The local celebration will be held tomorrow at Fuller Lodge. It is free and open to the public. Celebrations will also be held all across the country. I will be attending the one at SRS.111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 151
Designates a national day of remembrance on October 30, 2009, for nuclear weapons program workers.IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 14, 2009
Mr. BUNNING (for himself, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. REID, Mr. CORKER, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. MCCONNELL, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. BROWN, and Mr. SCHUMER) submitted the following resolution ; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryMay 20, 2009
Committee discharged; considered and agreed toRESOLUTION
Designates a national day of remembrance on October 30, 2009, for nuclear weapons program workers.
Whereas hundreds of thousands of men and women have served this Nation in building its nuclear defense since World War II;
Whereas these dedicated American workers paid a high price for their service and have developed disabling or fatal illnesses as a result of exposure to beryllium, ionizing radiation, toxic substances, and other hazards that are unique to the production and testing of nuclear weapons;
Whereas these workers were put at individual risk without their knowledge and consent in order to develop a nuclear weapons program for the benefit of all American citizens; and
Whereas these patriotic men and women deserve to be recognized for their contribution, service, and sacrifice towards the defense of our great Nation: Now, therefore, be itResolved, That the Senate --
- designates October 30, 2009, as a national day of remembrance for American nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers, and haulers; and
- encourages the people of the United States to support and participate in appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities to commemorate October 30, 2009, as a national day of remembrance for past and present workers in America's nuclear weapons program.
A personal note: I am thankful to every single nuclear weapons program worker for their accomplishments and, too often, for their sacrifices. The world would be a very different place without you.
UPDATE: The house just passed a similar resolution yesterday. Click here to view H. Res. 790.
34 comments:
a nice gesture but it is a lead balloon on several levels.
Theworld would be a different place and my wallet would be a lot thinner without you. Now get back to work.
-MIKEY
Gee...now isn't that special?!
It's so nice to know we're so very much appreciated for doing our part in creating the nightmare of nuclear annihilation a reality for generations to come. We created lots and lots of new millionaires along the way (me included) and, of course, kept the military industrial dragon well fed in the process. How patriotic can that be? Thank you America! Now please excuse me while I go outside to display my stars and stripes for good measure. Doesn't hurt to let neighbors and passerby's see just how patriotic I really am. God bless America!!
--Nuclear Employee (now on pedestal)
Geeze, 9:32 am, why didn't you just go ahead and say something to the affect that this nation shouldn't be honoring immoral 'baby-killers'. Tell us what you really think, comrade Stalin.
How soon we forget... what? What did we forget?
Damn it, I already forgot, yet again!
Wow 7:36, you sound like a "gay-boy."
(Sorry Frank - I couldn't resist)
How could these men accomplish such monumental tasks? They didn't have PBIs and shoes that GRIP! They weren't even randomly piss-tested!!!
Oh, and would it be consider bad taste if I "pimp'ed" this neat announcement to ask for a double bonus this year?
- MIKEY
The celebration is a mockery for the thousands of current and former nuclear workers that sacrificed and continue to sacrifice themselves in the name of nation defense. Thousands of workers and their families continue to be delayed and sandbagged by the government on their medical claims for cancer and other illnesses. Rather than address these real problems were invited to some party for some stale cake and punch to be told "good job". It's also a real mockery to have these BIG DOGS show up in pin stripped suits and Mercedes Benz's and display their sense of compassion and yet we have ruthless and greedy LANS managers continuing to treat the same nuclear workers we are honoring, like shit inside the fence.
3:20 One minor correction to an otherwise spot on comment. LANS managers treat their subordinates like shit outside the fence too. Ironically, they really do think they are something special.
Top LANS management didn't even show up. How very predictable.
I appreciate the effort to recognize the contribution and sacrifice made by the groups of people identified in the resolution. I accept this as a good start and am thankful that at least the topic has made it to the level of discussion that it has made ...so far.
At least, and I do mean that I see this as the least amount of effort that will be necessary, the ball is rolling to address the issues that are tied to the the nuclear industry and the people who have been the workforce and sometimes the cohort to be studied or provide evidence about the effects. I'm not neglecting the issues related to ensuring diligent and wise management of this powerful force and the imperative to be smart in its application; honoring those who have dealt with nuclear materials have long been strong advocates for improving our wisdom in this area. (And I'm not referring simply to the stockpile stewardship but in case anyone with a good measure of clout is reading: please help find a way to establish the above dream of wise and diligent management!)
Every person who has stood before a Congressional committee has my heartfelt gratitude because the health effects are devastating enough, let alone trying to muster the strength and fortitude to forge a path toward justice! For the many that have filed claims and not had a timely response or have been denied, it seems such a travesty that many have had to fight so hard for so long and too many end up with too little (or nothing).
