Cancer Comes to Fridley
Cancer /ˈkænsər/ known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of various diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body.
This is a very big departure from the topics I would normally write about. Living in such a close knit community as Fridley, I didn’t intend to (ever) publicly state my personal views on controversial subjects. But I find it difficult to be quiet in our current struggle. So I begin.
I am concerned about what is going on in Fridley, Minnesota. We have gotten a lot of attention in the media about “Fridley Cancer Clusters” recently, which has got me worried.
Cancer came to Fridley with the voice of one person, Jason McCarty, whose mom, a friend and several neighbors were diagnosed with cancer, all living in Fridley. He became suspicious and started a Facebook page with an important question that needed to be answered: Does Fridley have higher cancer rates? The answer was yes—10 percent higher.
This led to questions of why we have a 10 percent higher cancer rate. Suddenly, numerous people had, or knew of someone who had cancer. With the tools of Social Media, this small group soon grew to be a powerhouse of concern, getting the ear of Erin Brokovich and her team, the Star Tribune, WCCO, KARE11, MPR Radio, Fridley Patch and many others. Information about Superfunds came to light along with the sickening possibility that the City and corporations from the past have knowingly poisoned our water.
This happened less than a month ago.
Cancer has been a part of my life since 2010 when I started as a volunteer at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Unity. I have been gifted the opportunity of seeing people of all different walks of life and ages in various places of health and illness. Sometimes there are happy endings of remission and long lives lived. Sometimes, there are no happy endings at all.
But as anyone who has gone through cancer will tell you, it is very different to go through the process, than to observe it.
As many people have been doing, I have been following this story pretty closely. For about three days I became somewhat obsessed with it. I poured over the Fridley Cancer Cluster page, and I was moved. So many stories, so much struggle ... The sheer volume of ‘fans’ alone was overwhelming. The quote from the Mayor to “be calm and open minded” while he “searched for scientific answers” seemed absurd in the midst of all these voices.
I started to question if I should continue to remain silent about my own stories. In my extended family alone, I have had cases of uterine cancer, kidney cancer, two cases of breast cancer, lupus, and a very young relative who just had a growth removed—thankfully it was benign (but the child’s parents were in the same house for 20 years).
An additional case of a friend has hit me particularly hard, a young woman, barely 30 with stage IV breast cancer. She’s a single mother, her son not yet in kindergarten and we still don’t have a sense, which way it will go. And my mother-in-law recently died from a specific kind of dementia, with no family history of brain disease in sight.
All these cases of cancer of mine span different ages, sexes and types. But the commonality is that they all have lived in the same house, or general location anywhere from 15 – 40 years. But none of them have ever lived in Fridley.
Maybe cancer just doesn’t care who we are, how much we’re loved, or where we live.
Part of what I do for a living is work with The Media. The Media is an interesting industry. Like all industries, it is based on supply and demand. But what makes it unique is that no one ever really knows who is feeding who.
From Media’s earliest forms, it has held the power to change the world. From Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which influenced the action needed to end slavery, to The Diary of Anne Frank, which shed light to the dark horrors of Holocaust, it’s clear, The Media is able to sway the masses.
This power hasn’t been diminished in our current times. If anything, it has increased, with information available 24/7 adding to the ability to reach out to—literally—a worldwide audience. The Media is HUGE.
Whether it is in print, radio, web, or film/video form, it fulfills a universal human longing, our simple desire that we are heard, that our stories matter. We can only achieve this through being witnessed and what better eye to see us, than that of The Media?
I have come to think of The Media as a good friend. A good friend that is very popular and charismatic. Like any popular friend, I try and woo her as often as possible, in hopes she will give me some attention. I seek her attention because I know how influential she is, which also means I want to stay on her good side.
Ironically, The Media wants your attention just as badly, and will do much to get it. It is your attention that keeps her powerful, and so the question arises, who is feeding who?
Overall though, I do believe The Media is a very good thing. It gives voice to the meek, brings justice to those wronged, and gives witness to our lives.
I have had the luxury, until now, to be a spectator about any Big News in the media. Be it geography or a lifestyle that is so foreign to me I can’t relate, I have had a comfortable space to observe and criticize in comfort, far from the story at hand. Now, like many of you, I am in the middle of it all. Word has spread and friends and relatives from far away, have been asking me, what is going on in Fridley? What is Fridley doing about it?
