Joyce Brite, another very thoughtful and helpful member has sent us a
very informative forward regarding the dangers of mercury. I appreciate
it, frankly for an opportunity to say a word on behalf of balance.

   Mercury, and hundreds of other dreaded elements and compounds  has
been turned into buzz word intended, by the environmentalist movement,
to generate dread in the heart of every "conscientious" individual on
this "tiny, totally vulnerable planet." The purpose is not really to
contain the industrial effluent as much as it is to remove all the
basic materials from the hands of energetic, free world societies able
to turn these things into products. This is done by taking an example
of industrial carelessness or ignorance and using it as a platform for
the purpose of banning the necessary elements of making a living.

   The proof that this is a conspiracy dedicated to this end is the
fact that several Communist magazines, in one notable case the
Netherlands about 4 years ago, (this was read to us over the radio, so
I don't really know where to find it) admitted that their subversive
activities would be better spent in the environmentalist movement,
through which they are able to shut down rotten capitalist production.
They said in the article that they all have instant respect and
government subsidies to go about their fifth column work. Their wee
willing helpers love the power high they get by being able to walk into
an establishment and see them all trembling in their boots. Many just
do it to feel useful and become volunteers.

   I personally am not that fearful of mercury switches. You would have
to have an industry dedicated to breaking them and pouring them out
into the streams and rivers every day for years in order to do much
damage, and in every case, that damage is LOCAL. Remember too that the
natural form of mercury, mercuric oxide, is constantly being washed
from the rocks and into the oceans from our rivers on a daily basis. It
is what makes some rocks have a reddish look.  Compared to the
thousands of millions of tons of natural mercuric oxide exposed by
mother nature every day, I frankly think that we, as thinking
individuals, could realize the importance of balance.

   The danger isn't the "thing." The danger is the misuse of the
"thing." Worst of all are the enemies of a free society who use useful
information, such as the conference on mercury control, as fodder for
their political agendas. I would encourage all of us here to use our
heads, and not to become another member of their rabble that they are
rousing. If they would like to do some real work, let them go to places
like Peking. If they can breathe there, then they might do a good
work-- for as long as it takes the police to find them, that is.

Craig B.