In response to “ When you know better…”

As a subscriber to the Vigilant, I was recently disappointed in the paper to see an article published that clearly belonged under the opinion section.

The issue of fluoride in our water supply is not a topic to take lightly or to promote the miseducation of people on.

I have lived in cities that put fluoride in the water — Chicago — and ones that do not — Eugene, Oregon.

The difference in the oral health of the occupants of these cities is astounding. To ignore the recommendation of the American Dental Association, the Center for Disease Control, the American Medical Association, the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization in favor of quotes from a science fiction author and a website that if researched shows that it is not accredited by the scientific community is negligence.

Tooth decay is a disease. It can permanently disfigure someone if left untreated. Is this fair to do to low-income children without access to regular dental care?

Should we push for people to spend money on prescription fluoride toothpaste instead of food for their families? That is an extreme example, but so is saying we are poisoning our bodies with each glass of water we drink for in the Village of Cassopolis.

In the case of fluoride in the water supply, I will stick with the consensus and by consensus I mean the accredited medical organizations listed earlier. I strongly encourage people to research this on their own through www.ada.org; www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/benefits and www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Fluoride/StatementWataerFluoridation.thm.

Pat Stevens

Cassopolis