Re: The Tooth Fairy project

[OFFTOWY@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/15/2000 12:03:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
norco@bellatlantic.net writes:

<< So lets keep this civil, OK?
 norm >>

Norm,

I do not think it is uncivil to point out the weaknesses in your arguments 
and the real-world consequences of your desired results.  Uncomfortable for 
you perhaps, but not uncivil.

Given that you have now assured us of both your intelligence and your 
honesty, I was wondering if you can take a new direction at your upcoming 
UNPLUG meeting.  Perhaps you can relate to your constituency that you have 
found an online resource of trained professionals who have opened your eyes 
to some facts and science.  No Norm, you do not have to be converted yet, 
just admit that there is a lot of science out there that contradicts your 
core beliefs, there are real doubts as to the validity of the TFP protocol 
and results, and there are real-world detrimental effects that might result 
from shutting down Salem (does this include Hope Creek?).  You can suggest 
that UNPLUG be renamed "Let's really look at this power plant thing and 
determine what the costs and benefits are."  No, it isn't sexy, but it may be 
more "honest."  You could really take a hard look at the benefits of the 
power plant (jobs, funding for public works, corollary businesses and 
economic effects, electricity, reduced pollution and health effects from 
other power sources and their extraction and manufacturing industries, 
improved health care facilities in the area, etc.) and the detriments (it 
ain't pretty, theoretical health effects, etc.).  Then look at the effects of 
shutting down the plants.  (Do the people in the area really want to give up 
all those new public parks and facilities, new sidewalks, schools, health 
care facilities?  Was the state of public health there better in the 60s and 
early 70s?)  Compile all that information, present it to the people, and let 
them make a rational decision based on the facts.

Now, that would be honest, Norm.  What you are currently doing (publicizing 
junk science and repressing the real thing, stirring up the public based on 
fear and emotion rather than fact) could be construed as dishonest, couldn't 
it Norm?

We'll be looking forward to a report fron the Salem contingent on your 
honesty at the meeting.

Lew LaGarde
offtowy@aol.com
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