Dean I like the way you have apporached the topic with some thought in putting together a pro and con list. You make a good argument that when considering the positives and negatives of Nuclear energy the negatives do outnumber the positives. But, my question to you is do the positive effects of Nuclear Energy make it worth while to invest in Nuclear energy as a future energy source?
When I think about the topic, I find myself in favor of Nuclear energy. I think this for a couple of reasons. One, becasue Nuclear energy is much cleaner. It emits less green houses gasses at the same time it creates high amounts of electricity. Going "green" has become ever increasily important. So, it would be wise to invest in a technology that can potentially bring down the green house gas emmisions. Two, with nuclear energy there is low operating costs. This menas that power can be sold to people at a reduced price. This also means that companies that work with the reactors will save money and will be able to apply it to safety. With the extra money they gain from low operating costs, they could potentially make significant improvements on the safety of the Nuclear power plants.
I believe that these two positive affects of Nuclear enrgy already outweigh the negative affects.