Josh Hawley Calls on Hollywood to Tell Radiation Victim Stories

January 26, 2024 @ 10:03 AM

Sen. Josh Hawley needs Hollywood to embody the victims of nuclear testing in its victory lap for Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”

The blockbuster hit, nominated for 13 Oscars, ought to be used to name consideration to the downsides of the Atomic Age, the Republican senator from Missouri argued in a letter despatched to the Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences Thursday.

“Public interest in J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life story has never been greater, and the ongoing significance of his legacy will undoubtedly be a major focus at the 96th Academy Awards,” wrote Hawley, referring to the ceremony deliberate for March 10.

“I write to urge you to include programming that recognizes the victims of America’s nuclear testing,” he continued. “The Oppenheimer film tells a compelling story of these test programs. But it does not tell the story of the Americans left behind — still reckoning with the health and financialconsequences of America’s nuclear research, after all these years. Shouldn’t the victims who are still paying the price have a voice, too?”

The letter is a part of a long-running effort by Hawley to achieve the highlight for the victims of radiation publicity, Politico reported, together with these harmed by a nuclear waste web site close to St. Louis. His purpose is to reauthorize a regulation that grants them authorities compensation and is ready to expire in June.

“Across the nation, thousands of Americans currently suffer from cancer and other debilitating medical conditions, brought on by long-term radiation exposure,” the letter mentioned. “In places like my home state of Missouri, the radioactive waste of the Manhattan Project was never fully cleaned up. In many Western states, Americans living downwind from nuclear tests were never told the truth of their exposure and its consequences.”

“In both cases, innocent people have suffered for decades,” he continued. “These victims deserve justice through fair compensation from their government — and you can help by telling their stories.”