F O R U M O N P H Y S I C S & S O C I E T Y
of The American Physical Society
January 2002

The most important part of this issue (again available on the web as well as via "snail-mail") is the Elections Section. Though the Forum has over 4000 members, most of is life is sustained by a small group of past, present, and future officers. Elections are a way of choosing and expanding this vital subset. PLEASE VOTE. And consider running for office yourself in the next election.

Our Forum's continued interests in energy, transportation and nuclear power-- obvious loci of the physicist's interaction with society-- manifest themselves in this issue with articles on automobile safety, automobile economics, and "next generation" nuclear reactors. We also have commentaries on energy and nuclear proliferation, and a letter continuing the debate on the safety of low-level radioactivity. Finally, there is a review to continue the discussion of the relation between religion and science.

I hope this issue finds you all gaining some solace and joy in this winter solstice season following one of the most disturbing autumns this nation has ever known. Much will be required of all of us, as citizens and scientists, to protect our world from external and internal threats, preserve and expand our traditional liberties, extend and rationalize prosperity, and strengthen our beloved science. We will all have to strive very hard: as individuals, and in civic, political, and professional groups. Rest up a bit-- you'll need it.