This is perhaps the most apocryphal story I have read in years. Where Flint goes, so will go the nation.
8
Potable water is an absolute necessity of life. Nothing should be more important.
9
And our republican congressman want to gut the Clean Water Act and have allowed fracking with polluted water and have restricted the public from know its contents. Please vote democratic its our only hope.
22
All our cities and states are about half broke because 1) We don't tax big business at anything like the level we did in the past -- taxes is a bad word; and 2) what we do collect is given over largely to our fantastic wars and military operations. We're a lost democracy. Terror at home and terror abroad is what we are creating every day. Lost lives, lost dreams.
23
We don't drink our NY well water, and I've run every test in the book except for organics, and a gas chromatography element verification check. I can't imagine someone having funny looking and funny smelling (outside a tinge of chlorine) from a town or city, and believing anyone who says the water is safe... leaching lead from pipes due to improper water treatment is interesting though. Another reason to test for lead anytime one moves from one location to another one.
And don't forget to test for arsenic, a common embalming agent a century plus ago used by the rich northern folks.
And don't forget to test for arsenic, a common embalming agent a century plus ago used by the rich northern folks.
6
As we fall before our contaminated rivers and lakes, and the ground beneath our feed vanishes in quicksand, who is brave enough to shout, "The Emperor has no clothes!"?
The Republicans still push for the elimination of regulations that protest our people. Isn't our country supposed to be governed "for the people"? All the people? We are becoming whatever is the opposite of a developing country... a devolving democracy? Our elections are bought and sold. Our infrastructure is failing. Our jobs are moved and the companies that eliminate American workers use those workers to train the people who will replace them in other countries while American taxpayers pay those companies to do so in the form of tax breaks and incentives. This story in Flint is a harbinger of what is to come for all of us who are not among the uber rich. It is just one tree in a forest of disasters that are about to crash down upon us.
The Emperor has no clothes people! Wake up!!!
The Republicans still push for the elimination of regulations that protest our people. Isn't our country supposed to be governed "for the people"? All the people? We are becoming whatever is the opposite of a developing country... a devolving democracy? Our elections are bought and sold. Our infrastructure is failing. Our jobs are moved and the companies that eliminate American workers use those workers to train the people who will replace them in other countries while American taxpayers pay those companies to do so in the form of tax breaks and incentives. This story in Flint is a harbinger of what is to come for all of us who are not among the uber rich. It is just one tree in a forest of disasters that are about to crash down upon us.
The Emperor has no clothes people! Wake up!!!
17
Everytime I hear about American companies building up the third world (Facebook providing internet to sub-Saharan Africa via satellite), I wonder if those companies have been in denial that there are so many places in the US with undeveloped and decaying infrastructure that need the same level of attention. This is not to deny that there are horrible conditions elsewhere, but when we cannot so much as provide safe water in once vibrant cities, it's time to rethink our priorities.
That being said, there is a concerted effort by the major beverage bottlers to see that our municipal water is made to seem unsafe everywhere so they can sell you on water that costs 10,000% more than what comes from the tap.
That being said, there is a concerted effort by the major beverage bottlers to see that our municipal water is made to seem unsafe everywhere so they can sell you on water that costs 10,000% more than what comes from the tap.
12
Just one sentence on what drove this problem in the first place. Why?
Detroit city has been raping cities in Michigan for at least 2 decades. They continue to raise rates for no reason other than to extract revenue from all for their beleaguered and corrupt city. No infrastructure enhancements, nothing of benefit to those being extorted . It's not like Michigan has a water shortage.
NY times - investigate the root cause.
Detroit city has been raping cities in Michigan for at least 2 decades. They continue to raise rates for no reason other than to extract revenue from all for their beleaguered and corrupt city. No infrastructure enhancements, nothing of benefit to those being extorted . It's not like Michigan has a water shortage.
NY times - investigate the root cause.
4
It's come to this. We are poisoning babies to save a couple bucks. So called less civilized third world countries do better than this. But we only have enough attention span to keep up with the Kardashians. Perhaps a result of lead poisonings a generation ago?
40
"Then county officials issued an emergency advisory recommending that people not drink Flint’s water unless it is tested for lead or filtered."
Don't drink the water is a warning we're told when planning to travel in third-world countries. Now, as the U.S. is being thirdworldized, Detroit and Flint in Michigan are harbingers of what's likely coming to other areas in the U.S., sooner or later. Instead of taking care of domestic social needs, the nation's vast wealth is being squandered on quixotic wars, propping up zombie banks with quantitative easing, and gentrification instead of taking care of domestic social needs.
