How We Lost Detroit: The Fermi Nuclear Disaster
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Oct. 19, 1966
October 19, 1966
Permanent evacuation zone established in Monroe and Wayne Counties
Two weeks since the disastrous meltdown of the Fermi plant, hundreds of thousands of people in southeast Michigan and southwestern Ontario remain displaced from their homes. Although Detroiters have been permitted to return to their homes, the fate of Downriver communities is grim. Authorities have established an “Evacuation Zone” that is comprised all of the land within approximately 19 miles from the Fermi plant and covers 525 square miles of land [1]. In Monroe County, this Evacuation Zone comprises the cities of Monroe, Carleton, and Maybee and the townships of Ash, Berlin, Erie, Exeter, Frenchtown, LaSalle, Monroe, and Raisinville. In Wayne County, the evacuation zone includes the downriver suburbs of Gibraltar, Riverview, Rockwood, Southgate, Trenton, and Wyandotte. Brownstown Township, Grosse Ile Township, Huron Township, and the southern part of Taylor Township are also part of the evacuation zone. More than 300,000 people reside in this area. A similar zone has been established by Canadian authorities in the mostly rural southwestern part of Essex County, Ontario, which covers about 100 square miles of land.
Many displaced residents have attempted to return home, but are being turned back. National Guardsman, who recently served to keep the peace in Detroit, have blockaded all major roads entering and exiting this region to prevent looting. On the north edge of this zone, fences are being erected along the south side of Goddard Road to block off residential streets. This includes a newly-built stretch of Interstate 75, a major thoroughfare for car and truck traffic.
Human activity is beginning to resume around the reactor, despite the hazards. Concrete barriers are being built around the reactor to trap radioactive soil that could be washed off into nearby rivers. To prevent additional contamination release into the environment, a massive steel and concrete structure is planned to cover the damaged nuclear reactor. It is expected that the construction of this containment structure will last six months. [2]
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Permanent evacuation zone established in Monroe and Wayne Counties
Two weeks since the disastrous meltdown of the Fermi plant, hundreds of thousands of people in southeast Michigan and southwestern Ontario remain displaced from their homes. Although Detroiters have been permitted to return to their homes, the fate of Downriver communities is grim. Authorities have established an “Evacuation Zone” that is comprised all of the land within approximately 19 miles from the Fermi plant and covers 525 square miles of land [1]. In Monroe County, this Evacuation Zone comprises the cities of Monroe, Carleton, and Maybee and the townships of Ash, Berlin, Erie, Exeter, Frenchtown, LaSalle, Monroe, and Raisinville. In Wayne County, the evacuation zone includes the downriver suburbs of Gibraltar, Riverview, Rockwood, Southgate, Trenton, and Wyandotte. Brownstown Township, Grosse Ile Township, Huron Township, and the southern part of Taylor Township are also part of the evacuation zone. More than 300,000 people reside in this area. A similar zone has been established by Canadian authorities in the mostly rural southwestern part of Essex County, Ontario, which covers about 100 square miles of land.
Many displaced residents have attempted to return home, but are being turned back. National Guardsman, who recently served to keep the peace in Detroit, have blockaded all major roads entering and exiting this region to prevent looting. On the north edge of this zone, fences are being erected along the south side of Goddard Road to block off residential streets. This includes a newly-built stretch of Interstate 75, a major thoroughfare for car and truck traffic.
Human activity is beginning to resume around the reactor, despite the hazards. Concrete barriers are being built around the reactor to trap radioactive soil that could be washed off into nearby rivers. To prevent additional contamination release into the environment, a massive steel and concrete structure is planned to cover the damaged nuclear reactor. It is expected that the construction of this containment structure will last six months. [2]
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[1] For reference, the Exclusion Zone around the Chernobyl plant is a 30 km radius (approx. 19 miles) and was established 10 days after the accident. Note that this zone stretches all the way south to Ohio border, but does not include any land territory of Ohio, except for the uninhabited West Sister Island. The area is not an exact circle because it follows civil divisions, with the exception of Taylor Township, which is split in two.
[2] Compare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_Nuclear_Power_Plant_sarcophagus
[2] Compare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_Nuclear_Power_Plant_sarcophagus
Oct. 20, 1966
October 20, 1966
Johnson makes Presidential visit to Detroit
With the midterm election just two weeks away, President Johnson paid a visit to the disaster-ravaged city of Detroit. Accompanied by Mayor Jerome Cavanaugh and former Governor Soapy Williams, President Johnson toured the city, visiting factories, schools, and churches. Johnson spoke at Cadillac Square, where he announced his 1964 campaign two years prior [1]. The speech was well-received by the audience, except for an interruption by a few antiwar hecklers, who were hastily dragged out by police.
