May I suggest that the next time you receive a letter which advocates the integration of nuclear power into this country’s energy mix that you refer the author to the following excerpt from Union of Concerned Scientist’s publication “earthwise,” summer 2009.

“Proponents of nuclear power are calling for as many as 300 new plants by 2050 as a way to reduce global warming pollution. But history shows this could be a risky path.

“The industry has an extremely poor record of predicting construction costs, which has led to massive over-runs and the abandonment of more than 100 reactors since the 1970s. As a result, ratepayers and taxpayers have paid almost $300 billion in today’s dollars for the industry’s failures.”

Advocacy letters often tout the success of our nuclear-powered submarine force, but fail to note the genius and the concern for the future and for “prosperity of the whole,” which characterized the Admiral Rickover regime which put this submarine force in place. Characteristics which, by the way, have been replaced in our economic system by concern for corporate bottom line.

Some such letters tout the success of nuclear power in France. Here, once more, these letters fail to note the other characteristics surrounding this French phenomenon. The dominant cultural characteristic of the French is exemplified by their national health program in which that nation sees the health and welfare of its citizenry as a national asset, which is an essential element of their national security! They use private enterprise, but don’t worship it! They regulate it!

Paul Bixby

Oak Harbor