We simply must stay the course for holding ourselves accountable and commit to doing the right thing for those who have done the bidding of our nation (or their leaders).
The celebration is a mockery for the thousands of current and former nuclear workers that sacrificed and continue to sacrifice themselves in the name of nation defense. Thousands of workers and their families continue to be delayed and sandbagged by the government on their medical claims for cancer and other illnesses. Rather than address these real problems were invited to some party for some stale cake and punch to be told "good job". It's also a real mockery to have these BIG DOGS show up in pin stripped suits and Mercedes Benz's and display their sense of compassion and yet we have ruthless and greedy LANS managers continuing to treat the same nuclear workers we are honoring, like shit inside the fence.
10/30/09 3:20 AM
Well said, 3:20!! I know a few hardworking techs walking around behind the fence with pulmonary nodules from Cronic Beryllium Disease. Others with asbestosis. And, the worst part, not a one of us old timers ever got one of those fancy plaques for Distinguished Performance. Guess they only hang properly on management walls.
3:20am,
10:55 here...
I don't disagree with you about the local 'celebration' being a mockery. I can't imagine anyone thinking that an event hosted by LANS, LLC and attended by Fat Bill would be anything other than a farce. A 'show' like this can be insulting to those who can't even show up because they're too debilitated or even deceased.
That said, I am glad that the issue has made some progress in the House and Senate and even though it's not perfect, in the compensation derived from our taxes. While I don't have full confidence in the elected officials to do the right thing in a timely manner, at least we haven't been left to the devices of the local gang of thieves who make their living doing dog & pony shows.
I hope everyone who is using their voice to post an opinion or response here will consider using their voice to contact their public servants (Senators, Reps, Governor, etc.) to insist that the effort to recognize and truly help the workers who risk these hazards will continue beyond a meager one-day-a-year tea and cookies event.
Write, call or visit the offices of your elected public servants and let your opinions, requests, requirements and expectations be known.
I attended the event, and thought it was well done. Reps for both senators and Rep. Lujan spoke, and all focussed on and acknowledged issues of harm and compensation to past workers. The head of the state office of compensation spoke, and a video of past workers and the harm done was shown. Many speakers spoke of further efforts needed to rectify past wrongs.
It was a respectful event, and certainly wasn't a mockery or dog-and-pony show at all. Information on making claims was discussed, with a genuine effort to reach out to former workers and ensure they knew of programs in place.
"8:01 pm: Would you please quit with the MIKEY stuff? Your self-perceived cleverness has about run out. Get a clue about how boring and stupid you are."
10/29/09 9:47 PM
The LANL blog is not here for your own private enlightenment, you little dipshit! If you don't like a post that "MIKEY" makes, then simply don't read it. Or is that beyond your limited ability, 9:47?
Show me the money then. The rhetoric has gone on long enough.
The LANL blog is not here for your own private enlightenment, you little dipshit! If you don't like a post that "MIKEY" makes, then simply don't read it. Or is that beyond your limited ability, 9:47?
10/31/09 1:57 PM
Aw, did your little button get pushed? Poor baby. Maybe Mr. "Sheeple" will let you cry on his shoulder.
9:47 pm is probably the real Mikey. He's just bummed out this week because he finally got the results of the LANS morale survey and was disappointed to find out that the results weren't nearly low enough. That means he'll probably miss out on this year's bonus due to not hitting the NNSA's mandated 5% attrition rate for FY2010.
Oh, well, there's always next year.
Where are those morale survey results, anyway? LANS promised to release them.
11/2/09 9:50 AM
They're in the spin cycle right now.
"Where are those morale survey results, anyway? LANS promised to release them." - 9:50 AM
Here's my guess...
LANS upper management was so totally clueless about bad feelings of most staff toward the for-profit LLC that they were shocked when they saw the initial survey results. Mike & Company actually thought that employee morale at LANL was good. He does not want to hear bad news, so his managers have been carefully feeding him exactly what he wants to hear.
After the initial shock at seeing the abysmal results, they are now planning some form of "damage control" and trying to figure a means to back-out of their promise to be forthright with the morale survey results. I'm sure Bechtel's corporate advisers will help them get around this mess.
"After the initial shock at seeing the abysmal results, they are now planning some form of "damage control" and trying to figure a means to back-out of their promise to be forthright with the morale survey results. I'm sure Bechtel's corporate advisers will help them get around this mess.
11/3/09 9:59 AM"
How is this?
