We would like to respond to a letter signed by Dr John Carnie, Chief Health Officer, Department of Human Services, Victoria, and others (Experts back fluoride, Sunraysia Daily, Wednesday, September 2).

In Dr Carnie’s letter, we see very familiar tactics. Instead of marshaling scientific evidence to support their case, they rely on endorsements and tame reviews by bodies that sadly toe the government’s line on fluoridation.

Dr Carnie’s notion of “consulting” with the community is to mail everyone a one-sided brochure.

His agency finds it easier to answer its own questions than those of its opponents. Here are eight questions we challenge Dr Carnie to answer.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Friday's Sunraysia Daily 18/9/2009.