Unqualified GOP Congressmen and Governors have proven themselves to be a danger to the people of our country. Scott Walker, Mike Pence, Rick Scott, Greg Abbott and others have instituted policies contradictory to the betterment of their state’s residents. But the worst at his job is Rick Snyder, the Governor of Michigan.

The residents of Flint, Michigan are demanding that Snyder resign. It is unlikely that he will do the right thing; his ego won’t allow him to leave his life of privilege. The issue is the most important right of all living things; to have safe water.

Everyone knows the story. When the water supply for residents was re-routed from the Flint river, it was quickly revealed that it had a heavy lead concentration due to contamination from old pipes. It was undrinkable and extremely dangerous to children. It was unsafe to shower or cook food with the murky liquid.

The diversion of water was an ‘economic’ move by the state. Under Snyder’s ‘leadership’ a policy of austerity began and has caused suffering which is inhuman and inexcusable.

Flint’s population is primarily composed of blacks. It is the seventh largest city in Michigan, and one of the poorest.

It all began in April 2014 when water was diverted from the Detroit water system to the Flint River as a cost-cutting effort. The residents of Flint immediately complained about the taste and smell of the water coming from their taps. By summer a ‘boil water’ order was issued, but not until 22 days after the state discovered that the water contained coliform bacteria.

In October of 2014 General Motors ceased using Flint water; it was rusting its parts.

Throughout early 2015 meetings were held and panels created to find solutions; none were acceptable to the governor and his administration. It wasn’t until the end of September that Snyder admitted that the water contained dangerous levels of lead. On October 8^th he made the decision to redirect the city’s water back to the Detroit water system.

Since January of 2016 water and water filters have been distributed to the city’s residents. But the problem is far more serious. Pipes have been contaminated, and no one knows how to repair the problem.

Snyder asked for federal assistance, but it was denied because the situation was caused by the decision of individuals and was not a natural disaster.

Snyder was in denial for more than a year after he and his administration caused the problem. He must go. When the leader of a state is the reason for disaster, he or she must not be allowed to continue with their failed policies and poor decisions.

The people of Flint are protesting, and rightfully so. They have a serious problem with no solution in the near future. One resident made the claim that none of this would have happened if Flint was a white, affluent community. Is she correct? Likely so.

This governor is another Republican, and Republicans repeatedly ignore the needs and rights of minorities.

The people of Flint will not stop until Snyder is removed from the Governor’s mansion. I would gladly join them.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Municipal League

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