We now know that no single organization or sector of society has the solution. Everyone must play a role. For the media that role is in helping to minimize the possibility of panic. As people become alarmed about the problem, they may start withdrawing cash from banks, selling securities, and arming themselves in anticipation of civil unrest. The result could be worse than anything caused directly by Y2k failures.
Panic is likely if no one prepares the public in time and has in place believable contingency plans.
The time is growing shorter for such efforts to be successful. Because of the urgency action must begin immediately. We are, therefore, calling on you to speak out now. In the attachment we suggest a number of things you can do. In addition, many of us have very concrete proposals, including ways to assure that systems essential for the safety, health and security of the nation are fixed in time.