Don't drink the water is a warning we're told when planning to travel in third-world countries. Now, as the U.S. is being thirdworldized, Detroit and Flint in Michigan are harbingers of what's likely coming to other areas in the U.S., sooner or later. Instead of taking care of domestic social needs, the nation's vast wealth is being squandered on quixotic wars, propping up zombie banks with quantitative easing, and gentrification instead of taking care of domestic social needs.
32
The broke and troubled cities are run by Democrats.
2
The destruction of cities was and is made by republicans. Always has been that way and still continues with their monster tax income and property tax breaks for themselves, the super rich and all corporations, fighting real wages for the citizenry, fighting health care trying to end medicare, the ruthless continued harassment of immigrants, gay men and women, and anyone of color. And the outrageous pandering to gun owners, NRA and manufacturers. Democrats are the only bullwork against them and the destruction of our country.
10
Trump, Bush and other Republicans are putting their money into bottled water. And you wonder why the Republicans aren't afraid of destroying our environment. Money, money, money.
22
You get what you pay for.
And all of the hundreds of federal, state and local politicians "purchased" by special interests and the 1 percent are giving us the America we've "bought" by voting for those who act against the interests of We the People.
Unless Americans turn away from talk radio, their TVs and cell phones long enough to actually study the issues facing this nation and educate themselves to make informed, intelligent choices in elections, Flint's poisoned water will be just the beginning of our inevitable slide in ruin.
And all of the hundreds of federal, state and local politicians "purchased" by special interests and the 1 percent are giving us the America we've "bought" by voting for those who act against the interests of We the People.
Unless Americans turn away from talk radio, their TVs and cell phones long enough to actually study the issues facing this nation and educate themselves to make informed, intelligent choices in elections, Flint's poisoned water will be just the beginning of our inevitable slide in ruin.
49
Let's stop the blame game and fix the problem!
2
Darnell Earley, the Gov. appointed Emergency Manager *who made the decision to switch to the tainted water* was soon after appointed to a $250,000 position with the bankrupt Detroit Public Schools. You can't make this up.
25
The narrative is often that "white flight" from our cities was due to racism. I truly believe much of it was families who saw the writing on the wall. Bad utilities, bad roads, crumbling schools, etc., etc. Billions of dollars of infrastructure obligations are haunting every old manufacturing town in America.
19
Where are the companies that own the land? Are they excused from any responsibility for clean up?
4
They were excused of any responsibility long ago, and you should realize that.
2
Don't need those darn environmental laws, say the Republican presidential candidates. Remember Dioxin Dolly?
27
We're screwed over on this side (near Lake Huron) too. Torn up property, streets, and damages galore. Unsafe due to metal and garbage being left laying around from old culverts. This whole project has been about greed, not need. Shoving the Michigan taxpayers to bail them out. Shoddy job over here, on the cheap. Using sand to put in ditches instead of putting the dirt back that was there. Then cheap straw and spraying grass seed on it. Damaged vehicles, from the mess of the roads. We warned them a long time ago. BTW, are you aware that the Detroit water system out of Lake Huron is only about 7 miles from the pipeline Flint is putting in? Millions of dollars WASTED!!!!!!!! Greed, not need. This whole project was supposed to save the people of Flint money. Yeah, by shoving the expense of their screw ups on us, the Michigan taxpayers. Great Job, Michigan DEQ, DNR, and Government. Inspect this side too. Michigan government and DNR allowed them to disrupt and possibly destroy endangered species over here. Read the history of this mess. A bunch of lies from the start, and don't be fooled. Flint was told a long time ago about this water being toxic from the Flint River. I was at the meeting.
18
Hey "American" manufacturers - you took away our jobs because we demanded pay that let us live like a first-world middle class; because we got uppity and asked for workplace protections; because we made you pay to treat your industrial waste; because our democratic governance held you back.
Well, guess what! We've changed! Flint now has desperate third-world poverty, lead and fecal matter pouring from the taps, and a sleazy corrupt government that would give any backwater sham-democracy a run for its money.
So how about it? Can we have our jobs back now? Please?
Well, guess what! We've changed! Flint now has desperate third-world poverty, lead and fecal matter pouring from the taps, and a sleazy corrupt government that would give any backwater sham-democracy a run for its money.
So how about it? Can we have our jobs back now? Please?
32
They have even less reason to listen to your pleas than before. They have help the Republicans gerrymander the districts and fool enough of the people to get them reelected. Why do you think the manufacturers care at all about the very real issues you raise? Why should they?
4
As an engineer in the water industry for the last 30 years, here is the problem as I see it from my experience. Everybody, citizens and government, wants to buy things as cheaply and as quickly as possible-and this doesn't work in many areas, especially in terms of public health.
We need to value our water. I see citizens upset with water bills at pennies a gallon while holding a $3 coffee in their hand. Is cable tv more important than water?
