Y2K stands for Year 2000 Catastrophe. Y2K seems to be overlooked for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because people are not aware that there is a Y2K problem because so few are computer literate. Most of the general public, while being exposed to computers, just does not realize how computers have taken over the grueling task of keeping our country running. From writing social security checks to timing traffic signals, keeping banking account records to controlling food stocks at the local supermarket, computers are involved.

Some other reasons include that the general public just doesn't care about Y2K and that the government doesn't want to expose the issue and cause a panic. No one in the world knows what's going to happen. Y2K could cause chaos and destruction, or just pass over as if nothing happened. The real question on my mind is what's going to happen to when the world hits midnight on January 1, 2000?

Dale Kasler explains, "The Y2K problem is this: Many computer programs recognize years only by the last two digits, rendering them incapable of telling the differe

Many businesses have overlooked the Y2K problem, according to Tasha Getlin; "twenty-three percent of all companies and government agencies have not started to address the Y2K issue. By addressing this issue it could cause panic to their customers, but if you tell your customers that the Y2K problem is under control and you don't have it under control; you opened yourself up to a lawsuit" (5c). Isn't it better off to have the Y2K problem under control and be ready so it will not cause a panic or a lawsuit from the customers?

Staves, Rickey. Personal Interview. 23 March. 1999.

Available http://www.sacbee.com/news/beetoday/newsroom/biz/103098/biz05.html.

There are warning signs that this problem does exist. "Honolulu's electric utility system recently ran a series of computing tests on the city power grid to see what would happen on January 1, 2000. The power system simply stopped working" (Hyatt 8). "In Kansas, a 104-year-old women was given a notice to enter kindergarten" (Hyatt 9).

Take a look at the world around you. Take a good look. When the new millenium dawns, will it be the same, or will the world be chaos and destruction all around you? Only you can answer this question.

I have explained why Y2K has been overlooked and a few areas where it is being overlooked. The government has downplayed the Y2K issue. They have taken this problem for granted by not taking action in the past, leaving the issue to be dealt with by the legislature in session in the year 2000. Hospitals have taken risks with public health by not having a Year 2000 plan. Businesses have not even begun to address the Y2K issue relating to their customers, leaving themselves to open lawsuits. Banks may not have enough money to give to their depositors when people start stocking up on cash at the end of this century. Y2K problem is not only an U.S. problem; it is a global problem.

Martin, Larry. Testimony before Congress. President of Data Dimensions.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Data Dimensions, Catastrophe Y2K, Isn't Y2K, Y2K According, Y2K March, Dale Kasler, Y2K American, Tasha Getlin, Consultants President, Ready Y2K, january 1 2000, january 1, y2k issue, 1 2000, overlooked y2k, cause panic, y2k overlooked, 2000 compliant, taking action, care y2k, issue cause panic, address y2k, address y2k issue, start taking action, lack awareness y2k,
Approximate Word count = 1526
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)