I met the Mayor of Fridley, Scott Lund, a few years ago, before Cancer came to Fridley. He struck me as a genuine guy who was not only experienced in City procedures; he was more involved with our community than any politician I had ever met before.
We never became friends per say, which is, I have never spent time with him socially, but I was impressed. Impressed enough to join his campaign team several months ago (in the City of Fridley, this means a small group of volunteers who help him out with various tasks. I have not, do not, or will not receive payment for any of my services) to help him with his re-election efforts.
My opinion of Scott Lund through all this, is that he really is, a good Mayor. Does he try to manage The Media? Certainly. He is also still living in the same house he has been (here in Fridley) for over 30 years, and continues to work hard dealing with this very important issue, while also remaining as involved in our community as he always has been. Scott hasn’t changed much, but the perception of him by others has.
Any good PR person will tell you, in order to have a good story, you must have something that has a good angle, something that will engage the reader, perhaps create some action, or at the very least, a reaction. From our politics to our employers, what has historically created the best stories, has been the best source of inspiration for people, has been one thing: A shared common enemy. In this case, I see it, hear it and feel it; our common enemy has become the City of Fridley itself.
Overnight it seems, we have gone from “Friendly Fridley” to “Cancer Central”. In this syndication alone I have read 13 stories covering this topic, and counting. Professionally, I understand this. This is what people want to hear about.
Personally though, I am saddened to see our City whose old-fashioned charms and sentiments I have come to think of as part of which we are, has been replaced by on an onslaught of fear followed by its loud and vocal twin, anger.
In an ocean of more “breaking news” about Cancer in Fridley, other stories about our High School productions, fundraisers for our hungry, or how our athletic teams have played now suddenly seem diminutive. Ridiculous even. This is not the City I know. And certainly not the City I want others to think we are.
Don’t misunderstand me. I applaud the actions of this movement. I too am a resident here, and if there are hazardous elements lurking around, causing us to become sick, believe me, I want to know about it. I am open-minded to the possibility that there is truth to these terrible suspicions. Because of the hard work of others, I have no doubt this will be investigated thoroughly, and I am thankful. Regardless of whose campaign team I am on, I still have a family living here, and I still care about my neighbors.
I don’t fault The Media either. Not really. They have a job to do and we as their consumers, dictate what that job is.
These important questions about cancer, which should be answered, will take time if we want it done right because the fact is this is extremely difficult data to figure out. The true complexities of what we are asking are above and beyond my googling capabilities. I want the answers, but I want to be intelligent about getting them.
The momentum has been established. Cancer in Fridley is here, and it’s not going away. We now collectively have a lot of power, but what will we choose to do with it?
So besides my criticisms, I propose a few solutions too, an alternate action plan
while we are on hold.
Can we take the 2,500+ members of our Fridley Cancer Cluster Page and start helping one another? Can it be a place to share our stories of grief AND a resource for healing and recovery? Can those who are now connected, through cancer, create personal networks of meals, social gatherings for those who are going through cancer, maybe start fundraising efforts for one another?
Is it possible, to work with the City AND reputable third parties to find the answers? At the very least, can we presume our City wants to help us, instead of presuming they are harming us (I’m pretty sure none of the executives at PG&E lived in Hinckley during the years of contamination in Erin Brockovich’s famous case, as many of our City Officials have been)? Is it possible the only real great enemy, is simply the random acts of disease that have been increasing over time due to early detection, poor lifestyle choices, living longer, and the simple and plain unfairness of life?
Is it possible for us as a community to come together to be part of the cancer, and part the cure?
I will start my own proposed change of tone, and tell you about a local resource,
The Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Unity, right down the road. They offer numerous support services for cancer patients, and their families. Often times (but not always) these services can be provided for free. For more information, here is their link: http://www.allina.com/ahs/servicegateway.nsf/page/virginia_piper_cancer_institute
Another wonderful local resource is One For Joe. This is a man 100% dedicated to organizing, running and managing fundraising events for other non-profits. His most recent event was a Toy Drive for Miracles of Mitch (pediatric cancer). For more information about his work, go here: www.OneForJoe.com.
