It seems to me that in the absence of struggle, people create one. Everyone needs something they're passionate about, something they are fighting for, I think for a lot of middle-class, soccer moms/dads it's turned in to vaccines, fluoride and GMO. All of which are, more often than not, poorly understood by them but has been integrated in to that part of them governed by "belief." I believe it's bad for my children Why? I don't want chemicals in my kid We all have a right to care about what our children consume but at what point do we not allow a decision rooted in belief to infringe upon the health of someone else's kid? By the way, if I'm ever in OR I'd love to get some Kobucha with you and your hubby. -Strike that, let's make it a beer. First rounds on me :-)Why not take it in a pill form
I think for a family like yours, this might work. For poor, uneducated families it will not work.The article was well written until I saw words and phrases like "hippies" and "rich white people getting acupuncture".
I think you must be referring to this portion:Who is opposing fluoridation? Call me crazy, but five’ll get you ten that in Portland it’s mostly middle to upper class white people. It’s too bad that they can’t be bothered to actually learn how to read the scientific literature, but I suppose it is a hassle to get from your cozy office job to the acupuncturist, to 24 hour fitness and then stop to pick up some organic Kombucha at New Seasons before Mad Men is on–No time to stop and think about little poor children with their teeth rotting out of their fucking faces with no dental care who were denied a simple, safe public health measure that could have saved them from it.
-I thought it was pretty much spot on. I know a number of people like this, chances are you do too.
Who is opposing fluoridation? Call me crazy, but five’ll get you ten that in Portland it’s mostly middle to upper class white people. It’s too bad that they can’t be bothered to actually learn how to read the scientific literature, but I suppose it is a hassle to get from your cozy office job to the acupuncturist, to 24 hour fitness and then stop to pick up some organic Kombucha at New Seasons before Mad Men is on–No time to stop and think about little poor children with their teeth rotting out of their fucking faces with no dental care who were denied a simple, safe public health measure that could have saved them from it. And the tone here is hateful.
You're right. I agree with mk that there is no need for such words when making a case. His point that it is easy to ignore a problem you'll never be afflicted with could have been made in a more tactful way.
I dislike drama, people that create it, follow it, thrive on it. Always have, always will. I didn't care what was in my food, in my lotions and body products, or in my environment until we decided to get pregnant. Now I am an advocate for my children. I will lead by example and show them where real, whole foods come from, how to raise and grow it, as well as give healthy options. I am a firm believer in trusting my instincts as a parent, and my instincts tell me chemicals in the body of a 7 lb. baby or 30 pound toddler whether it be in water, syringe, food, environment is not a good thing. It can't be avoided completely, but I can eliminate as much as possible by our choices. CHOICES being key. I am allowed the choice of how much fluoride goes into our bodies. We would love to meet you for a drink if you're ever in our area-we have amazing breweries and wineries.
Side story regarding your caution of lotions etc: My wife and I were just in Mexico and while it was lovely there, the mosquitos were pretty bad. Most nights we ate dinner outside and at the restaurants, they have bug spray available for the guests. My wife, is very much in line with your thinking and she refused to use the spray. She must have 20-40 mosquito bites on her legs. Me? none. I suppose we'll never know who faired better in the long run, but I'm not questioning my decision to use the spray. I think you two would get along well :)
Aside: We have been discussing doing a wine-tour of the Oregon Coast. If we end up in your neck of the woods, I'll give you a shout.I am a firm believer in trusting my instincts as a parent, and my instincts tell me chemicals in the body of a 7 lb. baby or 30 pound toddler whether it be in water, syringe, food, environment is not a good thing
Your kids are lucky to have you as their advocate, of this I have no doubt AT ALL, but we are the stuff of chemicals. That said, you are right, it comes down to a debate about "choice." Like mk mentions, there are likely alternatives that will allow for all parties to have the "choice" they desire, but it would be costly. Have you heard of people in your area suggesting these alternative options?