[NatCh]

I think we've got enough to kick around here without digging up the Origin of Man debate too! At least start a different thread.

Originally Posted by rjnagle

We have to understand the role that scientists should play in a political debate. Yes, their opinions weigh more, but we should not cede too much authority to their pronouncements simply because they have a Phd (my debate coach said that it's easy to find a fool with a PhD who was willing say any damn thing you please).

Ha! I've known way too many PhDs to fall into that particular trap -- ideally it's better to actually know them so that you can tell which ones are overeducated nut-jobs who think their degrees are justification to stop thinking, so that you can salt their opinions appropriately.

Originally Posted by HarryT

There are a number of advanced designs of nuclear reactor which are more efficient, less complex, and inherently much safer than current generation plants, most notably the Pebble Bed Reactor design.

I've been interested in PBRs for some time. But I'll remind everyone that while nuclear power has its advantages, it has some weaknesses too -- I seem to recall a large number of French Citizens dying a couple-few years ago because there wasn't enough power for AC, because the nuclear power-plants had to be shut down, because they couldn't cool them properly without literally boiling rivers.

That's a lot of becauses.

I also want to say that I think I'm learning a few things from this discussion and appreciate the info provided by several. I also appreciate the way the discussion is staying so civil -- but I always appreciate that!