I understand the action which started this all, is not just based out fear and anger, but also based out of our love for others. Just as I believe that we can be well balanced and fair in our approach, I also believe it is the goodness in people’s hearts that care about our City that inspired Cancer to come here, in the first place.
I will end by saying this has taken a lot of struggle for me to decide to share my personal thoughts on such an important and passionate issue, in such a public format. My opinions are not going to be popular ones, and like any person, I am afraid to be booed off the stage.
Ultimately, I decided that I can’t love The Media only when she’s looking my way favorably. To be fair, I must be accepting of her in times of disagreement too.
So instead of sharing these thoughts in the safety of my own home, or being among like-minded people, I am using this vehicle as a “new blogger” to share an unpopular perspective. Like Jason, I feel if I can persuade even just a few of my fellow neighbors to shift—not our goals, but our tone to reach them, who knows what good may come of it?
On the other hand, I may be flattering myself. My good friend, The Media, is not only popular and charismatic, she is also very fickle. It’s quite possible the only one who will be reading about this, is me.
cure (kyoor) 1. Restoration of health; recovery from disease. 2. A method
or course of medical treatment used to restore health. 3. An agent, such
as a drug, that restores health; a remedy. 4. Something that corrects or
relieves a harmful or disturbing situation
Amy Reierson
1:18 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thank You Thank You and Thank You. For sharing. To hear the opinion of one other person that is so much like my own is a great comfort. I to joined and combed thru comment after comment and post after post and felt saddened not just by all the cases of cancer but the negativity. I actually had to remove myself from the group because no matter how many positive spins I tried to put on things my comments and questions just got lost under everything.
I kept trying to ask the what ifs, what if something is found will all of you be around to support a change to lend a hand to make things better.
What happened years ago can't be changed, sure getting answers is good but they wont change anything. I am here in Fridley right now taking care of small children and an elderly Grandmother with Dementia, I don't have time to worry about what I can't change. But I certainly can make time to improve the future of Fridley for my children and all the other children who live here.
Again thank you for sharing and thank you for being their for people in need.
Mandy Meisner
4:26 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Patch,
Perhaps you could work with Jason to cover a weekly in-depth profile of someone in the Cluster. Focusing more on just their illness, it could tell us who they are, how they fit in our community, and things they may need.
Just a thought.
Wendy Olson
4:36 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thank both of you for expressing what I, too, am feeling about this recent media attention and what I have been seeing on the Fridley Cancer Cluster group Facebook page. The pro: It has gotten the attention of people who are in a position to take a good look at the possibility of a cancer cluster, and to find out if residents still at risk for exposure. The cons: I see almost a mass hysteria developing here -- people are immediately assuming the worst -- that someone or some entity is to blame, that there was a cover up, that somebody will have to "pay" for this -- before they even know if this is a true cancer cluster. The sad truth is, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the development of cancers. Not everybody who lived in Fridley and developed cancer did so because of contaminated groundwater. Dare to suggest that, however, and you are branded a hater. I, too, left the group because of the tone it was taking. Why not stay open to possibilities? Why not channel some of this energy into something positive for the City of Fridley and its residents? This is going to be around for a long time -- even Erin Brockovich won't be able to wrap this up nice and neatly in the time it takes to watch the movie about her -- time enough to effect positive change in our communities.
Amy Reierson
5:10 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
That's exactly it hysteria and blame, as much anger as people feel toward any of these business or what not, the simple truth is those businesses helped the city thrive, and provided jobs for the families in this area. Not only that but it really was the normal back then. I have done my homework thru the EPA's site and superfund sites are nothing unusual. One of every Four people they suspect lives with in four miles of a superfund site.
I will hope but not hold my breath that people realize blaming anyone isn't going to change anything.
Jason McCarty
7:17 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Amy, Could you direct me to some of the hysteria and blame that is going on? What I see is 4 superfund cleanup sites, lots of stories, and people looking for answers. Sure, in any large group you may have a few with more questions than others but blindly throwing a statement out there without examples is pretty bold. Not saying it has not happened, but someone reading this might take your words as gospel instead of actually seeing what is going on. Just my thoughts. If you have questions please feel free to contact me on Facebook.