As citizens we need to value and be willing to pay for clean water. Our government needs to return to financing and providing grants for clean water-benefiting both public health and providing much needed employment. The last 8 years have seen unprecedented low borrowing costs but political polarization has prevented investing in our infrastructure.
Many thanks to the unsung heroes of our water industry who unfortunately toil in obscurity until such incidents as Flint.
We need to value our water. I see citizens upset with water bills at pennies a gallon while holding a $3 coffee in their hand. Is cable tv more important than water?
As citizens we need to value and be willing to pay for clean water. Our government needs to return to financing and providing grants for clean water-benefiting both public health and providing much needed employment. The last 8 years have seen unprecedented low borrowing costs but political polarization has prevented investing in our infrastructure.
Many thanks to the unsung heroes of our water industry who unfortunately toil in obscurity until such incidents as Flint.
74
Flint and Detroit are mere miles from the largest freshwater sources in the world, yet have the highest water bills in the nation because of 50 years of neglected infrastructure, leaky water mains, etc.
13
This is just another of the millions of reasons that you never vote for republicans, they will always put money above human life.
23
Mayor of Flint, D. Walling, is a Democrat.
2
Well said!
Sorry, it costs too much to fix the water. You just need to buy bottled water and use it for everything or else just die. (We also own funeral companies, by the way.)
Goodbye!
Signed,
The Private Water Company (owned by a hedge fund)
Goodbye!
Signed,
The Private Water Company (owned by a hedge fund)
27
As someone who was raised in Michigan and spent 20 years of my life there, I find it disgusting and appalling that a state virtually surrounded by freshwater lakes cannot manage to provide every single one of her citizens with clean water. This is not rocket science. Either ensure the purity of regional water supplies promptly, or brace yourselves for a wave of lead-poisoned children with problems that can never be undone - and it may already be too late for some of those children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
A suggestion to the "illustrious" politicians in Lansing: instead of yet another tax cut or financial incentive to attract a handful of low-paying jobs, why not invest in Michigan's horrifically decayed infrastructure, including - but certainly not limited to - its water delivery systems? Despite the often anti-intellectual bent of MI legislators in recent
years, Michigan is home to some world-class educational institutions. Perhaps a state-funded grant or two devoted to studying clean water delivery would be beneficial.
A suggestion to the "illustrious" politicians in Lansing: instead of yet another tax cut or financial incentive to attract a handful of low-paying jobs, why not invest in Michigan's horrifically decayed infrastructure, including - but certainly not limited to - its water delivery systems? Despite the often anti-intellectual bent of MI legislators in recent
years, Michigan is home to some world-class educational institutions. Perhaps a state-funded grant or two devoted to studying clean water delivery would be beneficial.
34
The cry should not be for LESS government - let alone NO government - but for BETTER government, across the board, local, State and Federal levels. That, however, is not the drift of the Republican's Little Red Book of Ideology. Back toward the 19th Century we go then, back to those tax and union-free days of an unfettered market. And where to 'eventually'? It appears to the Supreme Court's version of the Middle Ages, with religion, politics, business and the military co-ordinated from one suite of offices. Vote appropriately.
17
Who cares?
Gov. Scott and the 1% can all bathe in filtered water and drink bottled water so why should they be concerned with some lead in the water that children are drinking?
Gov. Scott and the 1% can all bathe in filtered water and drink bottled water so why should they be concerned with some lead in the water that children are drinking?
8
Don't think most people really understand the lifetime consequences of "elevated lead levels." The fact that a child looses ability to think properly, that they lose control over their emotions, that they suffer increased impulsive rage and aggression. How is any amount of money ever, ever going to pay for that?
13
Should this kid be "earmarked" for never being allowed to buy a gun?
2
Absolutely. Good point.
This story and all the horrible outcomes from our "Republican" governors
needs to be Front Page headline news every day.
What is wrong with us that we really don't care about anything but money.
I am glad we are soooo religious!
needs to be Front Page headline news every day.
What is wrong with us that we really don't care about anything but money.
I am glad we are soooo religious!
13
Well, Republicans wanted to pare the government down until it was "small enough to drown in a bathtub". Unfortunately they forgot that without government & public utilities, there's no water to fill that bathtub.
20
A lot of Republican derangement syndrome here. This happened because the city was broke. And it is Democrats who have long prevailed over Flint.
1
I suppose the corporations who moved their businesses to tax havens in third world countries has nothing to do with it. And the republicans who passes tax loophole laws allowing to pay almost no income tax have no impact on our cities.
3
This never had to happen. It's a debacle created in its entirety because the Democratic political machine of Flint and Genesee County could not work in the public's best interest with the Democratic political machine of Detroit and Wayne County. And state Republicans, who control Lansing and who could have been the adults in the room, stood by and did nothing.
