Republicans in Washington have agreed to investigate the disaster in Flint, Michigan; but they only agreed with great reluctance. They do not want the austerity programs of an unqualified and uncaring Republican governor exposed as failures.

Already some are attempting to misdirect the truth; Governor Rick Snyder diverted water from Detroit’s water supply to the Flint River without thorough investigation of the eventual results. His reason; to save money. Now the state will be forced to spend tens-of-millions of dollars repairing their mistake.

This disaster began nearly two years ago. Flint residents, who are mostly black with many living in poverty, began to complain about the taste and smell of the water coming from their taps. Initial investigation revealed excessive lead in the water. Pipes, which were installed decades ago, had leached lead into the running water, and made the water not only undrinkable, but unhealthy, especially for small children.

The Governor failed to take it seriously, although in Summer of 2014, General Motors announced that it would not be using Flint water in the future; it was rusting its automobile parts.

Bottled water was given to Flint’s residents, but as of this day, nothing has been planned to repair the city’s infrastructure.

The EPA is also under criticism for not taking timely action to condemn Flint’s water supply, and Republicans, who seek the annihilation of the EPA, were quick to point out its hesitation.

Regardless, the blame lands on Snyder. His rash decision caused the situation, and the citizens of Flint want his resignation.

The Republican National Convention takes place between July 18-21, and will be held in Cleveland, Ohio. Flint is only 250 miles away. GOP revelers can expect not only the usual influx of prostitutes, but also of Flint residents protesting Republican policy.

Good government balances spending with the repeal of unnecessary and failed programs. Our defense budget is not only excessive, nearly 50 percent of it goes to waste. Hundreds of ‘pork belly’ projects remain operational, and nearly all of them are useless for the majority of Americans; their only purpose was to assist in the reelection campaigns of politicians.

We need dedicated men and women in Washington, not ambitious and unqualified politicians. It’s all up to the voters; you can save your country or allow it to fail.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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