Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : 2000: Y2K Civilized Discussion -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jeff Mizer who wrote (639)	10/12/1999 8:56:00 AM
From: Lane3	Respond to of 662

OT Jeff, I'm very interested in your observation: "I guess such self reliance goes against the grain of the Socialist mentality that has finally overtaken this nation in last 15 years or so." My own observation is that things are headed in the opposite direction. Maybe it's the difference in our ages. I've got 20 years on you. I used to think that things only moved in one direction because in my lifetime all movement had been in one direction. I can remember well when it seemed like we were on a slippery slope to Socialism. The word "charity" became a four letter word and health, wealth, and happiness became entitlements. I also remember well when I thought I saw a change of direction. It was just after Ronald Reagan took office. I remember the timing because I assumed a cause-and-effect relationship. The place was the letters to the editor in the Washington Post, which I read daily for many years. The formula used to be that letter writers would observe some problem, expand on it for a couple of paragraphs, and then close by saying that the Federal government ought to do something about it--as though that were the only possible way to solve any and all problems. Over a period of just a few months, the formula all but disappeared. At the time, I found the change abrupt and startling. Since then, I think the movement is definitely away from Socialism although perhaps not as far or as quickly as you would like. Since your observation is directly contrary to mine, I would be interested in hearing why it is you think the last 15 years have been moving toward Socialism. I apologize to the thread for the off topic message, but since the dialogue has dried up for whatever reason, I thought I would make this post to Jeff as a public one. I don't know that it's entirely off topic since much discussion here has focused on the role of the Federal government in Y2K. I have been surprised to read all the postings about how the Feds aren't doing as much as they should about Y2K from many people I would have expected to generally advocate a minimalist role for the government, particularly the Federal government. Jeff, I would appreciate your thoughts on the direction of the last 15 years, either privately or publicly. Karen

To: Jeff Mizer who wrote (639)	10/13/1999 11:53:00 AM
From: Sea Otter	Respond to of 662

OT. I don't what planet you're on Jeff... NOTHING made in this country? Gee, that's odd. I see things made in America everyday. In fact, I'm involved in making them. In case you haven't noticed, these are boom times. Everyone employed, wages rising, times are good. A number of my friends are millionaires (from making products, not speculating). You make it sound like we're in a depression. Not the case. Socialism? Do tell. I currently am in Europe. THERE they've got some socialism. US is nothing like it whatsoever. Anyone who says the US is like Europe simply doesn't know what they're talking about. Ever live overseas? Do you have a clue? The only really socialized parts of the US are our farming and ranching sectors. (I've got relatives in these businesses, so I know of what I speak). Government subsidies everywhere, lots of hand-holding. But in the rest of the economy? Get real. Not that the US is perfect. For example, our problem with guns and violence are very troubling. We're like a third world country in this regard, courtesy of the NRA and the gun nuts. Europe is far safer, I like being able to walk the streets at night. Maybe someday the US will evolve to that more civilized level. As to Y2K. I find it interesting that in Europe the Y2K-doom types tend to be liberal back-to-the-land types, while in the US they tend to be biblical gun-toting types. Not sure what to make of that. Maybe both groups are estranged enough from their respective societies, that Y2K gives them a pyschological refuge. Perhaps. Anyway, it will be curious what the doomsayers will do after Y2K. Lots of egg on their faces, but I suspect they'll shrug it off and find another cause.