Please bare with me while I try to set the mood...

Many like me, without IT experience, recognize that the world didn't suddenly shift into another dimension or alternate reality when the push to become Y2k compliant or ready became important to management, etc.

The simple fact that there was no sudden reality shift is true for both private and government entities. The world today is more or less the world it was only 2 or 3 years ago. Problems arise daily, budgets become an issue, people become ill, etc.

While some seem to rail against others who see black helicopters and white buses around us these same individuals also seem to believe that once an organization decides it is important to work on Y2k issues all other issues faced by the organization become non-existant. Who are the real believers in little green men?

What I'm leading to is this...the government and it's political players are now beginning to posture themselves for a budget fight. It may well be that the government could even shut down for a period of time. This isn't without historical precedent and it seems the last time it happened someone had way too much free time on his hands.

In thinking about this what I am left with is simple a question.

If the government does shut down or these political fights cause distractions will those professionals currently working to remediate systems and make contingencies continue to work? Can they work if the government is shut down?

This is coming at the same time a revelation like;

"U.S., Russia Working On Y2K 'Hotline' Glitches"

Link

Could this situation possibly happen at a more inopportune time? They are only NOW finding out about this?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Mike

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-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), September 28, 1999

Answers

In a Federal Government "Shut down", mission essential personnel keep working.

-- Nana (drac@mediaone.net), September 28, 1999.

Mike,

I'm kinda an equal opportunity skeptic.

When you wrote: "...the government and it's political players are now beginning to posture themselves for a budget fight"

I'm thinking 'what's new?'

It's probably been a good ten years since the state of calif issued warrants instead of paychecks when they couldn't agree on a budget.

Yes, it's going to be fascinating to watch, but I think covering our water issues is a more fundamental thing for us westies to worry about.

Take care, be well, & I'm sorry if I'm more than a little terse these days.

-- flora (***@__._), September 28, 1999.

"Please bare with me while I try to set the mood... "

Now *there's* a pickup line. Too bad you can't hear the spelling. I like the direct approach.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), September 28, 1999.

Nana, thanks. That is what I want to hear. I don't want to think that politics could cause an organization that is 98 ready to slip because a budget agreement couldn't be reached.

flora, I'm speaking more of federal governments than state or local governments but I get your message and I think you're right on. Water and preps should be first priority. I may still get frustrated, however, if Washington plays continues to play politics as usual at such a critical moment in our history.

Flint, I've actually never used a "pick-up line". I've been happily married for over 13 years and together with my wife since I was 15. At that age, I hadn't much of a clue about much of anything including "pick-up lines".

By the way, Flint, sorry, but personal preference in writing style is not the issue here. Were you so distracted by the "style" you couldn't see the substance or the content? If you could offer something more substantial regarding the issues rather than a critique of the setup and the question that would be helpful.

Thanks,

Mike

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-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), September 28, 1999.

Michael:

Your post is very good, I was just amused by my mental picture of an offer only a woman could refuse [grin].

In any case, y2k has likely not been anywhere near the top priority of any organization yet. For most, it's just one more IT job or engineering task, not the most pressing or important even within the IT or engineering department. This isn't to say it shouldn't be top priority, just that it isn't.

Of course, I tend to regard these lower priorities as being rationally assigned by reasonably sane people. Life goes on all around y2k pretty normally, whether it should or not. We'll just have to see what priority y22 *should* have received, and by whom.

-- Flint (flintc@mindspring.com), September 28, 1999.

Congress will come through with a "continuing resolution" again like they have for the last several years to allow spending at current levels for the next 3 weeks. They act like a bunch of spoiled children fighting over their allowance. Father Klinton instead of showing leadership just sits there waiting for the bills so he can veto them and show how brilliant he is and how dumb Congress is. Federal agencies can not plan their work and have enough trouble planning it without knowing how much is availible to spend.

-- Not impressed. (duh@dumb.gom), September 28, 1999.

lol Flint...I'll just have to live vicariously through your experiences ; )

Thanks, I like that answer. I confirms my belief that you're not the kind of Polly that some paint you out to be. Personally, I think we share the belief that regardless of what ever Y2k brings the most essential factor is that all previous generations have made due through difficult times. Unfortunately, of course, we don't get to hear stories from those who didn't make it through those difficult times alive.

Thanks.

Mike

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-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), September 28, 1999.