50 Reasons We Should Fear the Worst from Fukushima

[One_Life_To_Give]

82. A Free Press

Bikini Island, Soviet Union etc. all had tight control over access and the freedom of an independent press to move about.
Geiger Counters are $50 and Dosimeter badges are substantially less.

Just about anyone with a little motivation can go out and get their own personal readings from the surrounding perimeter. And it appears just about anyone can get within 20km of the site now that Tamura and Kawauchi had their evac order lifted. Assuming somehow the Gov't prevents any journalist from verifying the 8mSv at the Fuku Plant fence. Similarly Marine vessel traffic has not been restricted outside of 20km and any vessel could have taken samples of the water at any time.

Compared to the restrictions placed by the Soviets following Chernobyl. 20km Security zone with no press allowed. Kiev locked down from reporters and reporters forbidden to interview evacuees. http://www.penelopeironstone.com/Rubin.pdf

Not enough information, too late in coming etc. Certainly we get this from Western Gov'ts as well. But unlike military bases we have a public and press that is mobile and educated. Makes it more difficult to lie to people when quantifiable facts are easily verified and corroborated.