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.

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.

I read the article yesterday when you posted it on FB. It started a wonderful conversation with my husband and I. I will just say that I still think that fluoride should be a choice and not put into water. Why not take it in a pill form so you can regulate exactly how much you get? The article was well written until I saw words and phrases like "hippies" and "rich white people getting acupuncture". My guess is he thinks that Monsanto is a positive thing for the "poor people" as well. I am grateful to be in an area where it's still a choice what I put into my body as well as my children.

My understanding of "cupping" is that it's an ancient Chinese practice used for pain and releasing toxins in the body. My husband went in for a massage and the woman talked to him about it a bit before letting him try it. He has a seizure disorder and is on Keppra every day so is always looking for ways to rid his body of the toxins from the medication. Not sure he will try it again, but it's always fun to learn new things. He does use acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage on a regular basis. They work great for him. I am very thankful I came across chiropractic care when searching for solutions to my youngest son's tendency to get ear infections with colds. I like to save antibiotics for when they are really needed. As I am sure you already know, doctors are not treating most minor ear infections with medication anymore but my little guy definitely needed some relief. I prefer the term "ancient medicine" as oppose to "alternative care". Most of these practices have been around forever. I love that so many people are getting back to the basics. We, as a family, try to live this way as much as possible. I'm not ready to get rid of the school nurse just yet, but I don't want her giving my kids a flu shot either.

I love it when people stand up for anything they believe in, I hope my children do so one day. The fact that the author of "Skepticism in a Small Town" refers to natural medical practices as "quackery" is just plain ignorant. It is unfortunate that for her medicine has to be natural or not. Both are very important in our lives. I am so thankful for medications when they are needed, but am a strong believer and a customer of "quackery" such as cupping, acupuncture, chiropractic care to name a few. I would be curious to know why some feel that fluoride needs to be in the water instead of given as a supplement from one's doctor. Why shouldn't each family be able to choose?