Fiction not facts says Y2K action group [UK]

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

Apologies if this has already been posted.

Link

A Y2K action group is calling on the Government to put an end to its Facts Not Fiction campaign.

The latest round of the campaign will see a copy of the What Everyone Should Know about the Millennium Bug booklet delivered to every house in the UK by the end of this week.

The booklet and surrounding advertising campaign is costing #9.4 million.

However, the Y2K Community Action Network says it is misleading and a waste of taxpayers' money.

A press release from the group said it was time the Government stopped "propagating misinformation and started telling the truth to the public about Y2K while there is still time for this to make a difference".

It went on to say: "The booklet urges the public not to stockpile any food or supplies, saying there is absolutely no reason to buy in extra food just because of the Millennium Bug.

"This policy of blithe reassurance is in stark constrast to the official advice given to the public in the USA, New Zealand and Japan."

It said The American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Senate Special Committee on Y2K are advising all US citizens to stockpile food, bottled water and other supplies to cover several days.

Japan and New Zealand have just issued similar advice.

Y2K CAN says similar advice should be issued here, where so-called Y2K experts say local power cuts, problems with water quality, telecommunications malfunctions and longer term hiccups in the food supply chain are all possible.

The group suggests "insurance model" style Y2K preparations are the way to go.

"While it is not known which areas will be affected by disruptions, it makes sense to prepare in case of localised difficulties, and also problems with the international supply chain, " its press release says.

"If the authorities in the USA and elsewhere are actively urging people to prepare for Y2K in this way, Y2K CAN ask why is the UK Government failing in its duty to prepare the British public adequately?

"Some have expressed suspicions that this may be more Government misinformation similar to the BSE and GMO fiascos.

"In leaving the public in the dark while keeping their fingers crossed, the Government is taking a massive and irresponsible gamble with the welfare of every person in the country - a gamble which Y2K CAN believes they should not be taking.

"Y2K CAN calls on the UK Government, as a matter of urgency, to halt this expensive and misleading propaganda campaign."

The group also called for the Prime Minister Tony Blair to follow the advice of Taskforce 2000 executive director Robin Guenier who last month said the focus must now shift to minimising disruptions.

"We call on the Prime Minister to give a proper lead," the group said.

"This is an emergency and only his personal involvement and intervention can change the course of events."

-- Steve (hartsman@ticon.net), November 25, 1999

Answers

Bastards!!!

-- rational doomer (doomer@big.time), November 25, 1999.

LOL.

"If the authorities in the USA and elsewhere are actively urging people to prepare for Y2K in this way, Y2K CAN ask why is the UK Government failing in its duty to prepare the British public adequately?"

Oh help! I just can't stop laughing. Actively???

Someone else's grass is always greener. Flip of the flop.

;-D

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), November 26, 1999.


The USA has a "3 day storm" sort-of-maybe advice/opinion coming from Up High, depending on who you ask. In the UK there is a single line, and the pertinent quote is that "there is absolutely no reason to buy in extra food just because of the Millennium Bug". In a grind rather than a bump or crash, those three days could make a big difference. :(

-- Colin MacDonald (roborogerborg@yahoo.com), November 26, 1999.

Actually, didn't the Brits "borrow" the "there is absolutely no reason to buy in extra food just because of the Millennium Bug" advice from our Fearless Leader?

It's astounding and disheartening that such a conservative preparedness recommendation ("3 day storm") isn't universally accepted and spoon-fed daily. It seemed like that was happening with Kosky, then Boris Badinoff came in to "save the day", and proclaim that there wasn't a thing to worry about (except perhaps his daughter's well-being at a Stanford pep rally/New Years bash).

There are truly days when I want to scream at the unmitigated insanity of it all. I've had several of those recently. Our leaders deserve whatever hell they get should TSHTF. Of course, they won't suffer nearly as much as those who they are supposed to serve and represent will. So much needless and preventable suffering.

Unless we're all wrong, of course. I sure hope that's the case.

-- counting down (the@days.now), November 26, 1999.


So.. the brits are spending #9.4 million to tell the citizens to not do what they are already not doing?

Hey.. might be a good plan.

DON'T THINK OF PINK ELEPHANTS !

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), November 26, 1999.



Moderation questions? read the FAQ