“Two weeks ago, a mass of heavily polluted air—filled with poisons from a nuclear power plant—settled down upon the four million people of Greater Detroit," said Johnson. "For four days, anyone going out on the streets inhaled chemical compounds that threatened his health. Those who remained inside had little protection from the radioactive particles that passed freely through cooling and heating systems. An estimated 80 persons died. Finally, the winds changed direction, freeing the people from the contaminated air. The immediate crisis was ended. Detroiters began to breathe ‘ordinary’ air again.” [2]
Johnson ordered a “greatly accelerated” research effort to improve atomic power plant safety, and promised that his administration would create stricter regulations on atomic power plants. “The regulation of atomic power is a matter of highest priority,” said Johnson. [3] Johnson pledged that he would make a supplemental budget request for the 1968 fiscal year that would allot millions of dollars for decontamination efforts.
Turning his attention to the riots, Johnson denounced the violence and called for renewed efforts to address poverty and racism to prevent future violence. “Not even the sternest police action, nor the most effective Federal troops, can ever create lasting peace in our cities. The only genuine, long-range solution for what has happened lies in an attack— mounted at every level—upon the conditions that breed despair and violence. All of us know what those conditions are: ignorance, discrimination, slums, poverty, disease, not enough jobs. We should attack these conditions—not because we are frightened by conflict, but because we are fired by conscience. We should attack them because there is simply no other way to achieve a decent and orderly society in America.” [4]
Johnson makes Presidential visit to Detroit
With the midterm election just two weeks away, President Johnson paid a visit to the disaster-ravaged city of Detroit. Accompanied by Mayor Jerome Cavanaugh and former Governor Soapy Williams, President Johnson toured the city, visiting factories, schools, and churches. Johnson spoke at Cadillac Square, where he announced his 1964 campaign two years prior [1]. The speech was well-received by the audience, except for an interruption by a few antiwar hecklers, who were hastily dragged out by police.
“Two weeks ago, a mass of heavily polluted air—filled with poisons from a nuclear power plant—settled down upon the four million people of Greater Detroit," said Johnson. "For four days, anyone going out on the streets inhaled chemical compounds that threatened his health. Those who remained inside had little protection from the radioactive particles that passed freely through cooling and heating systems. An estimated 80 persons died. Finally, the winds changed direction, freeing the people from the contaminated air. The immediate crisis was ended. Detroiters began to breathe ‘ordinary’ air again.” [2]
Johnson ordered a “greatly accelerated” research effort to improve atomic power plant safety, and promised that his administration would create stricter regulations on atomic power plants. “The regulation of atomic power is a matter of highest priority,” said Johnson. [3] Johnson pledged that he would make a supplemental budget request for the 1968 fiscal year that would allot millions of dollars for decontamination efforts.
Turning his attention to the riots, Johnson denounced the violence and called for renewed efforts to address poverty and racism to prevent future violence. “Not even the sternest police action, nor the most effective Federal troops, can ever create lasting peace in our cities. The only genuine, long-range solution for what has happened lies in an attack— mounted at every level—upon the conditions that breed despair and violence. All of us know what those conditions are: ignorance, discrimination, slums, poverty, disease, not enough jobs. We should attack these conditions—not because we are frightened by conflict, but because we are fired by conscience. We should attack them because there is simply no other way to achieve a decent and orderly society in America.” [4]
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/03/...ign-monday-will-make-traditional-talk-in.html
[2] Based loosely on his near-contemporaneous speech after the New York City smog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_New_York_City_smog
[3] Based on Johnson’s response to air pollution: https://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1967042600#H2_3
[4] https://millercenter.org/the-presid...es/july-27-1967-speech-nation-civil-disorders
[2] Based loosely on his near-contemporaneous speech after the New York City smog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_New_York_City_smog
[3] Based on Johnson’s response to air pollution: https://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1967042600#H2_3
[4] https://millercenter.org/the-presid...es/july-27-1967-speech-nation-civil-disorders
Would we see more federal involvement in environmental affairs? A possible Green movement rising out of the country against nuclear power and pollution? How would the European and Japanese cover such a disaster and would this change their opinion of nuclear power?
