Nuclear Power is it an energy source the US should reconsider?

Taken from a CNN news article  -----For decades, pioneering environmentalist Stewart Brand, the founder and editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, opposed the use of nuclear power. Now he sees it as vital to efforts to combat climate change.

Is is safe?

Can we safeguard new plants and the resultant waste?

Where do we store or how do we eliminate wast that will be dangerous for hundreds of generations?

Is the trade off in carbon load "real" and/or worth using as opposed to traditional fossil plants?

Does the public understand that Solar, Wind, Hydro and fuel cell technologies available cannot meet our nation's energy needs today and in any forseeable future?

Is there such a thing as "Clean Coal'?

Is it understood that power generation is a small contribution of the carbon we emit as a nation and our cars and vehicles are the overwhelming source of our problems?

These are some questions that come to my mind when thinking about this re-embracing of Nuclear Power.  In the name of full-disclosure, I was trained by the US Navy to operate Naval Nuclear Power Propulsion systems so I have some familiarity with the topic, but by no means am I an expert.  Additionally, it should be noted that my service was back during the Stone Ages from my daughter's perspective.

President's Healthcare Meeting on Thursday

The meetings on Healthcare are scheduled for Thursday and tomorrow, Monday, the President will publish his proposal.  An interesting conversation was aired today on CNN's State of the Union.  Also publicized wer two polls, one showing the vast majority of Americans see government in Washington as "broken."  The second poll shared also showed that more than this vast majority felt it "could be fixed."  Discouraged but still optimistic and hoping for something positive from our leaders.

Discussion of Social Security - Response to LA Times Article about Paul Ryan Proposed Bill

"Here's a great idea, let's put Social Security monies in the stock market?" Republican Paul Ryan (paraphrased) If he were not serious, I'd be laughing. CBO has pointed out the folly of this plan yet he re-hashes it as a proposal again and again.

A Friend, Larry, responded to my post:

There is no money in the Social Security Trust fund, it is all borrowed. They would have to use a credit card. Oh, just like they are doing now with all other spending. OK, never mind!!

My response:

IMO you are right that it is borrowed against. Ther reality is that there iis no big vault of gold that represents the monies paid by workers into SocSec, but it is a legislated obligation to almost all Americans.


51 minutes ago · Peter Cinq Mars My understanding is that Congress has long borrowed against the "surplus" so real money is not sitting there waiting to be dispersed. The fundamental goal is to take care of our workers as they retire providing some sort of safety net.

So like a farmer, Congress borrows, buys seed, plants, works the land, and hopes that when he brings in the crops he will be able to pay the loan, get thru winter and borrow again in the following spring.

I would posit that the crisis we face today is much like a farmer who must decide to double his borrowing to plant after one bad growing season.

Does he double down or sell the farm leaving his children no land to farm in the future. Not and easy decision or choice. Just cutting all spending is not going to save the farm, nor is foolish investment in magical beans. Hard choices.

I've begun this blog to be able to share with friends and fellow citizens, dialogs, links, evolutionary discussions.  The goal is to engage in educated and informed conversations with people who share a common respect for the fact we may have different opinions or positions on matters and we still value one anothers right as a citizen to hold such views.  Profanity, hurtful name calling, rude taunts and disrespect do nothing to inform others and simply degrade the speaker so they should not be part of the discourse.  Factual support of positions is of value as is an acceptance that we may agree to disagree, perhaps each stronger in our arguemnts for and against, but certain that we are equal citizens who would come to one anothers aid if someone else sought to deny your right to hold you belief.  We are bound by a Constitution and the rule of law, these are the basis of our civil society.