Jason McCarty
Amy Reierson
7:45 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I have nothing to defend I was simply agreeing with an above post that the cons to the situation could very well be hysteria and blame. And as you yourself said your "not saying it has not happened." As I said before I left the group, I think everyone deserves an answer if there is one to have, but I am interested in what's ahead I can't do anything to change what is behind me.
I don't have any questions I have access to all the same information as you do. I have done allot of reading on all of the sites, I have done allot of reading about the companies, about government involvement, and on what other cities and states are doing to clean up their superfund sites.
As for gospel it is up to every individual to decide what direction they will take it is a choice, one I am not making for anyone but myself, but I choose to move forward.
Nicole johnson
7:23 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thank you Amy! I have been a part of the cancer cluster Facebook group and have thoughtfully read all of the information. Today I finally decided to post myself and it quickly became clear to me that my opinion was not a popular one. My point was that cancer is a horrible disease that affects people in all cities. That perhaps we should be supporting our loved ones and community by using this energy to focus on treatment and prevention. I was accused of being negative and not so politely asked to leave the group. This is not the open forum for communication that claim for it to be.
Amy Reierson
8:01 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Nicole I am sorry that you got such a negative response I am myself going to be looking into some of the links that M. Meisner has posted in the blog above to see what I may do to volunteer and help people in our community right now. If I find any other things I will certainly post them and share them if you or anyone following this is interested.
Wendy Olson
8:14 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
This is actually a reply to Nicole Johnson's post... I went to the FCC Facebook page after reading your comment, fully expecting that the string of responses to your post would be deleted, and thankfully, they were not. Wow! You were absolutely right -- there is nothing open about this forum. Even I was taken aback at some of the responses and this page lost it's luster for me a while ago. You were absolutely right about the language, "let haters be your motivators," "can you say cover up," "evil happens when good men to [sic] nothing," "this proves the city and state are lying" "the truth will come out." Does this sound like a group simply trying to gather information? Sounds to me like a group that has already decided there is a cause and effect here and they are casting their net far and wide to find who caused the effect -- the city? the state? the businesses and industry? the people who argue for moderation? You can't find answers if you've already decided what the answer is -- all you're doing at that point is gathering information that supports your position and ignoring any that doesn't. Unfortunately, this page is no longer "a place to discuss the cancer that is prevalent in Fridley, MN" it's a place to go to if you agree with their position and want to be validated.
Mandy Meisner
10:17 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Amy, Nicole and Wendy, I personally agree with your same points, but I want to be careful to not turn this into an “us” against “them” situation. I respect this is an organized group with similar motivations.
I don’t suggest FCC become a non-profit, that’s not their goals. But if Jason did just a few simple things (he is the “leader” no question) he could start making positive changes.
For example, if he simply put the link to the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at the end of every post when he greets new group members as a resource for them, would be helpful. Better yet, he could post it on the wall every week. The same goes for One for Joe, Joe helps EVERY PERSON or GROUP in financial need to raise funds. He has done neither since this blog was posted.
But what we CAN do is share this blog with as many people we think would be willing to listen. Post it on our own facebook pages, email to co-workers and Tweet. We too can spread a message using the tools of media : D
Jason, if you're reading this, a friend of mine with good intentions, asked for me to be part of your FCC group. I repectfully decline, and do not want to be a part of your page, sorry about the confusion.
Zac Farber
6:09 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Mandy. Last week, Chris and I did discuss the possibility of running in-depth profiles focusing on individuals and families, though we were trying to figure out an appropriate way to do the stories.
What does everyone think? How should we pursue stories about the Fridley residents who have been diagnosed with cancer?
Jason McCarty
7:23 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Zac, reach out to the group and see who wants to talk to you. Post it up and give your number or email address. I am sure many would like to talk on the record and share their stories with you.
Mandy Meisner
11:51 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
That's wonderful! While I understand some from the Cluster beleive they have been contaminated, and that is part of their story, I would really like to learn more about who the people are, in addition to their illness.
Amy Reierson
6:35 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Zac your already in the facebook group where people are sharing their cancer stories like crazy why not just ask if any of them are currently living here and if they would be interested. At least out in the open it is then up to the individuals to say yes they would like to or not.
