LETTER
A nuclear dump site upstream really frightens me!
Each week, like many Aylmerites, I look forward to receiving the Bulletin d’Aylmer and I scan straight to the editorial and letters. Each week, I see threads that link some of the stories together. Last week, Fred's editorial asserted that we ask bold questions of our politicians and seek real answers. Does that actually work to get results? Dr Cheng reminded us of the present dangers with milk and dairy products, yet government colludes with business to keep the price low and not promote other alternatives. Take heed people! Roberta Hall gave us statistics that cancer and dementia rates are frighteningly high and -- oh yeah -- we may have, in our own back yard, a new nuclear dump site attached to the Ottawa River watershed. Fifteen years ago, my mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She only ever lived around Ottawa and ate a healthy diet. Our family learned that bowel cancer is prevalent in the Ottawa valley for some unknown reason(s).
Fast forward ten years and a co-worker tells me of a report he knows that was written decades ago about the dangers, and of actual ongoing leakage at the Chalk River nuclear site. The report was squashed! Conspiracy theory, perhaps? Asking our governments to protect their citizens is unreliable.
Another article states that the city is now 'modernizing' our water stations. Let's hope the old ones weren't too far past their 'best before' date! Large business' interests take precedence. Always have and always will, yet the 'will' of the people, the masses, must be heard and ultimately followed. Thankfully, local papers like the Bulletin help keep us well informed and able to respond, especially in times of crisis (like during the floods). Too bad governments have taken to threatening their very existence recently!
I thought my generation had already fought most of the "good fights", but with this latest assault on our environment, the nuclear dump site, I am ready to fight the good fight again and know many will join me.
Joseph Golding
Aylmer
