FLINT, MI — Still reeling from the closing of the bottled water distribution sites by the state of Michigan, residents of Flint scramble to find donations of water trickling into the city. Since the closing of the water sites in mid-April there has been no less than five protests in Lansing (including the Poor People’s campaign where some Flint residents were arrested), demanding restoration of bottled water and full recovery of the ongoing Water Crisis in Flint. Governor Snyder’s callous “let them eat cake” comments to Flint Mayor Karen Weaver has only emboldened the fight of Flint residents.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality whose negligence led to the crisis is now declaring that the water is safe while only 1/3 of pipe replacements have been done. Even the Genesee County Medical Society has urged Flint residents, especially infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, to stay on bottled water!
The latest protest involves 60 Flint pastors of various denominations who stormed the capitol and issued a scathing letter to the governor. Meanwhile, after activists put eviction notices on the doors of ALL Lansing State Representatives, a message was sent from one of the Democratic Party offices stating in part: “I’d like to kindly remind you to remember your allies in Lansing. Placing eviction notices on the doors of legislators who are fighting for #Flint everyday is not only counterproductive and offensive, but also conveys willful ignorance . . . “
The struggle continues . . .
