[michaelchisari]

just because something is less serious than Chernobyl it does not make it "minor"

But that's creating a seriously false dichotomy: Nobody is saying that this situation is "minor", and I most definitely don't think it is, and did not post this to downplay the situation.

I posted it because Chernobyl comparisons are like the Godwins Law of nuclear power. Things can be very bad without being comparable to Chernobyl.

[gnosis]

"Nobody is saying that this situation is "minor""

Yes they are.

Earlier in this very thread, alextingle wrote:

"This relatively minor accident has come at a very unfortunate time."

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2337966

And that's far from the only time this sentiment has been expressed on HN.

Lots of pro-nuclear advocates on HN have repeatedly said that the Fukushima accident is minor. This was especially true a few days ago, but even now some are continuing to maintain it's no big deal.

[alextingle]

The 2011 Japanese tsunami has killed at least 7000 people. The Chernobyl accident killed up to 4000 people. Problems at the Fukushima power plant are far less severe than Chernobyl (see the article) so they are relatively minor.

Or do you feel that a life taken by cancer is worth more than a life taken by drowning??