Responsibilities of the Government
"We are here to say 'no,' to the forces of war and destruction and to say 'yes' to peace and creation. We are here seeking a better world." Suzanne Pharr
The United States government is responsible for protecting the people, but it is also responsible for properly storing hazardous materials and for protecting its secrets. The government does not have a very good history regarding the storage of nuclear waste. With 70,000 tons of nuclear waste being stored in 39 states, "161 million Americans live within 75 miles of one of these sites." (Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham) and a delay in the Yucca Mountain government depository, the government has found that few states want to host a facility.
"The more-than-half-century-long history of the U.S. nuclear waste management program is a long, complicated, and often difficult one. Though there have been successes--notably the successful opening and operation of the WIPP facility in New Mexico--the overall picture is one of continual delays, major cost overruns, extreme political controversy, and repeated failures to make good on federal commitments. We can improve on this record only by learning from the hard lessons of the past." Disposal Subcommittee Report, Blue Ribbon Commission
The issue of nuclear weapons and their storage involves many chances for error. Faulty wiring, bugs in the systems, airplane accidents, and other problems could lead to accidental detonation of nuclear warheads. Several nuclear bombs have been accidentally dropped during air transportation; many of which came very close to detonation over the US. "But nuclear weapons are the most dangerous technology ever invented. Anything less than 100 percent control of them, anything less than perfect safety and security, would be unacceptable," stated Eric Schlosser.
The government does not have the right to let secrecy interfere with the safety of the American people. As then Governor Bill Clinton stated, "a balance between national security interests and public safety must be reached. The proper roles of both the military and the state and local officials in this type of emergency situation must be defined." The government should have warned people of the dangers surrounding them in areas such as Rocky Flats and Damascus, while protecting its most important secrets. The government's overriding responsibility should be the safety of the American people. The American people have the right to be protected and to be knowledgeable when it comes to the hazards of nuclear production and waste.
The government does not have the right to let secrecy interfere with the safety of the American people. As then Governor Bill Clinton stated, "a balance between national security interests and public safety must be reached. The proper roles of both the military and the state and local officials in this type of emergency situation must be defined." The government should have warned people of the dangers surrounding them in areas such as Rocky Flats and Damascus, while protecting its most important secrets. The government's overriding responsibility should be the safety of the American people. The American people have the right to be protected and to be knowledgeable when it comes to the hazards of nuclear production and waste.
"If you look at the kind of secrecy that we have now in this country and the National Security state, it all stems from the development of the atomic bomb..." Eric Schlosser
Eric Schlosser: American Nuke Almost Destroyed NC
Part 1. Courtesy of Democracy Now.
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Part 2. Courtesy of Democracy Now.
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"Many inescapable decisions have been forced upon us--decisions about nuclear weapons and nuclear energy that will have far-reaching consequences with sometimes dangerous and unintended results. To speak out or to remain silent is the first and most crucial decision we can make." Kristen Iversen