More than a few Tri-Citians were shocked to see the Rev. Jesse Jackson spend the past two days in the Tri-Cities avidly promoting research into the use of radioisotopes to treat cancer, HIV and other ailments.
Liberal Democrats arent supposed to be interested in using nuclear materials for anything, and for decades, Tri-Citians have watched and listened as the mere whisper of the word nuclear set off alarm bells west of the Cascades.
Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, Gerald Pollet, the director of Heart of America and lately a candidate for a Seattle House seat, and their ardent supporters respond to the word nuclear like a pit bull startled by a midnight intruder.
Not a lot of thought original or otherwise usually goes into their blustering rush of wild barking, but it always seems to succeed in marshaling knee-jerk opposition.
Used to reactions like that, most Tri-Citians hardly expected someone at the level and politics of Jackson to travel thousands of miles to learn more and to encourage research into development of better medical technology for use of radioisotopes.
Trying to figure out some way to cure diseases, to extend and expand our lives what a great moral mission, he told the 200 people gathered at the Three Rivers Convention Center during a dinner that was part of the symposium held in the Tri-Cities on medical isotopes.
What a refreshing change from folks like Kline. I sat next to him during a dinner in Olympia a few years ago and the topic turned to Hanfords shut-down research reactor, the FFTF.
During the conversation, I observed that it surprised me people would shut it down and eliminate it as a possible option for producing cancer-fighting isotopes when so few options for that role existed nationwide.
Kline fairly bristled, and the tone and volume of his argument began escalating. Former U.S. Rep. Sid Morrison jumped in and began talking about what a wonderful machine FFTF was.
Kline continued to glare, but his flare-up subsided.
Thats why I, like many others, found Jacksons message such a refreshing surprise. Who guessed a dyed-in-the-wool liberal would come to the Tri-Cities to preach to the converted about medical isotopes?
Its a pity more folks from the west side didnt get to hear his message.
Ken Robertson: 582-1520; krobertson@tricityherald.com
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