RE: New Jersey school incident

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@ix.netcom.com>]

There are many public forums whereby the public is provided 
"positive, but accurate" information regarding radiation and 
associated risks. This has been provided by the HPS, by most nuclear 
utilities  (with visitor centers and community speaker bureaus). 

The PBS series was a positive step in relaying information to the 
public. The result? Those that were negative were furious that there 
was a biased presentation. Of course, if the program were a typical 
anti-nuclear program, the negative responses would have been HIGHLY 
positive.  

The key to building support for nuclear programs begins with the 
pre-schoolers and working our way up to the higher grades. We can not 
start with the adult population, for their minds and psyches and 
paradigms are already established, for the most part. We're not going 
to win converts in the adult population. The key is the youngest 
population. That means, we have many years before we will see any 
positive change in the attitude trend. This is unfortunate.

This will not turn around quickly. It is a process that will take 
years. This is analogous to changing from large cars to smaller, fuel 
efficient cars. Don't expect a significant change soon. I am not 
saying that we shouldn't do more public education, for it is 
definitely needed. I am only saying, let's focus our efforts where 
the most good will take place, in the shortest period of time. As we 
heard in a recent political campaign .. modified a bit, "It's the 
kids, stupid"



------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax:    (714) 668-3149
  
mailto:sandyfl@ix.netcom.com
mailto:sperle@icnpharm.com

Personal Homepages:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1205 (primary)
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"The object of opening the mind as of opening 
the mouth is to close it again on something solid"
              - G. K. Chesterton -