The proposed Divine Strake non-nuclear weapons test conjures up bad memories for the longtime residents of Southern Utah who believe their government lied to them about the safety of nuclear tests in the 1950s and '60s.

The group, known as Downwinders, has found it difficult to believe anything the government has had to say since those tests. They argue that their various cancers and other physical ailments are linked to radioactive fallout created by the blasts. They - and many others - fear that even a non-nuclear test like Divine Strake will result in radioactive dust being recirculated in the atmosphere, only to fall, once again, on the residents of Southern Utah.

Even worse, they fear that Divine Strake could be a precursor to renewed nuclear tests upwind in the Nevada desert.

Critics counter that data collected since the 1950s and '60s show that there is no significant cause for concern. They say that residents and others who have voiced concerns are blowing things out of proportion because the statistics and science simply don't point to any cause for concern.

In short, they say any tests like Divine Strake will be safe.

Whether you think the tests should be prevented, or whether you think this talk about danger is all a bunch of bunk, it's important that you let your voice be heard.

When a public hearing by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency was altered into an open house format last week, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s office intervened and set up a public hearing by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

Basically, the governor's office is giving residents an opportunity to do what the federal government failed to do: Give people a chance to speak on the record.

Huntsman deserves kudos for the tactic, but it will do no good if people assume someone else will do the talking for them.

The meeting will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Dunford Auditorium on the Dixie State College campus. That's the building behind the science building and across from the library, both of which are accessible from 100 South.

Take the time to attend. Voice your opinion.

Regardless of your position on Divine Strake, make sure the government hears your thoughts.

* (Posted for educational and research purposes only, in accordance 
     with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107) *