USA - Replies on schools and stools and phones and bones abound

..................Then there was the fluoride column, the one where I was actually talking about how dumb we're all getting but which was interpreted by many as wholehearted support for the fluoridation of the South Bay's water supply.

"God, are you a typical liberal, quoting some old moving picture and not knowing anything about fluoride and how it can cause bone tumors," wrote Peter Hays of San Pedro. "Stop being such a stooge before we're all poisoned."

Naomi Flack of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., wrote, "Here is a reply from one of the people you so merrily smear: The ADA has now stated that fluoridated water should not be used by infants for formula preparation during the first year of life due to the increased risk of dental fluorosis (mottled teeth). Do you really think something should be put in the water that is unsafe for babies? Think about it and try to let go of the endorsements and denigration of the opposition, which have successfully caused you for so long to not think. Also, think about the fact that fluoride is in your toothpaste at far stronger doses and that's the only way it works (topically). Putting it in your water makes as much sense as swallowing sunblock to protect yourself from the sun. You might also like to take a look at the Web site of the Fluoride Action Network, learn the facts, and see the names of the distinguished people on their board: www.fluorideaction.net.

"You've been snookered, pal, and you're playing right into the hands of those who do the snookering."