Flint Drinking Water Follow Up

Several weeks ago I wrote about the public health emergency declared in Flint, MI related to the state of their drinking water. And now, in January, we are seeing all kinds of news articles with national attention about the fall-out.  However, I see just the same political games being played and no heads on the table taking the responsibility.  I read that the Flint police force and the National Guard are now distributing water bottles and filters throughout many of the neighborhoods.  Because even if you re-connect to the Detroit water source – you still have to use the damaged pipeline which CONTINUES to leach lead and other dangerous chemicals into the water supply.  You think?  Again, did anyone think about how to really fix the issue or just take some random action that appears that someone is finally paying attention to the disaster?
Flint now has the attention of the highest levels of national media. There is even concern that Legionnaires’ disease is spiking in the area and may be related to the water.  This irresponsibility will have lasting impact on theses residents especially the children that consumed this water for almost 2 years.  I want to know who is at the root of the issue and how can we keep them from making similar decisions with such dire ramifications.
Flint began using the Flint River as its water source in April 2014 under the direction of Darnell Earley who was the appointed emergency manager of the city of Flint. Of course he denies any responsibility?  Why should an emergency manager have to second guess decisions?  Because that is why there was an “emergency” in the first place.  How can you say “It did not fall to me to second guess or to invalidate the actions that were taken prior to my appointment”  really – you would think he was put in place to second guess EVERYTHING!!
The emergency manager in charge during the implementation of the switch is still serving Michigan’s residents. What might he be up to now that’s he’s in charge of Detroit’s school system.  Has he proven to be a good decision maker?  Does he have the best interests of the people he is supposed to represent in mind?  Does he even give a damn about the condition he left behind in Flint?   I think fault needs to be found and those responsible should be forced to consume this water for the next two years as the residents had to do who were ignored for so long.
And where is the progress with the Detroit Public School System? Where now, teachers have been organizing sick-outs to highlight their concerns with the lack of progress and condition of schools in Detroit.  And can Governor Snyder please just answer the questions he is asked about his knowledge and the states lack of action on this issue?  Shame is what they should all be exhibiting.
So what started as an idea to save $5M is now costing over $10M in water testing, filters, and distribution of water. Along with $6M to switch the system back to Detroit which isn’t helping the water supply and likely many more MILLIONS to move it again when the new system is ready.
Water is the most precious resorce we have. We must do everything in our power to protect this commodity.  Let’s see where we go on other water issues including the aging oil pipeline under our great lakes.  Wake up Michigan!

FLINT DRINKING WATERMICHIGANMICHIGAN EMERGENCY MANAGERMICHIGAN GOVERNORPURE MICHIGAN