I disagree with your assertion that this is a "civil rights" issue. It is an issue of public health, and the input of public-health experts should be acknowledged. As Mr. French points out, there is a broad international consensus among respectable scientific and medical organizations, that fluoridation is beneficial. As a non-scientist member of the public, I believe it is irresponsible to ignore these facts in favor of an emotionally-charged, personal position that is informed by a misplaced distrust of experts. Please consider the consequences of making public-health decisions that lack scientific support because they can be severe and far-reaching.