In short, yes to all of the above. I'll be covering all of these issues in future posts.
Oct. 22, 1966
October 22, 1966
Fate of displaced voters uncertain as midterm approaches
For those displaced by the Fermi disaster, the midterm elections may be the furthest thing from their minds. However, their dislocation may hinder their right to vote. Many of those living in Michigan’s 2nd district, represented by Democrat Wes Vivian, reside in what is now the permanent evacuation zone. Some voters in the 15th district, represented by William Ford (D), and in the 16th district, represented by John Dingell (D), also reside in the affected zone. [1] However, the evacuation has scattered residents across the states of Michigan and Ohio. Many are living in temporary shelters and have no permanent address. It is unclear where they will vote, as their usual local polling places are now closed off to all but a few soldiers and construction workers. The State Supreme Court is expected to decide next week on what measures will be taken to ensure evacuees will be able to vote. [2]
But the evacuation of residents in Monroe and Wayne counties won’t affect Selective Service, says Colonel Arthur Holmes, director of the Michigan Selective Service. Draftees who have been called up for service must report to their local draft boards. Monroe County residents are expected to report to the draft office that has been established in Dundee, while Downriver residents will be expected to report to Fort Wayne in Detroit.
Fate of displaced voters uncertain as midterm approaches
For those displaced by the Fermi disaster, the midterm elections may be the furthest thing from their minds. However, their dislocation may hinder their right to vote. Many of those living in Michigan’s 2nd district, represented by Democrat Wes Vivian, reside in what is now the permanent evacuation zone. Some voters in the 15th district, represented by William Ford (D), and in the 16th district, represented by John Dingell (D), also reside in the affected zone. [1] However, the evacuation has scattered residents across the states of Michigan and Ohio. Many are living in temporary shelters and have no permanent address. It is unclear where they will vote, as their usual local polling places are now closed off to all but a few soldiers and construction workers. The State Supreme Court is expected to decide next week on what measures will be taken to ensure evacuees will be able to vote. [2]
But the evacuation of residents in Monroe and Wayne counties won’t affect Selective Service, says Colonel Arthur Holmes, director of the Michigan Selective Service. Draftees who have been called up for service must report to their local draft boards. Monroe County residents are expected to report to the draft office that has been established in Dundee, while Downriver residents will be expected to report to Fort Wayne in Detroit.
[1] I don’t know exactly where the US House district boundaries were in 1966. According to the Detroit News, Oct. 28, 1966 and Oct. 29, 1966, the 2nd district covered Monroe and Ann Arbor, the 15th district covered southwestern Wayne County and Dearborn Township, and the 16th district covered Dearborn and south Detroit (don’t stop…believin’).
[2] I also don’t know what contingencies for voting in the wake of emergencies were in place in Michigan in 1966, but given that the state is not prone to natural disasters, it wouldn’t surprise me if there were no such laws on the books. From http://law.emory.edu/elj/content/vo...html#section-32d54e2fa8c98847f77d372c47fc4ceb :
“A state’s approach to an election emergency—whether it engages in an election modification, postponement, or cancellation—is determined in part by the powers its election-specific emergency laws, or more general emergency statutes, grant to the governor or election officials. When state laws are inadequate or no applicable laws exist, courts are often asked to step in on a largely ad hoc basis as a constitutional matter and craft remedies out of whole cloth.”
[2] I also don’t know what contingencies for voting in the wake of emergencies were in place in Michigan in 1966, but given that the state is not prone to natural disasters, it wouldn’t surprise me if there were no such laws on the books. From http://law.emory.edu/elj/content/vo...html#section-32d54e2fa8c98847f77d372c47fc4ceb :
“A state’s approach to an election emergency—whether it engages in an election modification, postponement, or cancellation—is determined in part by the powers its election-specific emergency laws, or more general emergency statutes, grant to the governor or election officials. When state laws are inadequate or no applicable laws exist, courts are often asked to step in on a largely ad hoc basis as a constitutional matter and craft remedies out of whole cloth.”
I know Detroit was a center of auto manufacturing and industry, will it try to relocate to other nearby cities or leave entirely?
Good question. At the time, the Big 3 were headquartered in Detroit (GM), Highland Park (Chrysler), and Dearborn (Ford). All are outside the evacuation zone. That said, there are a few auto plants in the evacuation zone, as well as suppliers and steel mills. This will not only affect workers, but also the supply chains that contribute to auto manufacture.
