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Please see my post #71 for my thoughts on Mr. Hodges opposing transport of nuclear material in to the State of SC. You say you do not disagree with a report about the melting of Alaska. I grew up in a small fishing town, and over the years, it appears the commercial fisheries have dwindled. So, I guess this makes me an expert on the subject of commercial fishing?

As for the hysteria surrounding plutonium, have you ever considered the hazardous material known as gasoline? Yet, I would imagine you have absolutely no problem running to the corner quick stop to buy some. How about mixing some bleach with ammonia? Are you aware of the consequences of that action? Or, farmers spraying fields with Anhydrous Ammonia. What happens if a tank of Anhydrous tips over? Since everything I have just mentioned is extremely hazardous, should we let govenors call out state troopers because trains or trucks are carrying this stuff in to their state? Should we make sure that all businesses handling this stuff tell the government exactly how long it will be in the State?

I have worked ( and at times lived) in Alaska for 30 years, as a commercial fisherman, so yes I feel I have some relevant experience in those areas. I've caught salmon, herring, atka mackeral, cod, pollock, crab, sole and halibut over that time. I now work for a tech firm, but retain partial ownership in two vessels, so I am keenly aware of all aspects of Alaskan commercial fishing, and Alaska in general. The NYtimes article recapsulates what has been talked about, studied and published in the AK press for years. There are no dissenters in Alaska to the opinion that things are heating up quite nicely, thank you. Witness Senator Stevens. As for plutonium, yes, in its inert state, it is relativly harmless, but there are a number of other issues here. The most prevalant form of plutonium in waste has a half life of 24,000 years. Gasoline evaporates before your eyes. The next is , as conservatives, I always thought that we valued states rights. I can only imagine your response would be the same if the pres shipping this was Clinton, and the gov opposing him was, oh say, GWB in Texas.