[Marxism] Re: Nuclear power

[Brian Shannon <brian_shannon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jan 13, 2006, at 7:23 PM, Tom O'Lincoln wrote:

> David W writes:
> "The fact is that historically the main reason for opposing nukes was
> chance of a meltdown. That 'chance' has now been so far reduced, "
>
> In Australia the issues were and are posed differently. There are no
> nuclear power plants here, and I suspect it's because of the
> strength of
> the anti-nuclear movement in the late seventies, when railways
> unionists
> refused to transport sulfur to the Mary Kathleen mine, maritime
> workers
> took strike action in support of anti-nuclear demonstrators, metal
> shops
> refused to work on equipment for uranium mines, and the Australian
> Council of Trade Union passed resolutions calling on unions to oppose
> uranium mining generally.
>
> The argument here centres on uranium mining, which is still
> restricted,
> again because of the earlier campaigns. The nuclear industry, seeing a
> likely increase in demand, is now trying to get rid of those
> restrictions. They're also arguing the merits of nuclear power, but I
> don't think they seriously expect to build power stations here (the
> Australian public is aware enough to immediately ask where the waste
> would go) -- it's more about legitimising export of uranium to be used
> elsewhere.
>
> Because it's about mining, there is an important link between
> anti-nuclear campaigning and Aboriginal land rights. Mining companies
> are some of the worst enemies of our indigenous people. So frankly I
> think it very unlikely David will convince any Australian leftists to
> change their anti-nuclear views.

Aren't these safety issue superseded by the nuclear waste/safety
issue? If society is unable to keep the oceans clean and save the
natural world, including its diverse plants and wildlife, including
the rich products of the oceans, how can we even begin to think of
further development of nuclear power?

We should oppose any development along these lines. The planet is our
single resource. From the capitalists we get promises, promises,
promises. Their inability to clean up their act is an important lever
for us to use in urging the replacement of the capitalist/waste/
impoverishment system.

Brian Shannon




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