Okay, folks: Let's review.

In the wake of the Fukushima disaster -- that is still ongoing, BTW -- and all manner of revelations about TEPCO's gross incompetency, the Japanese government's complicity, the United States's indifference, historical levels of contamination in the water and milk supply and food chain, various energy-industry abuses, media ignorance, etc., etc., etc., I've been as willing as the next raving paranoid whack job to embrace ALL kinds of conspiracy theories, some of which don't sound nearly as "theoretical " as they did ninety short, incredulous days ago. And I am, naturally, somewhat of a skeptic, anyway -- though "cynical" might be too strong a word. So I understand the inclination of some BRAWM Forum contributors toward healthy disbelief and rational caution. But, folks, I really have to say: I think we're in real danger, as a community, of going off the deep end, here.

I've maintained a respectful, thoughtful silence for several days, now, reading through all the active threads and taking everything in, with an increasing unease and sense of impending disaster... and for once, this foreboding has NOTHING whatsoever to do with what's transpiring in Far East Asia. THIS time, my disquiet is all about... well, US, frankly.

Let me paraphrase what I've read here on this board recently:

> The best information, data and analysis on nuclear reactor design and operation, environmental contamination and human radiological health issues are almost by definition likely to come from persons and organizations either directly employed by, or in some way trains, educated or related to, the nuclear power industry. Anything they do or say is therefore suspect.

> Educational institutions with nuclear science programs -- even those that are part of historically independent, free-thinking, non-corporate-leaning environments -- must be in some way financed, controlled, influenced, or obligated to the nuclear power industry, and therefore anything they do or say is suspect.

> All.governments, politicians, and industry watchdog organizations are essentially owned, bought and paid for by the nuclear power industry, and so, anything they do or say is suspect.

> The media are at some level wholly owned, financed or co-opted by unscrupulous omninational capitalist puppet masters with ties to the nuclear power industry. Naturally, anything they do or say is suspect.

And, now...

> Actual MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS with knowledge of, experience in, and highly motivated toward diagnosing radiological illnesses are entirely incapable of doing anything to help patients suffering from acute radiation poisoning, and therefore, anything they do or say is either suspect, or irrelevant.

Anyone care to guess who that leaves us, in terms of "trustworthy" sources of knowledge, information, or action? Here, let me help you: NOBODY.

EVERYONE's corrupt, or biased, or sold-out, or blind, or ignorant, or incompetent. There are NO exceptions, save for the bright, motivated, outspoken people here and elsewhere telling you who NOT to listen to. Now, THEY'RE all just peachy, and you should trust THEM with the lives, medical management and safety of yourself, your spouses, and your kids. Because THEY -- unlike EVERYONE else, who is either a pimp, a whore, or a tool -- are pristine and perfect and blameless.

...Anyone ELSE see something wrong with this picture?

[Sigh] Look, I'm as much a part of the problem, here, as anyone. I've been freaked out at times, too, overwhelmed and shocked and scared by the enormity of knowledge about this event I've acquired... and perhaps more so by what I have so far been UNABLE to learn about it, its effects and its very concerning possible final outcomes. I, too, have modeled and encouraged a healthy skepticism that may have well metasticized into a VERY unhealthy default incredulity. So, I offer an apology for helping to fuel a fire I now see is threatening to burn out of control.

Trust has GOT to begin SOMEWHERE, folks. Everyone must decide for themselves who can and cannot be believed, of course, and I will not presume to lecture anyone on what choices they should make in this regard. I have my own biases, naturally, and I intend to challenge myself to justify them -- in BOTJ directions -- in the coming days and weeks.

But this circular firing squad has GOT to see an end to it, folks. We're getting absolutely nowhere, here, and fast.

Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas