This is a message from Dr. Rod Lewis ---

I fear we may never know the full extant of Y2K damage. I fear to keep us ignorant of this information, we may be plunged into war, martial law or both. I hope Rod and I are wrong in our predictions and feelings.

Subj: The Real Y2K Test Begins Tomorrow Date: 1/2/2000 9:51:56 AM Pacific Standard Time From: aipl@flash.net (RJ Lewis)

As business plugs back into the system tomorrow, the real Y2K test will begin.

Although the so-called critical infrastructures (utilities, transportation, etc.) have ostensibly made it through the rollover period, this does not mean that we are out of the woods as far as Y2K is concerned.

As I wrote in my December 6th Analysis and Commentary section:

"The notion of aircraft falling out of the sky, widespread power failures, nuclear plant meltdowns, and banking system collapses, are in all likelihood, not going to occur as expected by some at midnight, December 31, 1999. The problem is going to be much more insidious and protracted, and will in my humble opinion, eventually change the balances of power and world order forever.

My scenario is that after a sigh of relief that the lights do not go out on January 1, 2000, the real problems will begin, probably beginning with a national cyberattack in the form of the release of hundreds of computer viruses planted by programmers unfriendly to the U.S. that were hired without adequate background checks, plus numerous hackers that believe bringing down the global economy is a form of entertainment.

As systems lock-up and corrupt data is generated, certain systems will fail or be compromised, particularly telecommunications. The supply chain, which is critically dependent on accurate data and communications, will find itself in a state of gridlock where delivery of essential goods and services for 'just in time' markets will not be possible.

This will lead to negative feedback loops in the economy and output will fall dramatically within the next year. Coupling these events with all of the cash that has been pumped into the U.S. economy as a preventative measure by the Federal Reserve to keep the banking system solvent, (70 billion plus an additional 423 billion in repurchase options or lines of credit,) and we have all of the makings of a Weimar Republic style hyperinflationary depression.

If this were to occur, it would be devastating to the financial markets, including stocks, bonds, and the U.S. dollar. Precious metals and physical commodities, which have been in their own depression recently, would soar.

Profit margins for most businesses, which are already vapor thin, would evaporate and you will see the largest wave of bankruptcies in history. It is expected that at least 2 Fortune 500 companies will fail in the end."

The above scenario could happen WITHOUT the benefit of Y2K, given the amount of leverage currently in the system.

I have spoken with a number of preparedness-minded people who have caught a lot of flack since Saturday from friends and family, simply because the lights did not go out.

I believe their exuberance is extremely premature and that the millennium bug has NOT been exterminated, not unlike roaches or ants in your house. We will continue to see problems cropping up, the vast majority of which will go unreported by the media.

There is a possibility that we could reach a critical mass however, that will eventually swamp the system and bring about the exact scenario that many had originally envisioned.

I personally never advocated heading for the hills or withdrawing all of your money from the banking system. My home is still in Houston, Texas and the majority of my funds remain in the bank and bearer investments.

However, I believe it only prudent, that you continue to stay prepared. Global geopolitics are even more fragile than they were during the cold war and anything could happen at anytime.

We take out life insurance, fire insurance, health insurance, wear helmets and seat belts. The media is constantly whining about safety and security, but if you mentioned preparedness, you are immediately labeled as some kind of whacko.

It is the schizophrenic nature of post-modern society. What do you expect from a population that will pay thousands of dollars for a 50 cent stuffed toy made in China? (the Beanie Babie Craze), or pay the next 300 years in earnings for stocks that have yet to make a profit?

There is no doubt in MY mind who the real whackos are.

RJ Lewis Editor Global Preparedness News www.eprovisions.com