Re: Y2K responses and flawed mindsets; draft only

[Bagelhole1@aol.com]

     I think your document is pretty accurate, but much too long,
whittle it down to the bare essentials, what is it precisely you wish
to convey? I prefer the succinct everytime, like this:

     I am involved in creating a list of cheap and simple ideas for
self- sustainability for individuals and neighborhoods as a
contingency for y2k's worst-case scenerio. I am trying to mobilize a
movement where handy people, scientists, academics will come forward
with good ideas that can be implemented quickly, cheaply, and easily.

     In 3-6 months, I won't be surprised if everyone will be aware of
y2k and its serious danger possibilities. Panic could be the order of
the day if there are no real contingencies happening. I have been
involved in the internet around this issue since July, and I feel
there will be no substantial contingency prep in place, only some
stockpiling of goods on an indiv. basis. If this list could be created
by then, the panic could be alleviated, and many able bodies might be
willing to make the effort for sustainable implementation... if the
ideas are there for them.

     So, you see, I'm talking about short-term sustainability, for
this contingency, later we can deal with long-term sustainable
practices. So, these ideas are not necessarily in a book, but can be
culled from those who have lots of experience and engineering
know-how. Things that can be constructed out of found scrap. Here is
one example that I have.

     Vertical gardening: Make a column out of chickenwire and tarpaper
or cardboard about 3 1/2 feet high, 14" diameter. Hold a 4" diameter
pipe in center and fill with sand and stones (for watering), fill the
rest of the area with good soil. Cut 3" slits around the outside thru
the wire and paper in a spiral pattern. Insert seedlings in slits
(40-60). Can be used on sidewalks, balconies, roofs. Sizes are
arbitrary. 4 or 5 should feed a family plenty of vegetables, plant
about 2 weeks apart to keep a steady harvest.

     Local gov'ts. should be asked to bring grains from the silos
across America where they often rot every year and store them in
accessible places for neighborhoods in your city.