One remembers Y2K and how it affected people's attitudes. Plus there was so much hype about computers and the economy crashing. Well a lot of retailers made cash over fist, which I believe was the point behind Y2K in the first place. It would be interesting to see how much money was spent on stockpiling food and water.

I have little patience or time for groups that focus on end of the world predictions. It sounds like a lot of fear mongering that religious bullies push on others. How much of it is speculation or wishful thinking remains to be seen. Plus the elitist mindset that has believers think they will be the only ones spared and the rest of us will be destroyed is questionable. I'd like to know how many tons have been raised from the sale of videos, books and seminars featuring some aspect of what the future has in store for us.

I do have a concern when some of the fringe dwellers start stockpiling weapons. If it's to hunt wildlife I have no problem. But if it is to set up a militia compound, it's time for concern. I also ask what kind of tortured mentality produced sects like Heavens Gate and the Solar Temple that committed mass suicide over facing the future. Did they find what they were looking for?

Yet there are some who expect the end times to happen at their convenience. I would hate to see what would happen if one of these groups take matters into their own hands to usher in their version of what is to come our way. Were there similar groups in 999 as was in 1999?

Rather than getting uptight about what's supposed to come, I plan getting on with my life. So instead of thinking the world is going to end, maybe we should prepare to stick around for a while. Our species could try a new activity. It's called rational thought.

Ron Murdock
doc.ster@hotmail.com