From: "Wehrle, Andy" To: "'johnny at charm.net'" Subject: Y2K - A Closing Reflection Date sent: Mon, 4 Jan 1999 10:41:24 -0500 My sense is that the group has tired of the Y2K discussion. Given the uncertainty and intensity of emotion stirred by the subject, I'm not surprised. My thanks to each of you for sharing your thoughts. As I look back on the discussion, the main question that remains for me has to do with the implications of the way government and technology are entertwined. If we want to change our reliance on technology (here interpreted as the infrastructure for converting oil/coal to electricity) does that mean we must change our government? Carmichael seems to argue this. Several of you argue cogently that the mechanics of our government need not change to accomodate a different approach to technology. I agree with this, but if we are to change our reliance on a technology that is so deeply entwined in our way of life and which so clearly affects many of the decisions made by those we elect to govern us - how? Hmmm. Food for thought - thank you. Before we depart this arena though, let me briefly touch on the question I used to preface my inquiry about your interest in discussing Y2K, "How many Johnnies does it take to preserve the western tradition?" This in not an idle question for me, nor is it meant rhetorically. In our world of electronic gadgetry and fooferaw, I am deeply concerned about the security of the tradition that infuses my life. In today's high tech world I am concerned that our society has lost touch with the wisdom that it took our ancestors centuries of thought and debate to distill (centuries, I might add, devoid of electricity). In my opinion, the debate over what constitutes a sound education is a real world manifestation of my concern. And, as an aside, an extreme expression of that concern lies in a debate near and dear to many of you, that is, what books constitute the tradition, should be a part of that education process? In a sense, my presence on this list illustrates this debate succinctly. I was educated in a tradition that, wrongly in my opinion, has placed increasing reliance on technology (here encompassing all forms of gadgetry) at the expense of a thorough understanding of the ideas which buttress the Constitution those of my ilk have sworn to defend. I came here when I recognized the huge hole in my intellectual preparation. I came here because I believe that hole is a direct result of ignoring the wisdom of the founders of St. John's. I came here as an attempt to mend that hole. I know that the conversation here will not mend the rend, but it does serve as a constant reminder of what I consider so important. On the other hand, each of you possess a mind steeped in the tradition that I hold so dear. Each of you is a living vessel of that tradition. Each of you constitute a stitch in the fabric of that tradition. I value my cyber relationship with your minds tremendously. I am constantly amazed by your variety, vitality and vivaciousness. I am sometimes in awe of your mental prowess, surprised by your occasional mundaneness, and disappointed in the meanness of spirit and cynicism that infects some of your conversation. But I recognize all of this as part of the tradition. And I am reassured that the Olympian heights I have placed you upon are not out of reach, that I can participate meaningfully, even though not fully informed. I am delighted that you have welcomed me so openly and engaged me so fully. How many Johnnies does it take to preserve the western tradition? It is my fervent hope and prayer that Y2K does not represent a single event horizon that forces us to consider that question literally. The question, however, lingers and entices, regardless of the outcome of that event. We live in an unstable and unpredictable world where change is the only constant, and the rate of change is the engine that fuels the unpredicatbility of everyday life. How many Johnnies does it take to preserve the western tradition? We live in a world where my question is confronted on an individual and corporate level everyday. My question is being answered everyday by the decisions we make locally about what constitutes a sound education, about the proper relationship between specialization and generalization. We answer this question everyday within the mundane confines of class schedules, break time between classes, tightly constrained lunch schedules, bus schedules, extracurricular activity funding, and teacher certification requirements. We answer this important question, as we do so many others in our hurried and harried society, with a well-intentioned ignorance of the underlying issues that surprises and shocks me. We are, it seems to me, casually unconcious of the questions that really matter. How many Johnnies does it take to preserve the western tradition? Right now the answer to my question looks like, "More than we needed yesterday." Regards---->>>Andy Wehrle USNA72