I can threadmark my posts. I've never done that before, but I will try.
As for Lake Erie, it was already very polluted in the 1960s. The Fermi meltdown certainly doesn't help matters.
Oct. 24, 1966
October 24, 1966
AEC Chairman Glenn Seaborg resigns
Dr. Glenn Seaborg, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, stepped down today amid controversy over the agency’s role in the Fermi disaster. He had held the position for the past five years since his appointment by President Kennedy [1]. Seaborg was among the scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project under the direction of Enrico Fermi and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1951. Seaborg helped negotiate the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and joined the delegation to Moscow for its signing in 1963.
Seaborg has been a strong proponent of atomic power, especially breeder reactors, and this support may have led to his resignation. In 1963, Seaborg told the Joint Atomic Energy Committee that breeder reactors could double their fuel inventory in 15 to 25 years and assured the public that the risk of an accident would be extremely small, due to the conservative design of the reactor system and safeguards such as secondary systems. [2]
There has been no word on who will succeed Seaborg as chairman.
AEC Chairman Glenn Seaborg resigns
Dr. Glenn Seaborg, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, stepped down today amid controversy over the agency’s role in the Fermi disaster. He had held the position for the past five years since his appointment by President Kennedy [1]. Seaborg was among the scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project under the direction of Enrico Fermi and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1951. Seaborg helped negotiate the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and joined the delegation to Moscow for its signing in 1963.
Seaborg has been a strong proponent of atomic power, especially breeder reactors, and this support may have led to his resignation. In 1963, Seaborg told the Joint Atomic Energy Committee that breeder reactors could double their fuel inventory in 15 to 25 years and assured the public that the risk of an accident would be extremely small, due to the conservative design of the reactor system and safeguards such as secondary systems. [2]
There has been no word on who will succeed Seaborg as chairman.
[1] In OTL, until Seaborg was chairman until 1971: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Atomic_Energy_Commission#AEC_Chair
[2] https://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1964061000 Seaborg also published an article in Scientific American on the subject in 1970: https://www.jstor.org/stable/24927655?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
[2] https://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1964061000 Seaborg also published an article in Scientific American on the subject in 1970: https://www.jstor.org/stable/24927655?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Oct. 25, 1966
October 25, 1966
Griffin blames Williams for Fermi disaster
Just two weeks before the midterm election, Republican Senator Robert P. Griffin went nuclear against his Democratic opponent, former Governor Soapy Williams. During yesterday’s debate at the Detroit Economic Club, rescheduled from last Monday [1], Griffin accused his Williams of having caused the Fermi disaster by not stopping the construction of the Fermi plant during his tenure as governor. [2] Williams vociferously denied that he had any involvement in the meltdown, saying that he demanded the release of the safety report on the project from the AEC prior to the plant’s construction. [3]
Despite the controversy, UAW leader Walter Reuther says that his union maintains its support for the former governor in the Senate race. He defended Williams’ decision to approve the plant, saying that Williams was given false reassurances by the Atomic Energy Commission. According to Reuther, Williams had asked for a safety report, which was withheld by the AEC. Williams only permitted the construction of the plant after the AEC released the report. [3][4] Reuther himself fought against construction of the plant for several years, citing safety concerns. [5] Even in the face of public ridicule by the AEC, Reuther remained persistent. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court, where it was defeated in a 7-2 decision. [6]
As the election draws nearer, the governor’s race has also become more heated. Democratic challenger Zolton Ferency blamed Governor George Romney for his handling of the Detroit riots, saying that they could have been prevented if the emergency response to the Fermi meltdown had been better coordinated. The governor’s office denied that Romney was to blame, touting his pro-Civil Rights record. [7] Romney maintains his commitment to end racial discrimination, despite the efforts of violent radicals to undermine peaceful means of achieving equality. But of late, the governor has taken a “law and order” stance that seems more reminiscent of George Wallace than George Romney. “Maintaining law and order is the only solid basis for a stable society,” said Romney. “We need to make respect for the law the religion of this nation.” [8]
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Griffin blames Williams for Fermi disaster
