Pro-Nukes rally in Jackson, MS

I would like to add a few details to Eric’s post about the events in Mississippi.

First, I would like to congratulate the folks of the local Mississippi section of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) for taking the lead in organizing such a successful event. I would also like to thank the NA-YGN members that have supported the efforts. Members of the chapter in Charlotte, NC even created and sent posters to demonstrate their support!

Today began with a media blitz. Michael Stuart, North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) Public Information chair, and Scott Peterson, Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Vice-President of Communications, were interviewed on the morning talk show of WAPT, the local ABC affiliate.

At the same time, Norris McDonald, president of the African American Environmentalist Association, and Jim Reinsch, president of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and president of Bechtel Power Corporation, appeared on a similar talk show on WAPT, the local NBC affiliate.

Not wanting to exclude people that were already engaged in their morning commute, NA-YGN members Kelly Taylor and Bill Casino were guests for the Paul Gallo show which was described to me as the biggest morning radio show in Mississippi. Participating by telephone were a local anti-nuclear activist and Jim Riccio from Greenpeace in Washington, DC. At one point, Riccio was spewing untruths about the security and functioning of a power plant control room. As a former licensed operator, Kelly responded with the facts. Gallo then chastened Riccio telling him that he loses credibility when he regurgitates information he gleaned from questionable media sources in the presence of someone who has experience operating a plant.

The pro-nuclear rally went very well, though temperatures soared into the 90s. About 85 people were there holding banners, carrying signs, and even participating in chants led by Norris McDonald! The speakers at the rally included:

Jim Reinsch
Mayor Amelda Arnold, City of Port Gibson, Miss.
Norris McDonald
Michael Stuart
James Miller, County Administrator, Claiborne County
Scott Peterson

Local news outlets covered the rally for their noon broadcasts. When I spoke to Kelly, she told me that an anti-nuclear rally was scheduled to begin shortly at the Capitol, and unfortunately, it had started to rain.

As Eric mentioned, the ANS and NA-YGN crew are heading to Port Gibson tonight for the NRC hearing and we will post reports as soon as we get them.