But she's worried. She's worried that those who have prepared will become targets for those who haven't. I'm trying to decide whether I should buy a weapon. One expert sees self-interest driving much of the panic. Consultants benefit from the year 2000 fear that helps pay their skyrocketing fees, said Nicholas Zvegintzov, president of Software Management Network of New York and a programmer for 35 years.
Politicians also benefit from a puffed-up problem they can fix without much effort.
Sen. Bob Bennett, a Utah Republican who coordinates the Senate's year 2000 efforts, isn't doing anything to add to the national calm. In a July 15 speech at the National Press Club in Washington, Bennett told journalists to expect electrical brownouts and regional blackouts. He predicts some banks will go bankrupt and some water systems will break down. Such alarm actually might be good, said Heidi Hooper, year 2000 director for the Information Technology Association of America. She said the general public could use a serious wake-up call.