3
I think we're going to see Michael Moore back in Flint real soon. His next movie should be called "Flints' Water and Me".
11
Dear NYT editors—
Not only is the water poisonous, but Flint Community Schools are bankrupt (half the kids fail out, the avg. ACT is only 14) and the per capita homicide rate for 2015 will be the highest in the U.S. The current Mayor of Flint is a sharp guy, a Rhodes Scholar, but it's a city facing deep challenges with a low amount of care or support at the statewide or national level. I've recently read numerous NYT articles about migrants from the Middle East and Central America. Flint was the birthplace of General Motors in 1908, the highest median income in the nation as recent as 1980, then all the factories closed due to automation and outsourcing. All hell has broken loose and people are trapped. It is tragic and it is so sad ... and nobody seems to care. I encourage you to fly some journalists into Bishop Airport (FNT) to highlight the cyclical struggles facing our American citizens in 2015.
Not only is the water poisonous, but Flint Community Schools are bankrupt (half the kids fail out, the avg. ACT is only 14) and the per capita homicide rate for 2015 will be the highest in the U.S. The current Mayor of Flint is a sharp guy, a Rhodes Scholar, but it's a city facing deep challenges with a low amount of care or support at the statewide or national level. I've recently read numerous NYT articles about migrants from the Middle East and Central America. Flint was the birthplace of General Motors in 1908, the highest median income in the nation as recent as 1980, then all the factories closed due to automation and outsourcing. All hell has broken loose and people are trapped. It is tragic and it is so sad ... and nobody seems to care. I encourage you to fly some journalists into Bishop Airport (FNT) to highlight the cyclical struggles facing our American citizens in 2015.
10
My heart goes out to those impacted by this avoidable tragedy.
My loathing goes out to those who voted in the Republican Government.
Gee, who could have foreseen this coming?
Cut taxes! Privatize all services! Destroy the EPA! Weaken the Environmental Services! Nothing wrong with the water! Ignore and it will go away. At least till I'm out of office and a somebody else will fix the issues I've created.
Gee, where have we seen this act before?
My loathing goes out to those who voted in the Republican Government.
Gee, who could have foreseen this coming?
Cut taxes! Privatize all services! Destroy the EPA! Weaken the Environmental Services! Nothing wrong with the water! Ignore and it will go away. At least till I'm out of office and a somebody else will fix the issues I've created.
Gee, where have we seen this act before?
13
The article does a very poor job of clearly stating that the emergency manager — appointed by Republican Gov. Snyder to supercede Flint's democratically elected city government — approved and implemented the water plan that led to lead contamination and other problems.
While some powerless city officials may have publicly endorsed the plan, they had no power to approve or disapprove of it. They had no control over the city's budget.
The article implies that the governor's office is now trying to clean up a mess caused by Flint's leaders. It's the other way around.
Shoddy reporting and writing, New York Times.
While some powerless city officials may have publicly endorsed the plan, they had no power to approve or disapprove of it. They had no control over the city's budget.
The article implies that the governor's office is now trying to clean up a mess caused by Flint's leaders. It's the other way around.
Shoddy reporting and writing, New York Times.
16
In a first world country, we have people suffering like they live in the third world, drinking from water sources contaminated by discarded refrigerators and car parts.... Who do we vote for to get things changed around here?
5
Who? Shameless capitalists who know that MONEY is more important than the human spirit.
1
The system is carefully designed so that someone who would actually change things is never put on the ballot, or not regarded as a setious candidate.
A shameful and disgusting lack of basic care or concern for anything human especially the children. A chill wind is blowing across that land.
4
It is appalling that a city in the world's richest country should have its water supply contaminated by a poison that causes physical and mental problems.
8
A slight clarification.... You write that "the city had four managers overseeing operations. Along the way, the city switched its water supply." That wording downplays the role that the political situation played in this mess. You should at least be clear that the switch was actually made at the direction of the state-appointed emergency manager, an unelected official. These managers often have only a short tenure and their mandate from the governor is to cut spending above all else. With no accountability to the citizens and knowing they won't be there for long, there is no incentive to make careful, long-term decisions that are best for the community.
32
This article fails to mention that the Detroit water system was also in disarray, and is now privatized, I believe, since 2014. The cost of Detroit water naturally has gone way up and the systems are ancient. Some are as old as the mid nineteenth century. So don't expect that the water these poor Flint people are getting to be the answer to their problems. Water systems everywhere are in bad condition..Baltimore comes to mind also. We need investment in water at a Federal level. It would give people jobs and restore safety. What are we thinking, privatizing a human right, like water? This is suppose to be part of the "commons" of our civilization.
