Nuclear waste threat and what’s behind it

Re “Errors, Costs Stall Nuclear Waste Project,” Sept. 4

The article on nuclear waste threatening the Columbia River was well done, but it fell short in one respect. The article does not give the reader a perspective about the failed policies that led to the waste. Our nuclear weapons stockpile contains more than 6,000 strategic intercontinental weapons and more than 1,000 shorter-range tactical weapons. Such excess does not strengthen our nation’s safety. The waste illustrates the power of the military-industrial complex that President Eisenhower warned against.

The Times has the opportunity and, indeed, the obligation to follow its article with an analysis of how the menace of the nuclear waste project arose.

PAUL D. BOYER

Los Angeles

Boyer was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1997.

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Isn’t it interesting how the name Bechtel (much like Halliburton) keeps coming up in association with big government contracts, often dangerous errors, overcharges and incomplete work? Funny how all roads seem to continually lead back to Rumsfeld, Cheney and other members of the Bush administration. Isn’t it interesting that, given the potential dire consequences, lack of available technical expertise and outrageous costs of this nuclear nightmare, the administration is still pushing the expansion of nuclear projects? Follow the money trail and it isn’t hard to figure out why.

ELIZABETH BROYLES

Claremont