Just two weeks before the midterm election, Republican Senator Robert P. Griffin went nuclear against his Democratic opponent, former Governor Soapy Williams. During yesterday’s debate at the Detroit Economic Club, rescheduled from last Monday [1], Griffin accused his Williams of having caused the Fermi disaster by not stopping the construction of the Fermi plant during his tenure as governor. [2] Williams vociferously denied that he had any involvement in the meltdown, saying that he demanded the release of the safety report on the project from the AEC prior to the plant’s construction. [3]
Despite the controversy, UAW leader Walter Reuther says that his union maintains its support for the former governor in the Senate race. He defended Williams’ decision to approve the plant, saying that Williams was given false reassurances by the Atomic Energy Commission. According to Reuther, Williams had asked for a safety report, which was withheld by the AEC. Williams only permitted the construction of the plant after the AEC released the report. [3][4] Reuther himself fought against construction of the plant for several years, citing safety concerns. [5] Even in the face of public ridicule by the AEC, Reuther remained persistent. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court, where it was defeated in a 7-2 decision. [6]
As the election draws nearer, the governor’s race has also become more heated. Democratic challenger Zolton Ferency blamed Governor George Romney for his handling of the Detroit riots, saying that they could have been prevented if the emergency response to the Fermi meltdown had been better coordinated. The governor’s office denied that Romney was to blame, touting his pro-Civil Rights record. [7] Romney maintains his commitment to end racial discrimination, despite the efforts of violent radicals to undermine peaceful means of achieving equality. But of late, the governor has taken a “law and order” stance that seems more reminiscent of George Wallace than George Romney. “Maintaining law and order is the only solid basis for a stable society,” said Romney. “We need to make respect for the law the religion of this nation.” [8]
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[1] Detroit News, Oct. 18, 1966.
[2] Detroit News, Nov. 12, 1968, 5-D: “Williams and the late Senator Patrick V. McNamara did oppose the project for a time.”
[3] WALD, p.48: “Governor Soapy Williams and the fiery Senator Pat McNamara of Michigan immediately joined in the chorus. Williams wired the AEC demanding that it release the safety report for public scrutiny. ‘It is my constitutional duty to protect the people of Michigan,’ the Governor’s telegram stated...On July 18, the AEC finally decided to acknowledge Governor Williams’ request for information.”
[4] This is also documented in the Detroit News, Jul. 17, 1956, 2-B.
[5] https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=umn.31951d02097617h;view=1up;seq=12
[6] A description of the Supreme Court ruling can be found here: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/367/396/
[7] And unlike today’s Republicans, Romney was sincere in his support for civil rights: https://www.theatlantic.com/nationa...ivil-rights-and-challenged-his-church/261073/
[8] Ann Arbor News, Aug. 10, 1967
[2] Detroit News, Nov. 12, 1968, 5-D: “Williams and the late Senator Patrick V. McNamara did oppose the project for a time.”
[3] WALD, p.48: “Governor Soapy Williams and the fiery Senator Pat McNamara of Michigan immediately joined in the chorus. Williams wired the AEC demanding that it release the safety report for public scrutiny. ‘It is my constitutional duty to protect the people of Michigan,’ the Governor’s telegram stated...On July 18, the AEC finally decided to acknowledge Governor Williams’ request for information.”
[4] This is also documented in the Detroit News, Jul. 17, 1956, 2-B.
[5] https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=umn.31951d02097617h;view=1up;seq=12
[6] A description of the Supreme Court ruling can be found here: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/367/396/
[7] And unlike today’s Republicans, Romney was sincere in his support for civil rights: https://www.theatlantic.com/nationa...ivil-rights-and-challenged-his-church/261073/
[8] Ann Arbor News, Aug. 10, 1967
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Oct. 26, 1966
October 26, 1966
Courts rule evacuees permitted to vote
The Michigan Supreme Court voted 5-2 in favor of a measure to allow displaced voters to vote at their new addresses. The court affirmed that votes from residents who were evacuated from their homes need to be counted even if they no longer live in their home district. Ballots for Michigan's 2nd, 15th, and 16th districts will be available at polling stations near shelters in southeastern Michigan.
Voters displaced by the Fermi accident but currently living in Michigan can choose to vote for candidates in their home district or in the one that they currently live (including shelters). They will have until Friday, November 4 to complete and submit a new voter registration application to the county voter registrar in their new county of residence. Displaced voters who now reside outside of Michigan will be able to request an absentee ballot state of Michigan to vote by mail. [1]
Courts rule evacuees permitted to vote
The Michigan Supreme Court voted 5-2 in favor of a measure to allow displaced voters to vote at their new addresses. The court affirmed that votes from residents who were evacuated from their homes need to be counted even if they no longer live in their home district. Ballots for Michigan's 2nd, 15th, and 16th districts will be available at polling stations near shelters in southeastern Michigan.