27
you make this sound political. by that I mean the longstanding argument that government needs to get out of the way and let business do its job. so with "privatizing a human right, like wate", it's now in the hands of business to do what obviously government has failed to do I guess. we'll see in due time.
You didn't read my post motor city..I said we FEDERAL investment, not private investment.
1
Note: The only major General Motors factory left in town stopped using Flint water back in October 2014 because the treated river water was corroding their machines: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/10/general_motors_wont_us...
20
Suggestion: You can buy a filter from any hiking supply vendor like REI that will easily clear out 1.5 qts per min without any labor, you just fill the bag and hang it to drain. There is no need to buy bottled water.
One of various brands:
http://www.rei.com/product/892168/msr-autoflow-gravity-water-filter
One of various brands:
http://www.rei.com/product/892168/msr-autoflow-gravity-water-filter
5
That removes particulates. I think lead is in solution and would not be filtered out
Those filters stop bacteria and parasites, but do not stop soluble lead salts. So they would not deal with one of the most important issues.
This is a humanitarian and a socio economic issue!
Where is FEMA?
This would be unheard of anywhere near Palo Alto or Seattle.
Where is FEMA?
This would be unheard of anywhere near Palo Alto or Seattle.
5
At least we have an endless war in the middle east to show for our crumbling infrastructure.
73
Another GOP trade off, war for clean water, more guns for student deaths. How do you like 'em now voters? Still think you want a GOP president?
2
Bit of a stretch to link the changing economy that devastated Flint's tax base to militarism, as much of a fun liberal bete noir as it is. It's a stock whine that could be answered with its counterpart from the right, which is equally as irrelevant and ridiculous: "Who cares if your drinking water is clean if you're blown up by terrorists?" Neither is particularly relevant to the situation.
1
The Democrats in control of the city are responsible for the water system. It's not a federal responsibility. Whenever something goes wrong in a Democrat stronghold, always blame someone else, not executive incompetence.
1
Why is that woman trying to boil lead out of water. That is not possible to do. Boiling is to kill bacteria. It will not remove toxins.
10
Caption: LeeAnne Walters uses bottled water to make pasta because her tap water is often brown. She said her son Gavin, 4, had lost weight and tested for elevated lead levels since Flint switched water sources.
1
No, she is using bottled water to cook spaghetti, it says so right under the picture.
"LeeAnne Walters uses bottled water to make pasta because her tap water is often brown. "
"LeeAnne Walters uses bottled water to make pasta because her tap water is often brown. "
1
This is a city that was assigned an "emergency manager". Isn't that the scenario whereby the elected officials are relieved of their duties and a fiscally responsible manager replaces them? Perhaps a manager from the Koch brothers private stock.
14
Certainly the people in the water dept. knew that there was something wrong with the water. Possibly city hall was lied to. But not having competent people in one of their depts. is on them too. They just lied about it. They made an improper decision to switch water systems. When that was found out to be a mistake, they lied to cover it up or to try to stretch their decision as viable until the new system came online. Testing water for any number of metals or chemicals is cheap and easy to do. So there's no way that they didn't know.
13
Maybe now people will start to finally realize that money and possessions don't mean anything if you have polluted water, air, and land. Nature is precious and must be preserved at all costs. It's not difficult to imagine a future where wars will be fought over fertile land and clean water.
33
"Maybe now people will start to finally realize that money and possessions don't mean anything if you have polluted water, air, and land."
Ah, but you see they do mean a lot if other, unimportant people have polluted water, air, and land, while you personally are not affected by the blight.
Ah, but you see they do mean a lot if other, unimportant people have polluted water, air, and land, while you personally are not affected by the blight.
1
This is what George W. Bush's trillions of dollars spent in wars of choice buys you: unsafe bridges, unsafe water, potholes and poverty. But I am sure more tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% will sort this whole thing out.
44
No the 1% will gloat that they give their billions as charity to the people in the Flint's in this country to clean up the water. Let's just crowd source a clean up since we can't possibly raise taxes to clean up bygone industrial waste.
1
Water infrastructure has always been a local responsibility. Unfortunately, Democrat run cities have incompetent mayors.
1
They will: trickle down of polluted water to the 99%. Thanks Bush and Reagan!
1
Towns like Flint are all across the country. Strong willed, but low skill; these desperate people need our decimated manufacturing base back. There are probably 100M American citizens with zero prospects. We need to elect a president who's seized with clawing back a major share of the offshoring. I don't like everything about him, but Donald Trump is the only candidate who's talking about this.
7
@ SE - This article is about the consequences of not having national environmental standards, about the absence of clinical epidemiological studies of the effects of lead on the brains of infants and small children, and about the failure of America to show any interest in infrastructure maintenance.
