Community members filled the auditorium Feb. 26 at a public hearing in Oak Ridge on the Natinal Nuclear Security Administration's future plans for weapons production at the Y-12 facility. Knoxville Voice spoke with some attendees to ask: "Why was it important for you to be present at this forum?"
"I want my kids to grow up as members of this country and know that they have a responsibility to speak up when something is against the good of the world."
"It's hypocritical for the U.S. to condemn other nations for having nuclear weapons when we refuse to disarm."
"I'm here because I support the concept that nuclear weapons saved thousands, if not millions, of lives when initially used, and I fully feel that they are a deterrent and we need to continue."
"While we tell the rest of the world they can't have nuclear weapons, we are here talking about building more weapons. What is the justification for this division of the world into nuclear haves and have-nots?"
Knoxville Voice joined almost 1,000 curious voters Jan. 17 at the Knoxville Expo Center to meet the candidates seeking to fill county seats in this year's election. We spoke with some attendees to ask: "What changes do you want to see in local government?"
"I want to see some openness in county commission - major changes down there. It's time for the smokefilled and backroom deals to go."
"I'd like to see some honesty. And stop the petty bickering."
"Honesty. Grassroots. Not the nepotism. Government for the people."
"A quick answer? Obviously, a lot is going on, and it's good that we're meeting people to get new blood. There needs to be more strength in terms of not depending on federal funding, more communication with the people and it's also up to the people to communicate as well."
