We Took The Government's Word
I was watching a PBS American Experience program on Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps the most disturbing portion had to do with something far different from roulette wheels and slot machines. Back in the 50s and early 60s the US nuclear testing facility was in the desert relatively close to Las Vegas. ABOVE GROUND nuclear tests were regularly held.

It should come as no surpirse that always inventive Las Vegas would use it as a tourist attraction. People would gather outside the city to watch the scheduled tests. Hotels would provide picnic lunches. Residents would take their children to watch.

Las Vegas residents were proud to be part of a patriotic effort. It became Atomic City, U.S.A.

The mushroom cloud was good for business. The blinding flash of light meant money. The ear-crushing sonic boom the sound of wealth. The pink particles nuclear fallout were pennies from heaven.

No one worried, said one person who grew up there. "We believed the government when they told us it was safe."