The Book needs one or more chapters on the overall cause of the y2k computer problem -- the failure of (business, government, and techological) control and leadership. There also should be recommendations on how to remedy these problems.

The y2k problem resulted from basic human frailties: (1) The emphasis of short-term pleasures over long-term accomplishments and successes. (2) The failure to understand and monitor a complex area that has life and death consequences. (3) Basing bonuses for business managers on rising stock prices rather than on long-term growth and profits. (4) The failure of leaders to assume their rightful responsibilities. (5) The arrogance and tunnel vision of experts. (6) Putting off unpleasant tasks until it is too late. (7) Inadequate company, national, and international standards and conventions.

The solutions to these problems require the input and cooperation of all concerned parties. This is best accomplished in a friendly atmosphere of give and take. There is plenty of "blame" to pass around to everyone. (Although most of it belongs to the leaders of the three main power centers -- business, government, and technology.)

-- Charles Moorehead (cmooreh890@aol.com), August 13, 1999

Answers

A major problem throughout history: "... the three main power centers -- business, government, and technology." (Power seeking and empire building.)

A problem unique to this era. The technology in use is beyond the comprehension and control of the average man. So much depends on a small technological elite. People of average intelligence need not apply. This started slowly with the industrial revolution, accelerated rapidly during the early 20th century, and has gone asymptotic in the latter part of this century.

Compounding this, I really think people are actually stupider than they were 50 or 100 years ago.

Spencer said: "To protect fools from the effects of their folly is to fill the world with fools."

That is evolution in action in a soft and comfortable world. It TSHTF, there will be a tremendouse "weeding out". Again, evolution in action.

-- A (A@AisA.com), August 19, 1999.

Forgot to mention religion in the power equation. Also the education establishment. Both religion and the education establishment have as an objective to created "sheeple" (sheep people) who unquestioningly accept authority. Don't question some dead story teller's "word of God". Don't question the history or political views promulgated by your teacher. Don't question the necessity of donning a uniform and shipping across the ocean to shoot wogs. Don't question (except to your peers) the pronouncements of the "pointy-haired boss" or the CIO or CEO of your company...

-- A (A@AisA.com), August 19, 1999.

This is going to sound strange, but I think a part of the problem is the proliferation of "magic" in our lives and values.

I haven't got a clue how a microwave really works. I have been told it "agitates" the water molecules. Hmmm, Okay.... (My mind envisions Sally Field enciting picketers outside a factory.)

All I really know is that I read the manual, push the buttons in sequence and it does its thing. If it doesn't work, I retry the magical sequence. During subsequent tries, I may vary part of the magical sequence by substituting, adding or subtracting. If one of these combinations works, I will use the new magical sequence from that point on. If nothing magical works, the label warns me not to open the back of the box. If I can restrain my urge to pick up a sledge hammer, I will take it to the technician, hold it out and beg "fix?"

Surely, most non-techies have done the same thing with microsoft "windows." I can even visualize someone who boots his system always standing on one leg because it worked before. I, myself, have three error messages I have to clear before getting the pretty colored screen and the arrival music. Now, I just hit enter three times automatically when I boot.

There is something sort of "Morlock" (Ref. "The Time Machine,") about the relationship of scientists and techies to the general public. We depend on their alchemy for our basic survival. We honor them with god-like reverence (such as Clinton's "God Squad," who dictated the Forest Ecosystem Managment solution for the northern spotted owl.) Most of us don't know enough to judge and question the vailidity of what they are saying, (note the problems with the O.J. Simpson trial.) IMHO, we have become so used to the "magical" in life that we have become off-balance, both as a society and as individuals. We simply turn our lives and well-being over to the scientist, the doctor, the lawyer, the broker, the electrician, etc. We live on trust handing responsibility for decisions to the so-called "experts," then bemoan the fact that we have no control over our destinies.

I mention this because "science" has become so specialized and technical that it has become "magical" to the average person, politician, manager, leader. The difficulty of this has never been more acutely obvious as it is now with y2k.

Perhaps we need to entertain more "participatory" elements in our lifestyles, schools and economy. Maybe greater and greater divisions of labor aren't such a great thing.

I think I would prefer that my children think of "magic" as the whimsical faeries of middle earth than the process of growing food to sustain their basic needs.

-- marsh (armstrng@sisqtel.net), August 19, 1999.

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." --- Arthur C. Clarke

-- (Hallyx@aol.com), August 21, 1999.