Jason McCarty
8:23 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I would like answers to our questions. But looking ahead what can we as individuals and as a community do in the future to prevent another community from worrying about what companies are doing now and the health impact it may have for future generations. The Gulf Coast oil spill for example.
Mandy Meisner
10:15 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Jason, I am not debating the need for answers to our questions. I agree with that point. But, "looking ahead what can we as individuals and as a community do in the future to prevent another community from worrying about what companies are doing now and the health impact it may have for future generations" implies the assumption and/or that results have been founded that intentional harm has been done to us.
My point is NOT to make this assumption until we have more solid information.
Regarless of the findings, people have, are, and will be living with cancer. I suggest we come together to be helpful to one another. Become of service in action, instead of victims in wait.
I'm not sure what the Gulf Coast oil spill has to do with our people here in Fridley with cancer.
Jason McCarty
12:26 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
My quote was "we as individuals and as a community do in the future to prevent another community from worrying about what companies are doing now and the health impact it may have for future generations. The Gulf Coast oil spill for example." There have not been any assumptions that intentional harm has been done. I used the latest gulf oil spill for example. Did they do it intentionally? No. Can we look ahead to the future and hopefully prevent this from happening again? Yes. I said what companies are doing now. Not 40 years ago. The new defracking for oil is another example. Unproven science that may come back to haunt us. I am sorry but by you saying it implies assumption is in fact you making one. Please don't pull my words out of context and try to spin them. It won't work with me.
Mandy Meisner
3:35 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Jason, I am respectful of your opinions and thoughts. This is not a "me" against "you", nor an "us" against "them" converstaion. If I've given you that impression that is where I want to go with this, I apologize. Sincerely.
I am confused though about you stating there have been no assumptions made about intentional harm being done to us . Your work is based on the assumption of old Superfunds sites from the past, how they are causing cancer, and how that information was intentionally kept from us (alledgedly). All the data we are looking at, is from the past. Not now. I must be misunderstanding you.
In my own defense, I did not "pull your words out of context", you didn't leave much of a context for them.
Again, I'm not sure what fracking/defracking has to do with this. The topic I am focusing on here is how our questions about Cancer in Fridley is affecting us, and what we can do together while we wait for answers.
How modern methods of today will impact us later, is a seperate topic altogether.
Trish Bjorklund
11:27 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I think I was among some of the first to join the group on Facebook and as a result have read through most of the posts on there. I'm not seeing the negativity or the hysteria mentioned above. I just see honest people asking honest questions who I think are 'open to the possibilities' as someone above mentioned. We’ll have to agree to disagree I guess. And of course it's anyone's right to leave the group which you say you did.
I grew up in Fridley, and I did have cancer at age 30. I'm not blaming a company or anyone for that, it may very well just be the hand I was dealt. But I'm curious to know if there's more to it. It seems odd that so many people my age would be diagnosed with cancer. So, let's dig into it and find out what we can. I think the conversation here is valuable and I can appreciate your thoughts and can appreciate the desire to move forward and move on and in the future after my questions are answered I'll be ready to do that exact thing. But, until then, moving forward just sounds to me like sweeping it under the rug. You may not intend it that way, but just as you read negativity and hysteria into the Facebook group, that's how I'm reading your comments here, at least tonight at this moment.
Jeff Thompson
8:08 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Moving forward is not sweeping anything under the rug. I was also an early joiner of the list and have stepped out of the mix of things. I have read and followed up on leads, brought the attention to the press, born and raised here and now living in my childhood family home. 40 plus years. I am still keeping tabs on the press releases, and talking amongst friends. 30 emails a day was a bit too much and so I decided that it was time for me to be comfortable with knowing the word is out and an investigation or two are in the process. That was probably the intent of the formation of this group, I am not sure; however, what people decide to do now that they are part of the group can really make a difference. I am hopeful. I am still concerned. I am moving forward, too. Nothing is under a rug. I would like to say that the letter "Cancer Comes To Fridley" really connected with my thoughts. Thank you for your words and insight. Well written and put together.
Amy Reierson
8:08 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The thought was that things could lead to a more negative reaction, no one has said that there has been mass hysteria.
I think everyone here agrees we all want answers.
