Turn of the Millennium

The fraudulent claims for the millennium proliferate and run lunatic. In Paris, huge numerals flash on the Eiffel Tower displaying a countdown to the new century, Jan. 1, 2000. In the States, doctors warn future mothers that if they wish to deliver a millennium babe early next year they must start the connubial process now (March 12). Hotels in big cities across the world are doubling and tripling their rates for the big night, Dec. 31, 1999.

No matter how many times the dates are pointed out as fraudulent, the mad concern for next January continues. The American people, as well as citizens of 10 dozen countries, have forgotten how to count.

A century contains 100 years. We are right now in the midst of the 99th year of the 20th century. To complete that century we must add another one, finish out the counting to 100. The year 2000 will be the 100th year of the 20th century. Then, beginning with the following January, we count one again, which makes it the year 2001, the start of the brand new century. Please advise the public to go to the blackboard and write 100 times, Jan. 1, 2000, is not the millennium. Followed by 100 times, Jan. 1, 2001, is the start of the great new future.

RAY BRADBURY

Los Angeles

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I have advice for T. J. Christie (letter, March 16) and anyone else who wants to quibble over whether the 21st century and the new millennium begin in 2000 or 2001. Lighten up! Mathematically, the 2001 people are correct. But, so what? In 1948 Californians began a three-year centennial party, celebrating the discovery of gold, the Gold Rush and statehood. Forget the numbers. Let’s start celebrating right now and party till we drop.

F. G. WOOD

Bakersfield