Editor: In regard to Randy Moehnke's letter to the editor entitled, "I'll gladly eat crow," published in Saturday's Tracy Press, I must express concern about misconceptions that are apparent in his remarks – especially due to the fact that as an educator he is in a position to perpetuate such uninformed ideas to our children.
Nuclear science involves the study and manipulation of the nuclei of atoms. A common misconception involves the correlation between any radiation and the atomic nucleus. In the case of industrial irradiation of meat, the atomic nuclei are not in any way involved. Particular frequencies of electromagnetic radiation are used to create a chemical reaction intended to destroy unwanted elements (bacteria) present in the meat. There is nothing nuclear about it. It's closer to the process involved in using a microwave oven to heat food. Have you ever left food in the microwave too long and observed the results?
Mr. Moehnke might be surprised to learn that I would be in favor of the use of nuclear power plants over the burning of fossil fuels if only the Nuclear Regulatory Commission acted in a manner consistent with its intended purpose – to implement and enforce safety precautions in place to protect the public and the environment, rather than acting as a PR firm for the DOE.
His remarks about the alarmist nature of AB 1988 suggests that he has not read the bill, as it does not disallow the serving of irradiated meats, but rather requires school districts to empower district parents with knowledge and choice. How does one justify the censorship of this information?
His blind faith in the decisions of the USDA and the CDC is also troublesome as it suggests that he is not an independent thinker. I teach my children to question and research everything lest they become sheep and end up being irradiated on a conveyer belt somewhere. I would feel far more comfortable knowing he took a similar approach.
Daniel Wells, Tracy