As for moving forward if we don't think ahead which could be as little as tomorrow then we aren't living. People need to know that there is something to look ahead to, if we all just sit and wait for an answer that may never come what kind of life is that for any of us?
I care for someone who is terminal ill everyday and as every day is a challenge and a struggle I can only look a short distance ahead but if I don't keep reaching for a better day, a better way what then am I teaching my children? That I can't improve my own environment that I can't change things until I have the answers. Well I don't believe that.
I still think the Facebook Group is a valuable resource for many people but not me, the only feelings I think that have been expressed here are those of individuals and their own discomfort with some the tinges of negativity here and there and the fear that it could grow.
Will it? Who knows, I hope not.
I know cancer a great deal of my family has dealt with it and none of them have lived in Fridley, so I understand the want for answers.
The question has been asked but I think in the mean time rather then just wait, the questions is what can we do now? Are there people in the community who need help with things right now, that lending a hand is moving forward.
Troy Melhus
9:10 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Thank you for this conversation and blog post, Mandy.
Hi all. I'm the Senior Regional Editor for Patch here in the Twin Cities, and I've been following this story—and all of these comments—with tremendous interest. I've been a part of Fridley Patch since its launch in 2010 and very much support Zac and Chris' ongoing coverage of this story.
What I find remarkable about this, in so many ways, is how this entire movement to recognize the number of cancer cases in Fridley is all coming from you—and we've had little to do with it. As a media organization, we're really just reporting what so many of you have already been talking about and known—in many cases, for years.
What I find remarkable—as well as profoundly tragic—is that so many people in a small community, in such close proximity, have been touched by cancer, regardless of the causes.
I, too, have known several people myself who have fought cancer. Like many of you, I lost someone close to me to it as well. Mandy speaks immeasurable volumes when she says it is very different to observe the process than to go through it.
Mandy's also right that the real story here is yet untold: How you, the people of Fridley, can help each other. Again, there's no proof or even suggestion that these myriad cases are related. But there's no question that they're all in Fridley now.
I can only hope that, as a media organization, we can help facilitate the conversation moving forward, helping *all* of you.
Thank you all.
Mandy Meisner
11:44 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Thank you Troy, and Patch for providing a media platform that gives voice to all.
Though I criticized the amount, and persepctive of this story from Patch, I appreciate that they are simply doing their job.
And they do a great job with ALL our local coverage.
At the end of the day, it is up to US to redirect the tones of this conversation, not the media. I hope the tune turns to one of hope, help and as Jason says, coming together in Friendly Fridley.
Jason McCarty
10:11 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Troy great post. What I have always said OS Fridley was and is a tight knit community. These posts and the Facebook prove it. We are all coming together to get answers. That is why I am proud to say I grew up in Friendly Fridley!
Kathy Sorenson
8:39 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
With out the media where would we be. This is not the first cause or wonderment that has brought in media. Media gets the word out there. They are not the word. In terms of "US" what do you mean M. Meisner. Is the media not "US". One reads the media reports to learn, to grow, be it financial, political, or community. One of the meanings of this page is Hope, Hope for our future, Hope for our children's future. It will help us already afflicted with cancer, just because we can hope for answers and talk with others with that same hope. It will not change the fact that we have it or that we have lost loved one from it, just to connect and hope for good from that connection. Thank you Jason
Mandy Meisner
9:50 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Kathy, by "us" against "them", I mean anyone who happens to agree with "my" point of view "against" that of the Cluster. And when I say "me" against "you", you being Jason.
This is not an argument over your goals, or intentions (to find answers). I support that 100%. This is about choosing, or not choosing to also include action to help one another while we wait for these answers. The action of finding the answers in of itself is commendable. I just happen to think we should be adding another layer to it (of outreach to one another).
I agree with you on all points about the media. It's an amazing tool.
Mandy Meisner
10:33 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Kathy, wait, I think I misunderstood where you were questioning my "us". I thought this was my comment to Jason...
To my repsonse to Mr. Melhus, yes I am saying it is us (we the community of Fridley) that is repsonsible for deciding our approach. The media's job is to report, or share information/stories.
Although my personal preference, is to see many perspectives about the same topic.
