People need a voice in making personal medical decisions. The City's addition of medication to the water supply does not allow for choice nor informed consent. Concerns with medicating public water include:
- Violating the doctrine of informed consent.
- Allergic reactions or sensitivities to introduced substances.
- Lack of dosage based on individual needs.
- Infringement on religious beliefs.
- Lack of medical oversight.
- No practical way for individuals to avoid the medication.
Our rights were diminished by the Port Angeles City Council when they began medicating the drinking water of our city without individual consent nor a public vote.
All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.~Washington State Constitution, Article I, Declaration of Rights, Section 1.
Guard Your Rights!
People need to give meaning to the principles of a democracy that protects the rights of its individual citizens. Those principles lie in the state and federal constitutions and the Bill of Rights. These grant basic rights that protect individuals and minorities.
| (1) |
Water is owned by the people but regulated by the state. Individuals have a right to clean water uncontaminated by medication of whatever type. We should not have to pay for water that contains medications we neither want nor need. |
| (2) |
We have the fundamental right to accept or refuse medication. Everyone has the right to informed consent before being given any medication and the right to refuse that medication if they so choose. This right is given to us by the Constitution and several Washington State Laws. |
| (3) |
Everyone has the right to decide whether to accept or reject medications. We have the right to competent medical care. Placing any drug into the water supply means that there is no control over the dosage received. Some people drink much more than others and individuals vary with respect to their exposure to drugs from other sources (food, drink, environment). Some individuals are more likely to get an excess of any drug administered in the water:
- Infants
- The elderly
- Those with liver or kidney disease
- Those with drug intolerance's or hyper sensitivities
- Diabetics
- Athletes (who drink more water than others)
Human bodies accumulate substances such as lead, arsenic, asbestos, fluoride, etc. The effects of fluoride are weakening of bones--making them more susceptible to fracture--and increasing the chances of Alzheimer's.
The City determines the amount of a drug inserted into the water, but who monitors for side effects? This is left up to the individual, who, in most cases, is simply not aware of what to look for or how to assess symptoms. Moreover, there is no practical way for a person to avoid the medication since exposures come from drinking, bathing, food preparation, watering gardens, as well as other methods. |
| (4) |
We have the right of religious freedom. People who object to medications on religious grounds have little recourse. Their rights and freedoms are being trampled by others who feel they know what is best for everyone.
Everyone has the right to refuse medication on religious grounds!
Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion. . .~Washington State Constitution: Article I, Bill of Rights, Section 11: Religious Freedom
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