Atomic bomb builders are out in the Cold War

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama was a passionate advocate for the workers who helped us win the Cold War by building the nation’s nuclear arsenal. That meant a lot to 1,061 workers from the metro-east, many of whom worked to process uranium for weapons at Dow Chemical in Madison.

A letter from the Illinois senator in February 2006 attacked President George W. Bush for cutting atomic worker medical benefits. Of 164 cases filed at the time from the Dow Chemical plant, Obama wrote that only two had been paid.

He said Bush’s plan “demonstrates a startling lack of compassion for workers who sacrificed their health to provide for our national security.”

What a difference it makes when the isotope stops with you.

Atomic workers thought they’d gain a friend in the White House, but now that Obama is in charge he’s taking heat. The federal compensation program for the atomic workers is fraught with delays, missing records and multiple denials — a system all too reminiscent of the Veterans Administration’s health care system.

Retired Dow worker Bill Hoppe has prostate cancer and wonders whether the beryllium dust he brought home on his clothes every day led to his son’s early death. He received $150,000 and a guarantee of $250,000 in medical benefits from the government.

Retiree Don Thompson has prostate cancer, too. He has given up on seeking compensation after multiple denials based on missing records.

Of the 1,061 local claims, about one-fourth have been settled for $30.2 million. Many workers said they would rather have their health than the money, but regardless of the details of individual cases these workers at least deserve the government’s attention to their pleas.

They should receive an answer before they die.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Atomic bomb builders are out in the Cold War."