These are some of the conversations I have been having with
local mayoral candidate Chris Spearman. If anyone has any comments, I’d like to
hear what you have to say. Also, if you’d like to contact him yourself and tell
him what you think, that would be even better.
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate shared a link.
Here is what Alberta Health says about fluoridation
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/Pages/Water-fluoridation-in-alberta.aspx
Everyone should educate themselves on this topic and get credible information from both sides of the issue.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/Pages/Water-fluoridation-in-alberta.aspx
Everyone should educate themselves on this topic and get credible information from both sides of the issue.
Martin Van Popta Mr. Spearman, I agree that people should educate themselves and find credible evidence. The trouble is that the site you have provided is filled with large claims only. No evidence has been provided. If we are supposed to study credible evidence from the pro-fluoride side, then can you please provide it?
Martin
Van Popta All that being said the real issue here is an ethical one,
not a scientific one. Is your Lethbridge
really going to be a place where the majority makes health decisions for the
minority? There are more effective and far more efficient ways of delivering
fluoride to those who want to be fluoridated. Even if you believe the claim
that fluoride is nutrient, what gives 51 percent of people the right to force
it on 49 (which is what happened when the last referendum took place).
Like · Reply · 2 · August
23 at 8:02am · Edited
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate Here is another article which offers some
balanced perspective on the subjecthttp://www.skepdic.com/fluoridation
The fluoridation of water supplies to municipalities in the U.S. is done to
prevent tooth decay.
Like · Reply · August
24 at 2:19pm · Edited
Martin
Van Popta This article implies that there is scientific evidence to
support the benefits of fluoridation. Will somebody please provide some
substance to back up these claims? It is very easy to mock everyone who stands
against fluoride by calling them fearmongerers and luddites, but there has to
be some evidence.
Like · 2 · August
24 at 6:57pm
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate I make no apologies. If it is a health
issue, let us see legitimate evidence. If it is an issue of democratic rights,
I would expect those opposed to fluoride to ensure that a referendum is
conducted at the same time as the municipal election. A referendum could be
conducted cost effectively at the same time when voters are going to the polls
anyway.
Martin
Van Popta Also, Mr. Spearman, may I ask you how you would define which
issues are voted on and which issues should be left to individual choice? The
article that you shared seems to imply that every community should have the
"freedom" to force a majority vote on the minority. While I
understand the value of democracy when deciding many political and economic
issues, don't you think a line is crossed when citizens are being forced to
consume a substance they believe is toxic to their families?
Like · 2 · August
24 at 7:07pm
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate Yes. Most issues would be decided by your
elected council. This is a health issue. Most councillors are not qualified to
decide on matters of public health, including me. If you force me to, I will
decide based on the recommendations of those who are qualified, such as the
local health authority, the National Dental Association, Alberta Health etc. I
have the background and the experience to decide on matters of taxation,
utility rates, capital planning, economic development, transportation, urban
development and social services. That is why I feel qualified to serve and
there are many in this community who will attest to that. I am not a one issue
candidate. I won't be bullied into supporting anyone's views on a single issue.
Martin
Van Popta If you would like to see non-partisan double-blind studies
on the harmful effects of fluoride I can provide them easily. Can you provide
the same in defence of fluoridation? As for democratic rights, they should
never supersede personal freedoms.
Martin
Van Popta May I ask how speaking with a mayoral candidate about an
issue that concerns me, a citizen, is now considered bullying? I am confused.
If you don't want to speak with me, please make that clear.
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate I have committed to investigate the
issue. I am open to discussing it with anyone who has an open mind. May I ask
what your professional qualifications are? Or are your views just your personal
opinion? I have begun discussing this issue with knowledgeable and qualified
people. Materials have been provided to me for review by those who oppose
fluoride. I am in no rush to make a decision and have every right to delay my
decision until my platform is made public on nomination day.
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate I am going to take the time to
investigate the fluoride issue thoroughly. Until that time, I will continue to
post articles, which others are free to react and comment on.
Martin
Van Popta I respect your right to make your platform decisions at your
leisure. You had posted a link that you thought had a balanced view. I thought
that since you had published it on a public forum that you were willing to
discuss the issue with citizens. As for my qualifications, I have none. I am
just a citizen talking to a politician. I would warn you, though, that health
professionals have been wrong about many health issues, and have made many poor
decisions. DDT, asbestos, cigarettes, leaded gasoline, thalidomide, and Freon
were all once considered harmless. So as you say, keep an open mind.
Martin
Van Popta Please be assured that I am not attempting to bully you, I
am only asking questions. I would be very willing to answer any questions you
have for me.
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate Everyone in elected office makes
decisions based on the best information available. Your elected representatives
would be foolish to make decisions on public health without referencing
credible sources.
Chris Spearman - Mayoral Candidate I don't agree Jeannie. If most want fluoridation after hearing the evidence from both sides, you will have to accept that.
Martin
Van Popta Agreed! We have credible sources for you to examine. To my
knowledge, there is not a single non-industry funded double blind placebo test
in existence that can prove the benefits of water fluoridation. If I am wrong
about this, please share the studies you find with me.
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate I will ask. Please provide your
information for verification. Thanks !!!
Martin
Van Popta I should be able to provide a list of studies by tomorrow. I
don't have the file on me presently. I appreciate you taking the time to chat.
Chris
Spearman - Mayoral Candidate You're welcome. I have lots to read so
take your time assembling information. Next Friday would be fine so I can read
next weekend and find a source for verification. Thanks !!!
http://www.enviro.ie/Human%20Toxicity,%20Environmental%20Impact%20and%20Legal%20Implications%20of%20
Martin Van Popta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30umO7s4Zj0
Dr. Jay Levy, a practicing dentist in Portland , exposes the demonstrably false
c...See More
b) Studies investigating association between water-fluoride
levels higher than fluoridated water (2 to 5 ppm) & bone/hip fracture.
Martin
Van Popta I understand that the first resource is lengthy and you
probably don't have time to read it. It would be good if you could make it
available to your health professionals. The video I have provided was created
by a dentist in Portland .
He demonstrates how inaccurate and misleading information from health
professionals can be. Alberta Health Services has demonstrated similar
behaviour. I don't understand the motive, but they seem to have an irrational
desire to defend water fluoridation, even when ethics and the science don't
support it. The video is short (only 12 minutes long), so please take the time
to view it. The last link is an extensive list of studies and reports on water
fluoridation and its many effects on human and environmental well-being.
Like · 1 · August
25 at 8:55am
(I was using my wife's FB account (Jeannie) which is why Mr. Spearman refers to me as Jeannie)
That would be gross to have some waste in the water. I sure hope that we never have some waste get in our water. I like it the way it is, nice and clean. http://www.knoxpumpingservice.com/
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