of today will still be here tomorrow. We will all wake up in the new millennium in our technologically secure beds with the same minor dilemmas and set backs we have today.
In my opinion the media is going to the extremes through fabricated stories and over exaggeration to obtain publicity. In the event that we do experience a glitch in the operation of our infrastructure it may serve as a wake up call to mankind.
Below is a list of opinions I gathered together to hear what the fellow Mini-Schoolers had to say on the issue.
What do you think will happen with the Y2k problem?
Lacey Landt: It will not be good. I will be hiding in a cave with a lantern and a bear for food.
Shaun Johnson: Human civilization will prevail.
Laura Huberty: Everybody will wake up and go ahhh! Then everybody will eat each other and burn down houses and have tri-pod babies.
Leah Shoberg: People who are prepared will be fine, informed people will be ok, people who don’t believe it will panic and there will be riots but we will be fine after a week.
Cheryl Cermak: Not to worry. A man out there will fix the problem. The only problem will be the cost factor.
JJ Day: Y2k is not the problem. It’s what the people will do because of paranoia.
Doug Berg: I am scared, but it is out of my control.
Chris Hinrichs: It stinks but I’m not worried. Some stuff will get messed up but it’s all good.
Only time will tell just how large or small the Y2k is. Time will also tell which government agencies, corporations and utility suppliers are ready to weather the potential coming storms.