I am confident that having Donald Trump as president would guarantee that none of the concerns I express above would be of any interest at all to Donald Trump.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen USA-SE who once taught Environmental Risk in the Department of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester. Perhaps later today I can find the material from that course that dealt with the effect of lead on brain development.
I am confident that having Donald Trump as president would guarantee that none of the concerns I express above would be of any interest at all to Donald Trump.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen USA-SE who once taught Environmental Risk in the Department of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester. Perhaps later today I can find the material from that course that dealt with the effect of lead on brain development.
4
Bernie Sanders is talking about our manufacturing jobs and he's been talking about them for 30 years! He voted against NAFTA and CAFTA and is opposed to TPP. He has a much better chance of being elected than Trump.
6
Check out Bernie Sanders! He won't give the rich such low taxes that everyone's infrastructure will suffer. Trump will.
Facts please. I read: "And last Friday, after corroborating that lead levels had risen in some children, state officials called for the water to be tested at all Flint public schools and for stepped-up efforts to replace lead service lines; they also promised $1 million to provide filters."
1) Facts about "lead service lines"? How old, how extensive, why?
2) Facts about lead concentration in blood of "some" children? No city wide data?
3) Facts about national standards or the absence thereof concerning lead in water supplied to the public.
Perhaps even an update review article on lead concentrations in the children of America in relation to the economic level of the areas they live in.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
1) Facts about "lead service lines"? How old, how extensive, why?
2) Facts about lead concentration in blood of "some" children? No city wide data?
3) Facts about national standards or the absence thereof concerning lead in water supplied to the public.
Perhaps even an update review article on lead concentrations in the children of America in relation to the economic level of the areas they live in.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
13
This was due to a decision by the state-mandated emergency financial manager who (having taken over control from elected officials) made the decision to save money by taking Flint off of the Detroit water system.
The real lesson of this tragedy -- for which the State of Michigan is responsible -- is that democracy matters.
The real lesson of this tragedy -- for which the State of Michigan is responsible -- is that democracy matters.
29
85,000 chemicals are used in ever increasing quantities to satisfy an ever increasing population in industry across the US. All companies are required to do, is prepare a statement that the chemicals are safe. Not to mention all the people who find no problem with tossing refrigerators, or worse, into the rivers that sustain life. If there is a gene for respect for the land we depend on, I wish scientists would find it soon. There is such an urgent need for this kind of gene therapy! If we're so smart why doesn't the world get better with each generation?
6
When New York City stops dumping raw sewage into the waterways whenever there is a heavy rainfall, NYers will be entitled to complain about the environmental grievances of others. And when they stop having multiple water main failures with their century old water system, they can comment on water infrastructure in the rest of the world.
In part because smart people have fewer children, and uneducated ignorant people have more.
1
Flint isn't suffering because of "factory closings"; Flint is suffering because of global trade deals that make it much more profitable for businesses to move overseas.
Flint is suffering because politicians have sold them out.
Flint is suffering because politicians have sold them out.
55
I had the misfortune to live in Flint 45 years ago.
The city, and the Flint River, were suffering long before global trade became a problem for the U.S. auto industry. Globalization is just the latest nail in the coffin, one of many. In 1970, Flint was full of decrepit housing, crumbling industrial sites, and inadequate infrastructure. The Flint River resembled an industrial sewer. People would hold their breath as they quickly crossed bridges over it.
Yes, politicians have sold out Flint for many years. But it wasn't just them. The auto industry has been culpable too.
The city, and the Flint River, were suffering long before global trade became a problem for the U.S. auto industry. Globalization is just the latest nail in the coffin, one of many. In 1970, Flint was full of decrepit housing, crumbling industrial sites, and inadequate infrastructure. The Flint River resembled an industrial sewer. People would hold their breath as they quickly crossed bridges over it.
Yes, politicians have sold out Flint for many years. But it wasn't just them. The auto industry has been culpable too.
16
Welcome to the Republic of Reaganistan--where wealth, like clean water, will trickle down, just minutes after the plutocrats conclude that their wealth in sufficient for their needs.
52
We have candidates who are eager to shut down the EPA. We have other elected officials who are cutting the EPA's budget so much that it is ineffective. There isn't enough money for the inspections that need to be done on our water systems. We are reaping what happens when we poison our rivers for years.
My question to Flint, however, is what on EARTH were you thinking? You test, re-test, and continue to test before you go out and cut contracts. Acting without research is inexcusable. Did you seriously think the Flint river was clean enough?
My question to Flint, however, is what on EARTH were you thinking? You test, re-test, and continue to test before you go out and cut contracts. Acting without research is inexcusable. Did you seriously think the Flint river was clean enough?
