Y2K Phase II? - Unemployment, Hunger, Homelessness

[Guest guest]

In "Y2K - Believe It or Not" I presented a list of problems that may

present themselves within the next month. Most of them have already begun

to take place, but so far not on a very large scale. In the next month,

it is probable that the scale will get much bigger.

 

But, it is also possible that for people in some locations, perhaps in

parts of the US and Australia for example, that they will not be so

affected immediately. The tendency might be to break into any foods,

etc., which have been stored for Y2K, thinking that all the problems

have passed. It's also possible that stores will be forced to drop prices

on many food items, in response to low sales because people are using up

emergency supplies. You may want to take advantage of that to stock

additional items.

 

The main thing is, before you use up emergency provisions, keep tabs on

the international news and assess the world situation. Even if the people

in your area are not immediately affected, they might still run into

problems months from now as Y2K crises in other areas begin to wash up on

your shores.

 

Points to consider:

 

1. Y2K remediations have already cost businesses more than a good-sized

war. This will probably change the economic configuration of society.

Some businesses will eventually be wiped out by having to invest so much

money on something which they cannot market. Other businesses (IT

technical firms for example) may have more money to invest in different

areas. It is hard to tell what the final outcome will be. It will just

be different. Some people will lose jobs. Other people may gain jobs.

 

2. Y2K lawsuits have barely begun. These will have a devastating impact

on many businesses. It is predicted that the costs of the lawsuits will be

much more than has been spent on remediation so far. Small businesses will

be especially vulnerable. If they are sued, they may not be able to absorb

the expense (even if they win). If they attempt to sue a larger

corporation for damages to them, they may find that they cannot recoup

their losses adequately, due to laws put in place to protect big business.

More people out of jobs.

 

3. Many sources expect Russia, China and Indonesia to be hard hit by Y2K.

I believe this constitutes over half the world's population. You can't

have half the world's population take a major technological and economic

hit without some kind of repercussions in the rest of the world.

 

4. Many sources expect developing countries to be hard hit. Developing

countries provide much of the cheap labor to make inputs for goods

manufactured in industrialized countries. If those goods cannot be

produced or shipped, then we will probably see supply chain problems which

will have very damaging effects on businesses in industrialized countries

-- 6 or 12 months down the road.

 

5. Technological and economic setbacks may encourage political insurgency

in less developed countries -- further impacting component production and

suppllies to industrialized countries. That would cause heightened social

suffering in developing countries.

 

6. It seems very possible that fuel production in developing countries

will suffer significant setbacks related to Y2K. Major petroleum

producing countries like Venezuela and Iran only recently began Y2K

remediation. Although they may claim to be Y2K compliant, it is very

difficult to believe that is true. Russia's Gazprom (spelling?) is also

vulnerable to Y2K difficulties. As far as I know, the only major oil

supplier whose readiness has not been questioned is the North Sea

production. There seems to be a very high probability that there will be

major difficulties with one or more of our largest oil suppliers. This in

turn could feed higher fuel and shipping prices, setting off a major

recession around the world.

 

7. It is also possible that third world problems involving shipping,

telecommunications and banking will not be quickly solved. This will

further slow trade.

 

 

To some extent the effects of such difficulties may be mitigated by

activating more local sources of labor, etc. In some instances, local

employment figures may even be boosted.

 

But the long-term, overall effect will probably be a significant economic

slowdown.

 

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What does that mean for the average person? It means that there is a much

greater risk of unemployment. And with unemployment may come hunger and

homelessness.

 

What does that mean for Hare Krsna devotees? Well, it may effect you

directly if you lose your job, if your business is impacted, or if the

businesses of the donors who support your temple are impacted. It may

affect family members or friends.

 

What does it mean in terms of preaching? When people are in difficulty,

they are often more receptive to hear about spiritual matters. If we can

provide prasadam and shelter to those who are in need, we may find that

they will appreciate our help even after the crisis has passed. Many may

become devotees.

 

But -- we have to be ready to provide help. So, do not be too quick to

use up any saved Y2K supplies. Wait and watch for indications of how the

situation is shaping up. Even if effects in your immediate area are not

instantly serious, the situation could become more difficult as months go

by. Presently, many businesses have stock-piled supplies -- just in case

their connections with their Pacific rim suppliers is disrupted. But if

the situation cannot be quickly corrected, they may eventually be forced

to suspend their production. They may have to layoff workers.

 

At that time, you may need supplies for your own family. Or you may find

yourself in a position of wanting to help others and encourage them to

take up Krsna consciousness.

 

Be alert and be ready for the special preaching opportunities of Y2K Phase

II.

 

 

your servant,

 

Hare Krsna dasi