Letter to the Editor

Beware arrogance and ignorance.

The only way to deal with ignorance is to educate. Arrogance is being too smart to listen. Arrogance and ignorance are a powerful one/two punch.

Some people just don’t want to know what they don’t understand. Arrogance is thinking we know what’s best for everyone else… trouble is, arrogance is usually what’s best for us in spite of everyone else.

It’s a beautiful thing to see a child’s face light up when they figure something out. We, as adults, think we know what’s best for our children but we make mistakes…lots of them. We, as adults, are still learning too. I love the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young lyrics about “parents teach your children well… children teach your parents well…”

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION: The sun gives it off, your TV gives it off, the router for your computer gives it off, hydro lines give it off and microwave ovens use it…a consequence of our modern age. Trouble is it’s risky business. Microwaves can cook you.

THE SCIENCE: There is a lot of controversy amongst scientists regarding high and low frequency microwaves. High frequency (ionizing) microwaves, like those used in microwave ovens, are dangerous to living things…no argument from scientists. They shake up the atoms that make up the molecules that make up the cells that make up your body. These frequencies shake the atoms so violently that they can actually change your DNA by kicking out the charged particles in the atoms of your body. The low frequency (non-ionizing) microwaves, like those emitted from a microwave/Wi-Fi/cellular tower or a computer router, etc. have the energy to constantly shake the charged particles of the atom but not violently enough to kick them out. Some scientists say this is very bad for us and weakens the systems in our bodies. Others say these frequencies pose very small risks. One thing they all seem to agree on is more research needs to be done on the long-term effects of low frequency radiation.

Microwave/cellular/Wi-Fi towers need to be tall enough to get the signal over the trees. The water in trees absorbs the radiation resulting in poorer signal reception. Well, I’m not worried about the trees; I’m worried about the people (adults roughly 60% water) especially the developing brains and bodies of children (roughly 75% water) and what long term consequences might be for them. The greater water content in their brains and bodies makes them susceptible to absorbing more radiation. People argue risk percentages but is it worth gambling with a child’s health and future?

THE HEALTH: Canadian Medical Association Journal 2015…” Federal Parliamentarians concluded three hearings into Health Canada’s safety regulations for cellphones and other wireless devices by asking for a detailed analysis of numerous recent cancer studies that indicate far tougher safety regulations may be warranted… After noting that health regulations failed to forestall public health disasters with tobacco, asbestos, bisphenol A, thalidomide, DDT and urea formaldehyde insulation ‘prudent avoidance’ should be recommended with cellphones and Wi-Fi…studies show irreparable harm at levels below Safety Code 6.”

Cellphones and routers can be turned off but towers emit their signals day and night bombarding us with low frequency radiation that can penetrate wood, brick and some metals and are absorbed by the water in our bodies.

The Columbia Basin Trust has $7 million dollars to upgrade towers and bring high speed Internet to rural B.C., funded in large part by grants from the federal and provincial governments. This means we, as taxpayers, have a say in where these towers should go…inside or outside our communities. We have a choice where these towers should go. Those who follow will not have the choice.

Mike Slute,

Moyie

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