LANS is very pleased with the recent survey results. In all cases where there is a need for a cultural change it can be expected that there will be a certain amount of unease and stress due to uncertainty in these changes and LANL is no exception. The fact that the survey results indicated that there is indeed some unease amongst employees it really signals that many of the changes LANS was called on to undertake are now in effect. As employees start to integrate more smoothly with the new lab it will be reflected in future surveys. Lab manager, Will B Layn. says "Since the first survey after any management change will be negative no matter how positive the new team is, one has to compensate for this effect, in this light the survey results are truly showing signs of just how happy the people are with LANS and the exciting new directions that LANL is heading". "We are now over that intial hump, which is great news" says another lab manager. LANL is now well placed to be a leader in the many diverse needs that the nation may call upon us. We are now able to move more product to our customers in a streamlined, safe, and efficient manner.
Opps! There goes another one out the lab's front door. Bill Tumas, Program Manager for Renewable Energy, is leaving LANL to go work at NREL in Denver. The budget at NREL is growing at an extremely rapid pace and they are looking for bright scientific talent. Meanwhile, LANL is in a deep funk and staff is told to expect more shrinkage and funding cutbacks in the future.
But don't worry. Terry says it's all good. He expects that people fleeing LANL will be sending back oodles of new funding to LANL once they've settled in at their new institutions!
*****
Memo:
It is with regret that I announce that Bill Tumas, LANL's Program Director for Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy (EERE) , Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE), Fossil Energy (FE), and Policy and International (PI) has accepted a position at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He will leave the Laboratory on November 16.
Bill and his team have been instrumental to developing and maintaining strong relations with DOE and our collaborators. While we wish Bill well at NREL, he will certainly be missed at Los Alamos.
Due to the importance of applied energy programs to LANL, I have decided to open a competitive search to expediently find a replacement for Bill. In the meantime, I have asked my deputy, Duncan McBranch (mcbranch@lanl.gov), to serve as Acting Program Director.
Fortunately, Bill has two very capable program managers who have been working closely with him in his program office, Karl Jonietz and Melissa Fox. Karl and Melissa will continue in their current roles as program managers. Please continue to work with Karl, Melissa and the set of SPO-AE project leaders during this time of transition.
Please join me in wishing Bill success; we certainly look forward to collaborating with him in his new role at NREL.
Terry Wallace (PADSTE)
Those "TOTALLY anonymous" LANS engagement survey results are being delayed while Mike uses them to extract names for next year's RIF list.
Any of the old timers at LANL still remember the Rover project? It looks like the Russians are getting ready to start up work on an atomic rocket:
"Russia Leads Nuclear Space Race After U.S. Drops Out"
Nov 3, 2009 - Wired Magazine
The Russian space agency may build a nuclear-powered spacecraft with the blessing of the country’s leader, Russian and international media reported Thursday.
The craft would cost $600 million and Russian scientists claim it could be ready as early as 2012.
“The idea [of nuclear-powered spaceflight] has bright prospects, and if Russia could stage a breakthrough it could become our main contribution to any future international program of deep space exploration,” Andrei Ionin, an independent Moscow-based space expert, told Christian Science Monitor.
www.wired.com/wiredscience/
2009/11/
nuclear-propulsion-in-space/
Bill Tumas was one of the best scientists, and possibly the best scientific manager, at the lab. He will leave a hole that will be hard to fill.
I recall that some time ago Terry Wallace was asked in one of his all-hands meetings whether he was concerned that the best scientists were leaving the lab. I don't remember the exact words he used, but content was: "It's not a big deal, if we can hire some new ones."
The way it works around here is actually like this. A good, competent, admired manager working under Terry Wallace is perceived as a potential threat for Terry Wallace. That's precisely why Alan Bishop installed Tony Redondo over in the theory division.
Many of LANL's best scientists are fleeing from Terry Wallace's PADSTE ship wreck. He seems to be clueless about what's going on and the damage he is doing to his STE directorate.
Some of his staff are looking to get into the new PADGS directorate, while others are looking to call it totally quits on LANL and get off this sinking ship.
Bill Tumas made a wise choice. NREL should be seeing some tremendous funding growth over the next decade and NREL has a much saner scientific work environment than LANL. I also doubt they harangue their scientists to "Wear shoes that GRIP!" or that the staff morale there is at rock bottom levels but somehow managing to drop even further. As an additional perk, NREL has a beautiful campus!
Bill Tumas is a sexist jackass. Smart, yes, but still a sexist jackass. First wife left him because of his sexist behavior, he got nearly nailed a few times at DuPont and at LANL because of his "boys-club" tendencies and downright degrading manner in which he treated women in his ranks.
Hope NREL has no women in their ranks and knows what they are getting.
Good luck and good night!
Still, Tumas was the best of our DuPont strategic hires.
yes, Tumas started building DuPont West, aka LANL. Retire from DuPont and come to LANL to play golf!
OKay, let's make Tumas a Fellow!
6:56 PM, at least Tumas has done more for LANL than the suck up Toni Taylor.
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