RE: More on "informed dialogue"

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

I have to categorically disagree with Mark's assertion that is 
incumbent upon the NRC to educate the public regarding the risks of 
radiation exposure, perceived or real. This is not their function, 
nor should it be. Whether we agree that it would be a benefit, the 
truth is that their interjection into public education will be viewed 
as collusion between the regulator and the industry being regulated. 
This was an issue many years ago, when there was the AEC and ERDA. 
The issue was that the regulator should not be promoting 
simultaneously.

If we want to educate the public, there are many venues to do so, 
such as HPS, AAPM, EEI, NEI and more importantly, informed members of 
the public. Let's not confuse the role of the regulator. What we can 
ask though, is that the regulator be conscientious when dealing with 
issues originating from those they regulate. Interject reality into 
the equation. That is quite different from education.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle					Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   				    	
Director, Technical				Extension 2306 				     	
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Division		Fax:(714) 668-3149 	                   		    
ICN Biomedicals, Inc.				E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net 				                           
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Personal Website:  http://www.geocities.com/scperle
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com

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