Nukes: privatized profits, socialized risk

Up late last night, preoccupied by events in Japan -- what looks like a full-on nuclear power plant disaster. Melt down. Explosions. Wind-blown radiation.

On NHK TV, a government spokesman offered some advice: Don't use air ventilators to heat your cold homes. Don't go outside. If your laundry is hanging outside, don't bring it in. 'You should not be exposed to the outdoor atmosphere,' he said.

But rest assured, Americans: if any such thing ever happens here, the for-profit nuclear power industry will be secure. They'll be off the hook for most of the cost of any similar accident, and we, the taxpayers, will cover the bulk of any cost. Even in the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

What a relief.