Hi John,
Presumption of innocence is a basic tenet of western culture - it expands outwards past the courtroom. Some might label this naivete, but who really wants to live in a world where you have to suspect others at all times? I for one would like to trust my neighbors and not feel the need for them to prove the safety of their actions anytime they take action I do not understand. Not everything can be known. I laud your desire to protect, but also must wonder at what cost. TANSTAAFL, everything is connected. Surely we must continue environmental studies and EA and EIS are important, but we must also consider the relevancy for individual issues and topics.