Re: Risk-based reasoning in public policy

[Peter.Darnell%EM@em.doe.gov]

Message authorized by:
    : Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu_at_INTERNET at X400PO
     I think that you can write-off the vocal minority in today's society.  
     It grew up with Jane Fonda & the "China Syndrome" and with Homer 
     Simpson.  Jane & Homer make a good couple when it comes to degrading 
     good technology and disinformation.  The best way you can hope to look 
     at it is that 15% of our population likes the technology available, 
     70% don't care and will follow the most vocal groups that sound 
     reasonable, and 15% won't like anything we can do.  Your only hope 
     with today's society is to continually stress the benefits garnered 
     from the technology.
     
     We can best focus our efforts on school children.  A systematic 
     approach to educating kids on the benefits of "technology" (including 
     radiation and nuclear power) may do wonders.  Children will some day 
     inherit the same problems we have now.  As in the past, with women's 
     suffrage, environmental issues, etc., education can move mountains.  
     If exposed to truthful (and fun) presentations, kids grow to accept 
     and be proponents of beneficial ideas.
     
     The North Carolina chapter of the HPS has a wonderful education 
     program aimed at various age groups.  I have done presentations at 
     several schools and at "open house" programs.  The Boy Scouts of 
     America has explorer programs that could be used for exposing young 
     people to different technologies.  Unfortunately, all of this takes 
     our time and effort.  There is no monetary reward.  No acclaim from 
     the masses.  But I will share this, if you can do a good job with the 
     kids, you feel good.
     
     The preceding was my personal opinion.
     
     Pete Darnell
     Health Physicist
     Boy Scout Leader
     Concerned Parent


______________________________ Reply Separator 
_________________________________
Subject: Risk-based reasoning in public policy
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu_at_INTERNET at X400PO
Date:    12/2/96 10:40 AM


Errors-To: melissa@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu 
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X-Comment:  Radiation Safety Distribution List
     
How about another round of brainstorming in the interest of coming up 
with viable alternatives for positively influencing public perception of 
relative risk in the technological society?
     
     1.     Public Service Announcements
     
     2.     Educational Television Episodes
     
     3.     Press Releases
     
     4.     Public Debates
     
     5.     Dinner Meetings
     
     6.     Children's Organizations
     
     7.     Secondary Educational Involvement
     
     8.     Career Days
     
     9.     Collegiate Science and Engineering Bowls
     
       10.     A new television gameshow <grin>
     
     
Pros, Cons, Costs, Benefits, Liabilities, Effectiveness, other options ?!?