Jason McCarty
8:54 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Mandy, did you happen to go to Fridley High School in 1984-85 when the TCE concentrations were found on Commons Park? I did. I only found out about the pollution when I started this group 27 years later. As a former student, and Fridley resident, I was left in the dark then. It took me 27 years to find that out. I along with many of my classmates never knew. Some of them live on the east side of 7th street from the park and never knew. This is a little alarming to me. Not saying it was covered up, but as a community we were not made aware. If we were, I have not seen nor heard of any documents. If you have, please post them up or email them to me as I would like to see them.
Jason
Mandy Meisner
10:12 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Jason, I did not go to Fridley HS. And I thank you for all your efforts. You've worked incredibly hard to get an important issue looked at, which I and my family are benefitting from.
Some of this information is alarming, no doubt about it. And I am open-minded to the possibility that there may be a "link" here to cancer.
Again, my point is to help one another while we wait. I am NOT trying to deter you from your quest. I think we could do both (find answers and be helpful). Perhaps you can choose somone you think would do a good job to be a Community Cluster Outreach contact, so you may continue to stay focused on your work.
Certainly, if I find any offical documents or proof of any kind, I will email it to you and Bob ASAP.
Wendy Olson
4:54 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
There is plenty of information out there if one is willing to spend the time looking for it. People will be in the dark until something prompts them to turn on the light. It has never been a secret that Fridley is home to Superfund sites. I doubt anyone was trying to hide anything; it's more likely that a large majority of people never gave it much thought. There are requirements regarding public disclosure and input with regard to Superfund sites. I'm sure if you look, you'll be able to find this infomation by requesting it from the EPA, the MDH, the City of Fridley (depending on what they are required to archive) or go to the library and look for public notices in old newspapers. Then, when you are able to obtain the information, don't just take what looks like alarming information and disseminate it as proof of whatever the agenda might be. When placed in the context of the entire document, it may turn out that little piece of information isn't quite so alarming after all. Just as a possible outcome of this investigation may be that there is a connection to these illnesses in Fridley and environmental exposure, it is also possible that the environmental exposure might be something like radon, and the responsible party is Mother Nature. And it's just as likely that it may turn out that there is no real cluster, that there are other reasons for these illnesses. Until we know, I think it's important to keep the dialogue less adversarial and more cooperative.
Wendy Olson
8:43 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
I just discovered I am unable to see any of Jason McCarty's FCC page posts -- apparently if you disagree with him, you get blocked from seeing any of his posts. Again, does this sound open? I will continue to follow this news story, but will do so with an open mind and draw my own conclusions based on fact and not hysteria...
Mandy Meisner
10:30 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wendy, I just peeked at FCC, and at first thought Jason had "cleaned" (deleted) his comments from the page, but remembered you are "blocked" from this. I think I must be too (?). My friend inadvertently asked me to join, which I had then had to "leave". So I assume I must be blocked???
Ah welll... it's probably for the best. Frankly, the tone of a lot of his comments made me nervous.
Wendy Olson
11:04 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012
Yes, you've most likely been blocked. I discovered this when I noticed people specificallly responding to Jason, but could not see that he had made any comments. Then I noticed I couldn't even see anything from him anywhere on the page. I put his name into my Facebook search engine and nothing came up. When you block someone on Facebook, it's as if you don't exist, they can't find you, they can't see anything you post anywhere else on Facebook, so I assume that's what happened. If not, he certainly is free to correct me on this page. The creation of a page like FCC could do a great deal of good for people looking for information; however, when it is restricted only to those who agree with the point of view presented, then it is in danger of doing more harm than good by presenting information that remains unquestioned and unchallenged. Posting information out of context does no good -- for example, we know TCE is a carcinogen; we don't need to be told over and over that it is. But, is there concern for levels of TCE in our drinking water? Apparently not; the water quality reports and reports from the MPA have shown they are in compliance with state and federal standards, so this information has to be reported as well, since many people have questioned whether our water is safe to drink now. I hope that people are not taking this page as gospel and are also looking elsewhere for answers.
Mandy Meisner
10:31 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
I’m posting this again to DOUBLE make my point (same post is replying to Amy R’s comments).
I want to be careful to not turn this into an “us” against “them” situation. I respect this is an organized group with similar goals. One of the main points of this blog is to be of service to one another, despite our differences. We don’t have to agree on all points.
