The technology committee of the Bar Association asked me to write an article about the y2k problem. I am sure they expected me to tell you to check and update your computers as well as those of companies and banks with which you deal. But I am not going to tell you either that or of horror stories of what might happen on 1/1/00. Why? Because I think the whole thing is a hoax. I equate the y2k problem with the "oil crisis" of the Carter years. For those who do not know about the "y2k problem" go back in your shell and don't worry. For those that are becoming paranoid by all the television and news articles' claim of doom and gloom, you are playing right into their hands. A lot of people are making a lot of money on "fixing" the y2k problem. I am not saying that some machines somewhere might have minor problems upon the turn of the century, but it is my belief that when you wake up Saturday morning, January 1^st, the World will still be spinning and life will continue as usual.

     Personally, I don't think of it as a y2k problem but as a y2k solution. I think it would be great if the bank's computers fail, I have two mortgages and a home equity loan that would be wiped out. Maybe the problem will effect AT&T computers so they are forced to going back to a single page bill, rather than 15 pages of explanations for $28.00 in long distance calls. I can't imagine the y2k problem effecting power from BG&E, my power goes out now when the weatherman even predicts rain. Who would notice if the Government computers failed? They don't work now. And of course, the phrase "it was a y2k problem" will now replace "it was a computer error".

     For myself, I plan to be on an airplane New Year's Eve going on a ski trip. I expect the plane fares to be down, and get excellent service on a plane that is almost empty.

     Bookmark this article and save it, for on 1/2/2000, when everyone else says "I wasn't worried" you can show them that I was the only person to put it in writing that the y2k problem is a hoax.

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