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Nuclear technology, for all its great benefits, has long term hazardous affects. Nuclear power plants are quick and easy solution to the pressing problem of higher energy demands, but it also requires enormous amounts of energy to maintain and store its' by-product, radioactive nuclear waste, for centuries. Nuclear technology has been providing electricity for millions of Americans for years, but simultaneously, the horrific images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are burned forever into the memories of the world. Every nuclear power plant, regardless of security measures, is a ticking time bomb that can easily go off with one wrong move. Also, every nation that maintains an active nuclear arsenal is using intimidation as its main offensive weapon, and if such a dooms-day scenario plays out, human life could be wiped out forever. Nuclear technology has the power to end human life and wipe out everything that exists.
After September 11, the threat of planes being hijacked by terrorists became a real and pressing issue. September 11 displayed to all of America how unsafe and exposed the country can be. Because of September 11, the thought of a hijacked plane flying into a nuclear power plant has now begun to cross America's mind. These nuclear power plants are very large and heavily fortified inside with concrete and steel, but a plane flew through a building designed to withstand earthquake and hurricanes. According to a report filed August 8, 2007, "Nuclear plants were designed to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, and other extreme events. But deliberate attacks by large airliners loaded with fuelwere not analyzed" (CRS-5). The only logical solution to this problem is to build these nuclear power plants underground, but this solution has not crossed the minds of policy makers and construction companies. Imagine if instead of striking the twin towers, the hijackers had turned for a nuclear power plant. Not only would the initial explosion result in high causalities, the area surrounding the plant would be contaminated for centuries and uninhabitable. The population would have to face severe health concerns and children born with birth defects for decades. The surrounding wildlife would also suffer from mutations and new diseases. The effects of radiation are not fully understood because it mutates cells in many different ways leading to unforeseen problems. While this horrific event has not yet occurred, it is very difficult to secure any of the present day nuclear
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