Open Parachute

Misrepresenting fluoride science – an open letter to Paul Connett

Posted on July 14, 2016 | 6 comments

A poster for Connett’s Blenheim meeting – scaremongering because there is no proposal for mandatory fluoridation in New Zealand.

A new year and a new speaking tour of New Zealand by US anti-fluoride campaigner Paul Connett. Looking over the presentation he is giving at his New Zealand meetings I find he has absolutely nothing new to say. It’s all been said before – and all his claims have been debunked before.

His visit this year is slightly unusual – the first time I am aware he has visited in winter. Perhaps the local anti-fluoride movement has decided they need to get him early because of the impending introduction of new legislation on community water fluoridation (CWF).

In this open letter to Paul, I respond briefly to the points he makes in his current presentation and will link to a fuller discussion of each point in earlier posts. Many of these links will be to my debate with Paul Connett 3 years ago. You can download the full debate (Connett & Perrott, The Fluoride debate – 2014)or find the individual posts at Fluoride Debate.

Finally, I have offered Paul the right of reply here. I believe that participation in a good-faith discussion is the most scientifically ethical response to my open letter...........

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I wonder if all the talking in the world can ever make any of us change our mind about something so emotional as the benefits or harm that fluoridation engenders.

I will never change my mind. I have the guilt of making my son sick through allowing his teeth to be painted with fluoride by a careless dentist when he was very young. He now has mild fluorosis white spots on his teeth. I've met many pro fluoride professionals and the majority are arrogant or patronising while those who research it themselves and agree with opponents of fluoride have a more caring attitude less abrasive and are willing to listen. 

I think, I feel, we are right and I go by my instinct. Autism, cancer, alzheimers obesity,affecting more and more of us. We want less medication better living is the answer.

On another subject raised by OP I too cannot understand why we are demonising Putin but perhaps it is good for the armament  industries.