re: We are killing nuclear workers!

[JHageman@swri.edu]

Are all the possible responses from the "nuclear industry/health physics 
community," regarding providing adequate radiation protection:

(A) I was only doing what I was told to do (i.e., following Govt. 
Regulations).
(B) They were protected, but Clinton lied (But, he claims he never has lied 
before).
(C) The mixture of science and politics of the situation are beyond human.
comprehension (I throw my hands up in the air).
(D)  It wasn't my fault, I wasn't there (I wash my hands).
(E) Monetary payment compensates for death and illness (isn't that, what 
Clinton is saying).
(F) Don't rock the boat, keep quiet, this too shall pass.
(G) The good of the many outweigh the good of the few. (to quote Spock).
(H) All of the above.
(I) None of the above.

Just my opinion, alone. John P. Hageman, CHP, RSO
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Original Message - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What is the nuclear industry/health physics community response to this as a
failure of "radiation protection," killing (past and future) nuclear workers
that we told were protected?

Regards, Jim
muckerheide@mediaone.net
========================

EXECUTIVE ORDER FINALIZES PROMISE TO NUCLEAR VETERANS

 WASHINGTON, DC, December 11, 2000 (ENS) - President Bill Clinton has issued
an executive order outlining the framework for compensating thousands of
current and former nuclear weapons plant workers, or their survivors, whose
service to the country has left them sick or dying. "This is one of the most
meaningful new federal programs in decades, impacting the lives of thousands
of Americans," said Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. "President Clinton's
executive order ensures that the compensation program will remain on course
for years to come and that all weapons plant workers - past, present and
future - can rely on their government to do the right thing, even after the
sites where they worked have closed." 

 The order begins implementing the Energy Employees Occupational Illness
Compensation Program Act of 2000, which was enacted in October as part of the
National Defense Authorization Act. The Act provides for compensation of
Energy Department workers, or their survivors, who have occupational illnesses
from exposure to the hazards associated with building nuclear weapons. The
order establishes a Worker Assistance Program within the Energy Department
that will help workers with occupational illnesses apply for benefits under
state compensation programs. An interagency working group will develop a
legislative proposal and address program implementation. "These individuals,
many of whom were neither protected from nor informed of the hazards to which
they were exposed, developed occupational illnesses as a result of their
exposure to radiation and other hazards unique to nuclear weapons production
and testing," said Clinton. "While the nation can never fully repay these
workers or their families, they deserve fair compensation for their
sacrifices. I am pleased to take the next critical step in ensuring that these
courageous individuals receive the compensation and recognition they have long
deserved." 
                             * * *
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- - - - - - - - - - - - End of Original Message - - - - - - - - - - - -

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