Re: [Marxism] Re: Nuclear power

[Rod Holt <rholt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian and Tom raise points which are tangential. The first over-riding
consideration is embodied in the slogan "No Nukes Under Capitalist
Control! For Nuclear Power under Social Control!" Secondly, the thorium
cycle obviates the need for uranium mining altogether. The only reason
for fooling with uranium is a.) the enrichment process can be used to
make bombs (of use to certain capitalist powers) and b.) as a source of
neutrons to get thorium to start "burning." As I pointed out on this
list, there already exists more than enough uranium and plutonium to
keep this planet humming for nearly a century. Mining is not the issue -
except for bomb-makers.
     --rod

Brian Shannon wrote:

> 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, "
[snip]

> > In Australia the issues were and are posed differently.
[snip]

> > 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.
[snip]

> >
>
> Aren't these safety issue superseded by the nuclear waste/safety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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