Dear Glenn, and fellow ASA-ers:
Yes, I used the verboten N-word!
First, thank you Glenn for keeping us up to date on the shrinking supply of fossil
fuels. That is a great service, you are our Expert in the business. I am amazed
that nobody has come out and said what seems to me is an obvious answer - Nuclear
Power! (NP). It's time has come, and then some.
In recent years, the reply has been that NP has insoluble political
problems, like "Not in my backyard". But with rolling blackouts rolling in
California, I hope that some intrepid governor will come out with this unpopular
truth, for which he will be elevated to the status of Statesman. Our new
President, during the campaign, used the N-word softly, perhaps as a trial balloon.
I hope he gets some good solid advice, and says it out loud.
This happened long ago in France, which now produces most of its
electric power by reactors. I think it was De Gaulle, who called in their nuclear
protestors, and asked them whether they preferred to freeze in the dark, or to have
well-designed Nuclear Reactors. They got the message, and didn't let out a peep.
I am going out of town now for several days, so I hope when I get back
I will find some good discussion going. It could be outlined as follows:
World supply of Uranium and Thorium
Disposal of wastes
Radiation danger from reaactors, compared to radiation burden from burning coal
(Coal carries heavy metals, including Uranium, and puts them up its stack)
Number of people killed per year by Coal-fired generators, compared to those killed
by radiation from reaactors. (Yes, include the Russian accidents, including
Chernobyl) even tho these were cowboy-designed reactors.
All God's Best, Larry Johnston
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set
eternity in the hearts of men" - - Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV trans
================================================
Lawrence H. Johnston home:917 E. 8th st.
professor of physics, emeritus Moscow, Id 83843
University of Idaho (208) 882-2765
http://www.uidaho.edu/~johnston/ =====================
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