Grad Forum Says People Need More Facts About Atom

Americans know too little about atomic energy. This was the conclusion reached by the speakers at the Graduate Forum on. "The Atom and the People" last night in the Littauer Lounge.

Alan Barth, Nieman Fellow and editorial writer for the Washington Post, declared that the secrecy shrouding atomic energy has broken down the aggressiveness of the press. During the war, he recalled, reporters plagued the Office of Censorship with demands for more uncensored news; now, however, the press asks no such questions of the Atomic Energy Commission. The Commission, he continued, needs an inquisitive press to prevent the corruption that will come if its activities remain secret.

Cites Sensationalism

Sensational writing has taken the place of factual reporting and has distorted the public's opinion of the atom, Barth continued. Donald Michael, of the Graduate School of Social Relations, gave statistics from his poll conducted a year ago in Chicago to determine what the public know about atomic energy. A majority believed no defense was possible and that another war would come within 25 years. A small minority thought negotiation would be successful.

Daniel Steinberg, graduate student in biophysics, noted the beneficial results possible from atomic energy if we prevent war and grant research scientists more funds. The use of radioactive isotopes in treatment of cancer was one field he described.

Steinberg spoke on "The Public's Stake in New Medical Research," stressing the effect of the atom in the medical field.