Y2K Reports

March 9, 1999

Just say Y2K and you are certain to get a reaction from people if not a debate. It seems everyone has an opinion about what the year 2000 will bring. But trying to find established facts is sometimes difficult. That's why a special Senate panel report has caused such a flurry.

Senators Robert Bennett and Christopher Dodd even include a letter to their Senate colleagues describing the problem. They call it a "worldwide crisis" and "one of the most serious and potentially devastating events this nation has ever encountered."

The report represents the most comprehensive assessment of the Y2K problem to appear as companies and governments continue to examine and fix their computer systems. The report found that more than 90 percent of doctors' offices and 50 percent of small- and medium-sized companies have not addressed the Y2K problem. On the other hand, the report stated that phone systems will work and planes will not fall out of the sky.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the report (at least to me) was how little computer experts knew about the potential impact of the millennium bug. Even though computer experts have sifted through millions of lines of code, most could not give a clear assessment of how the Y2K problem would affect society at large.

Meanwhile Clinton administration officials still seem to be downplaying the Y2K problem. Some predict that it will be like a severe winter snowstorm that causes inconveniences but little lasting harm. Congressman Steve Horn says a congressional report shows that federal agencies are doing better. In the past, the federal government has received a grade of F, then D. The lastest grade he gives is a grade of C+.

These latest government reports are cause to reassess our preparations for the year 2000. The studies seem to indicate that Y2K will be more than a bump in the road.

I'm Kerby Anderson of Probe Ministries, and that's my opinion.