Energy Dept. "Corrects Historical Record" on Oppenheimer

What's the story?

• In time for the theatrical release of Oppenheimer, the Department of Energy (DOE) decided to "correct the historical record" regarding the inventor of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was vilified in the fifties by the Red Scare era anti-communist policies.

Victim of anti-communist rhetoric

• In 1954, the Atomic Energy Commission revoked Dr. Oppenheimer's security clearance through a "flawed process that violated the Commission's own regulations." 
• The revocation of his security clearance was based mainly on his affiliation with progressive causes and unfounded accusations. Joseph McCarthy and anti-communist government officials targeted Oppenheimer as disloyal to the country, a spy, and a communist. 
• The decision ostracized him from the political and scientific mainstream and ultimately ended his career.

A modern reappraisal of his legacy

• The DOE, the successor agency of the Atomic Energy Commission, vacated the 1954 decision against Oppenheimer and reemphasized his legacy as one of America's foremost physicists. The 1954 decision was abandoned on Dec. 16, 2022. 
• The DOE aims to "correct the historical record and honor Dr. Oppenheimer's profound contributions to our national defense." There has been renewed interest in Oppenheimer ahead of Christopher Nolan's upcoming film based on his life and legacy. 

Do you agree with the DOE's correction?

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—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Flickr/ Life Magazine)