Voters displaced by the Fermi accident but currently living in Michigan can choose to vote for candidates in their home district or in the one that they currently live (including shelters). They will have until Friday, November 4 to complete and submit a new voter registration application to the county voter registrar in their new county of residence. Displaced voters who now reside outside of Michigan will be able to request an absentee ballot state of Michigan to vote by mail. [1]
[1] This is generally consistent with what happened with the evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/hurricane-evacuees-vote-in-new-orleans-mayoral-elections
https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2...ptions-voter-registration-deadline-approaches
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/hurricane-evacuees-vote-in-new-orleans-mayoral-elections
https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2...ptions-voter-registration-deadline-approaches
Oct. 27, 1966
October 27, 1966
Johnson visits Vietnam, aircraft carrier fire kills 44
President Johnson made a surprise visit to troops in South Vietnam yesterday after the conclusion of a summit meeting in Manila. At Cam Ranh Base, Johnson spent almost two and a half hours addressing the troops and gave Gen. William C. Westmoreland, the U. S. commander in Viet Nam, a Distinguished Service Medal.
The President addressed the men at the base, saying: “I just couldn’t come to this part of the world and not come to see you. I give you this pledge: We shall never let you down, nor your fighting comrades, nor the 15 million of Viet Nam, nor the hundreds of millions of Asians. One day the whole world will know that what you have done here was worth the price. You have the prayers of a grateful President and a grateful nation. We believe in you. And when peace comes we will receive you in your homeland with great thanks and with great pride.”
During his visit, Johnson toured the base in a jeep and visited the base hospital. The President bestowed a number of other decorations, including 24 Purple Hearts, to the wounded servicemen. Johnson will return to Manila before resuming his tour of the Pacific, with his next stop in Thailand. [1]
Johnson’s surprise visit comes at the end of a successful conference in Manila. There, President Johnson met with the leaders of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, South Vietnam, and Thailand. The leaders met to discuss the war and American-Pacific relations. At the conclusion of the conference, they signed a declaration that reads as follows:
“We, the seven nations gathered in Manila, declare our unity, our resolve and our purpose in seeking together the goals of freedom in Vietnam and in the Asian and Pacific area. They are: to be free from aggression, to conquer hunger, illiteracy and disease, to build a region of security, order and progress, to seek reconciliation and peace throughout Asia and the Pacific.” [2]
But this visit was overshadowed by a tragic incident in the Gulf of Tonkin. A fire aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany killed 44 crewmen and seriously injured 15 others. At 7:21 a.m., a fire broke out in a locker containing flares. It spread through the forward hangar bay, burning parts of five decks. [3]
Johnson visits Vietnam, aircraft carrier fire kills 44
President Johnson made a surprise visit to troops in South Vietnam yesterday after the conclusion of a summit meeting in Manila. At Cam Ranh Base, Johnson spent almost two and a half hours addressing the troops and gave Gen. William C. Westmoreland, the U. S. commander in Viet Nam, a Distinguished Service Medal.
The President addressed the men at the base, saying: “I just couldn’t come to this part of the world and not come to see you. I give you this pledge: We shall never let you down, nor your fighting comrades, nor the 15 million of Viet Nam, nor the hundreds of millions of Asians. One day the whole world will know that what you have done here was worth the price. You have the prayers of a grateful President and a grateful nation. We believe in you. And when peace comes we will receive you in your homeland with great thanks and with great pride.”
