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Anti-nuclear group
pans propaganda
Staff Writer, with CNA
Anti-nuclear organizations must struggle to get their voices heard in the face
of the government¡¦s heavy investment in propaganda, a local activist said on
Sunday during a workshop on nuclear energy.
The country¡¦s anti-nuclear organizations have to try their best, using only
limited budgets and resources, to tell the public about the downside of nuclear
energy so that people can decide whether they want to oppose it or not, Taiwan
Environmental Protection Union secretary-general Lee Cho-han (§õ¨ô¿«) said.
The union, founded in 1987, began its anti-nuclear movement the following year
and has been leading regular demonstrations ever since.
¡§Our promotional resources compared with those of the state machine are
inadequate,¡¨ Lee said at the workshop hosted by the union in Taipei to disclose
what it described as the ¡§truth about nuclear energy.¡¨
The government only invests funds in promoting the benefits of nuclear energy
and does not value discussion of related public safety issues, while civic
groups have difficulty getting their voices heard, he said.
However, he said, there are also things the activists themselves can reflect
upon. For example, sometimes the information they provide is too technical and
too difficult for the public to understand.
Most of the time, people only hear that utility fees will increase and there
will be insufficient -electricity if we abandon nuclear energy, he said.
¡§When the country discusses the nuclear issue, it is important to deliver
correct information ... We do not want you to decide immediately that you are
against nuclear energy. On the contrary, I hope after we provide accurate
information, you can consider which stance you want to take ¡X opposition or
support,¡¨ he said.
At present, the group gives presentations around the country and trains
volunteers to help disseminate its ideas, he said.
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