This article will carry a lot of weight in the on-going debate, since the WWII era concept to create a separate agency just for nuclear issues was a creation of the Manhattan project scientists. Look for special interest groups to oppose the move, then look at what they stand to loose when it happens. The salary, perks and unchecked controls are relics of bygone times.
http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/features/who-should-manage-the-nuclear-weapons-complex
Comments
- Article
The loss of expertise under the demoralizing control of the construction company Bechtel has been staggering.
Also, there is this: "But decades have passed since the end of the Cold War, and nuclear weapons no longer hold the high status they once did..." Really?? How about "danger" as a substitute for the incomprehensible "status"? Do the Iranians think nuclear weapons give "status"??
This article is intellectually and historically lacking, and is unworthy of the Bulletin. Do your own homework, and understand why the AEA refused control of nuclear weapons design, development and testing to the military. And why it's still a good idea.
It emphasizes oversight by looky-loos like the Bulletin, without describing the overarching dysfunction hindering employee efforts, as well as the low morale brought about by the contract mandated employee compensation changes, and also the backbreaking overheads required to respond to the ongoing oversight and the paralysis that fear of the absurd punishments that occur when minor transgressions are discovered.
The labs accomplished the national mission much better under the AEC, when general guidance was given and the labs together and in competition created the nuclear weapons complex.
Much more effective leadership and efficient accomplishment of the missions. Much happier employees for a loooooot less money.
hear him, hear him.
Hume's "Dialogues", presents controversial points of view side-by-side (dialogic) in a fair insightful manner, carefully presenting all sides, and then, respectfully allowing the reader to decide.
Augustine used a similar even sympathetic approach to persuade pagan Rome that Christianity was by Roman standards of humanity, valor, and justice, a better choice for them.
A well informed audience will value an author that respects them.