During his visit, Johnson toured the base in a jeep and visited the base hospital. The President bestowed a number of other decorations, including 24 Purple Hearts, to the wounded servicemen. Johnson will return to Manila before resuming his tour of the Pacific, with his next stop in Thailand. [1]
Johnson’s surprise visit comes at the end of a successful conference in Manila. There, President Johnson met with the leaders of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, South Vietnam, and Thailand. The leaders met to discuss the war and American-Pacific relations. At the conclusion of the conference, they signed a declaration that reads as follows:
“We, the seven nations gathered in Manila, declare our unity, our resolve and our purpose in seeking together the goals of freedom in Vietnam and in the Asian and Pacific area. They are: to be free from aggression, to conquer hunger, illiteracy and disease, to build a region of security, order and progress, to seek reconciliation and peace throughout Asia and the Pacific.” [2]
But this visit was overshadowed by a tragic incident in the Gulf of Tonkin. A fire aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany killed 44 crewmen and seriously injured 15 others. At 7:21 a.m., a fire broke out in a locker containing flares. It spread through the forward hangar bay, burning parts of five decks. [3]
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19661026.2.2&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1
[2] Ambassador at Large: Diplomat Extraordinary, p. 73
[3] Also as OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Oriskany_fire
[2] Ambassador at Large: Diplomat Extraordinary, p. 73
[3] Also as OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Oriskany_fire
Oct. 29, 1966
October 29, 1966
Anti-nuclear protests held across North America
Nowadays, it’s not unusual to see people in the streets holding signs and shouting slogans. But instead of the usual suspects of longhairs and black power activists, concerned housewives and senior citizens are on the march. From coast to coast, people have taken to the streets to protest the construction of atomic power plants. Opposition to atomic power has amplified after the meltdown of the Fermi plant near Detroit, Michigan a few weeks ago.
Most of the protests have occurred near plants that are under construction. Currently, there is at least one unit under construction at eight plants across the U.S. and three plants in Canada. [1] The status of these plants is now in limbo as opposition to these plants has grown. Local activism has had success in preventing the construction of an atomic power plant. In 1964, the AEC cancelled a power plant in Bodega Bay, CA, in part because of local opposition. [2]
So far, most of these protests have been civil and peaceful, and sometimes colorful. In one protest, a parade of ducks was led down the street by a group of housewives. They paraded the ducks on leashes, while holding signs saying “Down with atomic quackery” and “A.E.C. is ducking the issue” [3].
Anti-nuclear protests held across North America
Nowadays, it’s not unusual to see people in the streets holding signs and shouting slogans. But instead of the usual suspects of longhairs and black power activists, concerned housewives and senior citizens are on the march. From coast to coast, people have taken to the streets to protest the construction of atomic power plants. Opposition to atomic power has amplified after the meltdown of the Fermi plant near Detroit, Michigan a few weeks ago.
Most of the protests have occurred near plants that are under construction. Currently, there is at least one unit under construction at eight plants across the U.S. and three plants in Canada. [1] The status of these plants is now in limbo as opposition to these plants has grown. Local activism has had success in preventing the construction of an atomic power plant. In 1964, the AEC cancelled a power plant in Bodega Bay, CA, in part because of local opposition. [2]
So far, most of these protests have been civil and peaceful, and sometimes colorful. In one protest, a parade of ducks was led down the street by a group of housewives. They paraded the ducks on leashes, while holding signs saying “Down with atomic quackery” and “A.E.C. is ducking the issue” [3].
[1] These were several plants that were under construction at the time: Unit 1 of Peach Bottom (PA), Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant (CT), Unit 1 of San Onofre (CA), La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor (WI), Oyster Creek (NJ), R. E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant (NY), Units 2 and 3 of the Dresden Generating Station (IL), and Unit 1 of the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant (CT). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nuclear_reactors#United_States
In Canada, the Douglas Point (ON), Pickering A (ON), and Gentilly-1 (QC) were under construction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nuclear_reactors#Canada
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodega_Bay_Nuclear_Power_Plant
[3] From an actual anti-nuclear protest held in October of 1967:
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/...nough-trouble-with-hawks-news-photo/517774984
In Canada, the Douglas Point (ON), Pickering A (ON), and Gentilly-1 (QC) were under construction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nuclear_reactors#Canada
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodega_Bay_Nuclear_Power_Plant
[3] From an actual anti-nuclear protest held in October of 1967:
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/...nough-trouble-with-hawks-news-photo/517774984
Anti-nuclear protests to put a total stop to nuclear power or at least more plants? That did happen in OTL with Chernobyl and Three Mile Island.
Speaking of which, I don't know how far ahead this TL will go - will all this butterfly away the Three Mile Island accident of 1979?
I could imagine this Mad magazine illustration by Norman Mingo (the only World War I veteran to write or draw for Mad) being done just after the Fermi accident.
Speaking of which, I don't know how far ahead this TL will go - will all this butterfly away the Three Mile Island accident of 1979?
I could imagine this Mad magazine illustration by Norman Mingo (the only World War I veteran to write or draw for Mad) being done just after the Fermi accident.