"With all the recent posts in news articles about conflicts of interest on medical studies/outcomes today funded by drug companies, I think subscribers to the list can assume that this is you and your husband’s personal position, Kathy." Although the subject of vaccines is off-topic, I feel that this remark being of a personal nature regarding Kathy Dettwyler should not go unanswered on this list. In characterizing Kathy Dettwyler's post regarding thimerosal as "you and your husband’s personal position", the author appears to be attempting to isolate these two individuals as lone voices in their position and/or to imply that Kathy's position is merely "personal", the inference being that it has little or no factual basis and/or that it is not based on any sort of rationality. All of our opinions are, in fact, "personal", but that does not say anything about their validity. Many of us view science and scientific research with a critical eye, but this doesn't mean we distrust all science. Today trustworthy scientific sources say there is no apparent link between mercury and autism. Tomorrow they may reverse that position, as they have on many others. Although bureaucracy, greed and other human foibles will continue to stifle progress everywhere, I don't personally believe there is a world conspiracy to hide negative evidence regarding vaccines, although I am willing to entertain the thought that there may be some smaller ones going on. It is not only valid but absolutely essential that we critique *all* science. However, it is not unreasonable to take the position that so far science can't find a credible link between mercury and autism, but to nevertheless be open to new evidence in the future indicating such a link, and even to advocate for increased research in the area. One does not have to agree with that position, but it is shared by many thoughtful and well-informed people, and espousing this view should not put one at risk of remarks of a personal nature. "Many of us who post feel differently regarding vaccines and will continue to share and report such information." I don't think anyone is asking anyone else not to share and report information, but when posting regarding contentious issues, it is only realistic to expect that others will respond. I decided to vaccinate my children, but not until they were over the age of 2. I respect parents' decisions on both sides of the issue and see that both sides have valid concerns. As with many health and social issues, we have much to learn in this area and need to have respectful conversations about it. Barb Strange Edmonton, Alberta, Canada *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html