The Splitting of the Atom

[HORIZONS]

Albert Einstein said, "The splitting of the atom changed everything, save man's mode of thinking; thus we drift towards unparalleled catastrophe."

I am curious to your thoughts on this subject:

Personally, I do not think it is a safe option for long term energy needs, based on the fact that the nuclear waste and its disposal is not worth the risks that we are embarking on. Humanity will come and go but the by-products of what we are doing is an absolute disaster waiting to happen - and at sometime will happen. Short term - yes it works, for a while; long term - we are irreversibly destroying DNA and the planet and possibly all life on it.

Article:
'No safe levels' of radiation in Japan
Experts warn that any detectable level of radiation is 'too much'.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/04/20114219250664111.html

[noprophet]

Lately I wonder if the alternative energy discussion isn't being purposely steered towards nuclear technology for the sake of its eventual dismissal.

If the momentum for alternative sources is dismissed due to dangers of nuclear risks then no doubt any other potential methods will also be pushed aside with the ebb and flow of mass interest before gaining any real following.

Small groups of people will always be interested in alternate energy. The mass of the population though will only glance over for a few minutes during long periods of time. If nuclear power is sitting under the limelight of debate when they look - there's a good chance they'll not look any further.

[HORIZONS]

Thanks noprophet, your point is well made.

[nomadguy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UheUihtC5g

[HORIZONS]

Thanks nomadguy for the message - I enjoyed the vid.

[ceetee9]

Nuclear energy is not only not a safe option, but a totally unnecessary option as are the rest of our conventional energy technologies. The question is: how can you wake people up to the fact that we could have 100% non-polluting energy free, or nearly free energy--like Zero-Point or Low Energy Nuclear Reaction (aka Cold Fusion)--and get them to put unrelenting pressure on their representatives to release the technology? As long as we're fine with polluting ourselves out of existence and not even willing to entertain the idea that these technologies are real we can expect more of the same and a very short-lived existence.

[HORIZONS]

Good question ceetee - my guess is that only when the reality of a nuclear nightmare very nearly destroys our very way of life, then - and only just maybe then - will the masses wake up. Too little too late seems to be the way of the sheep. For instance, if one sheep runs and jumps off a cliff there is a very good chance the rest of the flock will follow - hence the need for a Good Shepherd ;)