Since March 11, 2011, there has been a backlash against nuclear power among the public. Many people now equate nuclear power with danger. I, however, feel that the Fukushima nuclear accident was more of a human/managerial problem than a nuclear one.

The Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant was never constructed to withstand an earthquake in the first place. This was actually written in the original construction plans. It was very old — running well past its suggested life span — and too many nuclear fuel rods were being stored together in a single place. This was human error.

At a time when the United States and Israel are threatening to bomb Iran, when oil prices are $130 a barrel, and when large developing countries like China, India and Brazil are more competitive than ever in trying to secure new oil supplies, Japan cannot afford to abandon nuclear power altogether.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
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