43
It's unclear in the article, but the choice to use Flint River water was made by the emergency financial manager — who was appointed by Gov. Snyder and had full power to supercede Flint's democratically elected officials. The article implies Flint leaders made this decision. Not the case. Local leaders had zero control of the city budget at the time and no power to make this decision. Wish the article was more clear on this point.
19
The city is responsible for ensuring that the water they are supplying residents is safe. The EPA has no role in this activity, it is the incompetent municipal authorities.
You are correct, local leaders didn't have the power at the time of the switch to do anything about it. But when the people started complaining about the water, many local leaders made the choice to ignore what the people were not only saying, but what showing through the countless pictures of discolored water that came from their faucets.
2
It makes me angry that our water is not safe to drink. We pay our taxes and our government should make sure we have safe drinking water -- it's the least they can do.
16
That this happened and still hasn't been fixed despite reports in February of lead levels high enough to be considered toxic waste is a disgrace and a nightmare. I don't understand how this can be happening.
23
It's really pretty sad that you have to have money in America to live decently and safely.
Want your kids in good schools with involved parents? Want to live around decent people that don't commit crime? Want a nice home, and healthy food options?
Money. Or, survive the white trailer wastelands or black ghetto. Sad.
Want your kids in good schools with involved parents? Want to live around decent people that don't commit crime? Want a nice home, and healthy food options?
Money. Or, survive the white trailer wastelands or black ghetto. Sad.
25
Welcome to the world of skewed income distribution.
A lot of "poor people" live quite well in America.
With common sense, reading articles on the internet for health information, and a healthy life style (diet and exercise) we are living longer with less disease than our parents generation.
BTW - how's that drinking water in China ? Europe? Mexico ?
With common sense, reading articles on the internet for health information, and a healthy life style (diet and exercise) we are living longer with less disease than our parents generation.
BTW - how's that drinking water in China ? Europe? Mexico ?
If Donald Trump truly wants to "Make America Great" again, he needs to start here. With basic, modern, 1st world services.
28
Donald Trump will never do anything for anyone but Donald Trump.
Tragic. Absolutely tragic. Our children exposed to the devastating effects of lead poisoning.
I'm sure the Republicans have it under control though because you know the "free market" fixes everything in this country. After all, we have American exceptionalism and unrestrained capitalism which will remediate all of our concerns. We could move to states that have methane spouting from our kitchen faucets.
I'm sure the Republicans have it under control though because you know the "free market" fixes everything in this country. After all, we have American exceptionalism and unrestrained capitalism which will remediate all of our concerns. We could move to states that have methane spouting from our kitchen faucets.
46
The mayor is a Democrat, and the city has doubtless been run by Democrats for decades. It's hysterical how many NYT readers immediately blame Republicans for shortcomings in Democrat cities.
Wasn't this a "shovel ready" project? What did Flint do with their stimulus funds?
Wasn't this a "shovel ready" project? What did Flint do with their stimulus funds?
The city was under the control of the Republican governor's emergency manager when the decision was made to switch the water supply. I will admit that the democratic mayor agreed with the decision and never raised any concerns until so much attention had come to the issue he could no longer ignore it.
Perhaps we can reserve some high paying, civil service slots for menial work (janitorial, etc.) for the children of Flint?
3
Might need it if they have been drinking lead laced water.
1
Sad situation. The river is "a dumping ground for car parts, grocery carts and refrigerators," who did all the dumping?
15
Why wasn't there curb side pick-up for all that stuff? The trash collectors must not have been doing their jobs...or did they even have trash collectors?
Oh that's right... privatization! So now only people who can afford to have their trash picked up gets services that the government is responsible for. I bet the who could afford garbage service thought that was a great idea until they realized that all that trash that wasn't being picked up ended up in their drinking water!
This is why you Never Ever vote for republicans, they are not smart enough to understand the consequences of their shortsightedness.
Oh that's right... privatization! So now only people who can afford to have their trash picked up gets services that the government is responsible for. I bet the who could afford garbage service thought that was a great idea until they realized that all that trash that wasn't being picked up ended up in their drinking water!
This is why you Never Ever vote for republicans, they are not smart enough to understand the consequences of their shortsightedness.
2
This is appalling. Admittedly the management of water in a city that is struggling with debt is a problem. But this should not have been allowed to be a surprise.
17
And all Republicans want to eliminate the EPA. Let our rivers burn like back in the 70's and allow our drinking water to become waste dumps for dirty industries. What fun.
69
Just wait for the TPP deal to kick in. We'll be struggling with fracking H2O issues as well as a myriad of other environmental 'emergencies'.
Fresh, clean water will become more valuable than gold in our children's future.
And private corporations will fully own all of the rights to it.