I don’t suggest FCC become a non-profit, that’s not their goals. But if Jason did just a few simple things (he is the “leader” no question) he could start making positive changes.
For example, if he simply put the link to the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at the end of every post when he greets new group members as a resource for them would be helpful. Better yet, he could post it on the wall every week. The same goes for One for Joe, he helps EVERY PERSON or GROUP in financial need to raise funds.
But what we CAN do now, is share this blog with as many people we think would be willing to listen. Post it on our own facebook pages, email to co-workers and Tweet. We too can spread a message using the tools of media : D
Mandy Meisner
11:44 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
I would like to apologize to Amy, Wendy & Nicole. I realized that this place is about being able to express yourself in any manner you see fit. And it is not my place to judge or try and control your comments, in any way. This IS an open forum, and going forward, I will refrain from trying to steer. Sorry guys.
Carry on, carry on!
Amy Reierson
11:48 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
No need to be sorry to me at least, I have read all of your posting not feeling steered but respected. I enjoy seeing your thoughts and opinions grateful that you shared. I see how you feel passionate about things but I don't feel as though you are trying to make me see things your way.
Wendy Olson
4:47 pm on Friday, April 6, 2012
No need to apologize to me, either. Just as I appreciated your thoughtful blog, I appreciate the fact that you have been respectful in your responses to all the comments being posted here in response to your blog. I do want to take the opportunity, though, to remind readers of what may have gotten lost in the controversies here: that your main points appear to be to take a well-balanced and fair approach while the issues are being sorted out and to use that time to be helpful and supportive in our community through acts of kindness and volunteering to help people in our community who are dealing with cancer and debilitating illness now. Good advice!
Trish Bjorklund
12:14 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
It’s been interesting watching the comments both here and in the Facebook group. I do not see the negativity that you guys are seeing, which is OK - we all have different perceptions, and maybe sometimes when you know the person behind the post you can understand what they’re saying with more than their words. I don’t know any of you guys personally so I can’t do that here, and what I read as negative here may not be intended that way. The purpose Jason started the group for was to share our stories, to ask some questions, and now to provide information to Bob Bowcock, all things which we’re doing. Your ideas are great, and I’m not saying the group won’t morph into some of the things you all are wanting to see, but the current purpose as stated is to gather information, which is still happening.
Trish Bjorklund
12:15 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
Part II -
What I found interesting is that what you said was happening in the Facebook group has also happened here. Coming back from Facebook to comment about your experience in the group and complain about the way Jason might be moderating the group isn’t the point of this blog either, is it? I guess the beauty and/or the curse of media today is that people can use it in whatever way they want even if it’s not always what the initial person intended. For the person up above who said emails from the Facebook group were too many, I would have to say that in the last couple of days I’ve gotten more emails from this thread than I have from the FCC group. I encourage you to do what you’ve already begun doing, point people towards the organizations that you mentioned or start another group on Facebook to do that, whatever works! If the FCC group sends you too many notifications, or you don’t like it then don’t stay in it. It’s the same for me if I decide I don’t want to stay subscribed to things here. Have a great night!
Amy Reierson
7:31 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
Agree to disagree, move forward and help each other seems to be the greatest difficulty in any group. I don't think any ones intent was to make any of this negative. I was attracted to the FCC group first for information and to see if I could do anything to help it wasn't for me so I left quietly without saying anything.
I am sure we all have different feelings about what is negative, I thought people asking for change and what we can do now is positive but these suggestions are not always met with positive reactions.
Then came this post that shared so many of my own thoughts and questions, how can I help people and make change. As I have always stated I can't do anything about the past. I still think answers are good and deserved but in the mean time and thats just it there is time to do something now.
I don't believe there is an "us" or "them" because ultimately good or bad our comments and actions will all effect each other. That has been proven here and on the FCC page.
Amy Reierson
9:44 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
http://fridleytv.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=40f01996d9a64807052aaf539e959f31
For anyone who missed this yesterday and lives in Fridley this is the taping that took place with the MDH and MPCA speaking about Cancer in Fridley...
Mary Jo Theis
11:20 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Jason, bless you for your efforts!!You are the voice of reason and you fly high against the "wind".