it's humans, not bugs that cause Y2K fears

It may sound absurd, but we've allowed a computer programming bug infect our minds.

The significance of Jan. 1, 2000 lies entirely in the computer world, it is not really the beginning of the millennium, and even if it were, it would only be for our Western culture.

The problem is that our Western culture relies heavily on computers and microchips.

These chips provide the brains for everything from microwaves to toasters, not to mention computers.

Even the experts can't tell which of these devices will work, which will limp along and which will run like champs.

That's because there is only one way to tell if a program really works or not and that is to run it.

Fortunately, that is what every major power company and corporation has been busy doing over the past two years.

The reports from those tests have not revealed any major problems.

True, some of those companies may have glossed over difficulties found in testing, but to fail to fix those problems in the meantime opens them up to accusations of incompetence, and more importantly, lots of lawsuits.

It doesn't hurt to prepare for a power outage or a lack of water or supplies. But this should be a case of hoping for the worst and planning for the best.

The only real thing we have to fear has nothing to do with computers and program glitches.

It has to do with us.

Bombs were seen in every package on Christmas Eve all over the country, and yet not one turned out to be the real thing.

Of the two terrorist plots that have come to light, neither appears to have gotten past the early stages.

There's nothing wrong with being vigilant, but paranoia could do us more damage than any terrorist.

Jan. 1, 2000 is just another day, just another New Year.

We should resolve to put all the silliness behind us and step into the new year as though it were a new beginning, not an end.