Jason Gerbsch Approximately 315 words
jg33@geneseo.edu
INTD 105: Scientific Writing
Scientific breakthroughs throughout history have always been a doubled-edged sword. For every discovery that has an initial positive benefit, others have found its negative or vice versa. The discovery of nuclear power is one such example. Nuclear power is itself a relatively clean and very efficient energy source. However, this enormous power has also been used for destruction in the form of nuclear weapons.
When one is asked about who has been affected by American nuclear weapons, most would say the Japanese, as they are the only human population to have had a nuclear weapon used against them. Many would not think Americans have been affected, Terry Tempest Williams argues otherwise. She comes from a family where 9 women were diagnosed with cancer and seven had died. Her family isn’t alone, nearly 1,200 others had been affected. The common factor they all shared? They lived in the part of Utah deemed perfect for nuclear testing due to it being “virtually uninhabited desert terrain.” While many tried to bring this to the attention of the American government and people, it was difficult due to the intense patriotism of the time (namely 1950s America) and the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity, a law that states that the government can do no wrong. Do I think we should have never delved into the nuclear world? No. Despite its destructive power when used in such a way, its benefits as a clean and massive source of power outweighs this negative. Do I believe the US government was wrong in ignoring the fact that through the testing of nuclear warheads it was in fact hurting its own people? Yes I do. Americans were suffering from these tests and the American government was too busy trying to get a leg up during the Cold War to care about these citizens; instead, relying on a ridiculous law that is centuries out of date and goes against the values of our Democracy.
You did a nice job of not only summarizing Williams’ points, but also injecting your own thoughts and opinions into the piece. The distinction you made regarding how nuclear experiments have both good and bad effects was well thought out. Your post also stands out as you have a clear focus in your brief intro regarding the “double-edged sword” of nuclear use.
I enjoyed reading your response to Williams piece. You did an excellent job blending your ideas and thoughts with a summary of Williams main points. I really like how you incorporated the idea of nuclear energy. It’s a concept I didn’t consider while reading, and your use of it as a “double-edged sword” really brings forth an interesting perspective to the article.