Fresh, clean water will become more valuable than gold in our children's future.
And private corporations will fully own all of the rights to it.
65
Stand outside a Walmart holding a sign saying, "Don't buy stuff here."
12
Yes, because they buy all their stuff in China and exploit their workers in the most venal, callous and cynical way. Just remember, "Made in the U.S.A." supports a worker and his/her family in America.
4
I would never buy anything from Chinamart. Anyone who does can't complain about no US jobs, because they are enabling that job loss.
It really seems the only solution to this problem is to shut down the city of Flint and order a mandatory evacuation. Why are people still there anyways? There are no jobs, the schools are terrible, and now even the drinking water is contaminated and making people sick. Also, isn't this where several cases of viral meningitis just broke out in schools this week? Are these things related? Flint has a population of about 99,000 people. They should just leave. Flint will never be again what it was before. People need to stop rehashing the past and think about the future and the future of their children. No matter where I lived or what job I had there, if my home environment caused any health risk to my son, I would do anything and everything to move.
43
And it's one of the most dangerous (violence) cities in the US.
1
Plus the shock value of a mass migration out of Flint would be an enormous blow to this silliness about "American exceptionalism."
It's for this same reason that US gun violence being compared to real "first world" countries is invalid; places like Sweden, Norway, Germany are truly exceptional--the only thing exceptional about US is its magnificent natural & wild places which the Republicans would destroy in a minute for a lousy drop of oil.
No, American violent crime rates are very middling when properly compared with Venezuela, South Africa and several Central American countries, for example.
It's for this same reason that US gun violence being compared to real "first world" countries is invalid; places like Sweden, Norway, Germany are truly exceptional--the only thing exceptional about US is its magnificent natural & wild places which the Republicans would destroy in a minute for a lousy drop of oil.
No, American violent crime rates are very middling when properly compared with Venezuela, South Africa and several Central American countries, for example.
5
Maybe we could round all 99,000 of them up, supply them with handcarts to load their essentials in and put them on the road to Lansing or Washington, DC. Then we could spend countless hours debating whether they are all illegal migrants, displaced persons or refugees fleeing natural resource disasters. Then again, Flint could just restore their water supply to the original source and save everybody the hassle (and lead poisoning).
2
Wait, what's an ecosystem service?
Oh, that's right, water clean enough to drink...
Oh, that's right, water clean enough to drink...
4
To Ms. Walters who asks: "Who thought this could happen here in the United States?" This kind of mismanagement and basic disregard for the welfare of citizens is, unfortunately, happening quite a bit in the Unites States as of late. Yes, we are inching closer and closer to being a third world country all the time. But...we're a third world country with the biggest military on the planet, and we can destroy your country with a push of a button, and that's all that matters...isn't it?
86
I hope that LeeAnne Walters will see to it that the state of Michigan will take care of the medical needs of her boy, completely, to make him better. I am a parent. I cannot imagine an incident that would make me any more outraged than this!
23
This happens all the time here. Everyone is always expected to 'instill confidence', sound firm, until you're proven irrefutably wrong. Even if the truth is that you don't have all the facts, or the facts are grey/complicated, never come off sounding wishy washy. The policy applies to corporations, authorities, regulators, politicians...
20
And the Senate just sent the President a military budget bill of $612,000,000,000 -- yes, billion, with a "b" -- that won 70 votes to 30, so they have the votes to override his veto. The children of Flint are being poisoned so the U.S. can feed the already obscenely bloated military budget.
10
"Pure Michigan" is the latest p.r. slogan. Access to clean water should be a universal right. You can't drink money.
27
There's not much trust anymore in institutions or corporations. People have been mislead so many times (high cholesterol from fat, so drink skim milk- oops, now fatty whole milk is good for you and doesn't raise cholesterol, a new pharmaceutical drug is approved as "safe", then found to be deadly, your VW auto has low emissions, and so forth). Now our water supplier is telling us that the our suddenly foul tasting tap water is perfectly safe. The SF Bay are is not exactly Flint, MI, but still . . . No one trusts them.
14
It hurts me to see American people to live like this. Why do we send our resourses to overseas countries, and fail to help our own people?
58
Sending money overseas is not the problem. Convincing Repubs to fix our country is the problem. Repubs always have money for wars but nothing for us.
48
Yes. The well-being of Americans is of no concern to most Republicans. Violence, preserving the domination of white men over everyone else and war profiteering are what they live for. Look how many are enriched by every mass murder here: gun sales and political contributions increase each time. Reality-based, humane people must stand up and take control before it's too late (of course, it's already too late for all the previous victims of gun violence).
3
Because people keep voting against their own best interests and republicans make sure to cut education the second they get in office to make sure that the voters are too uneducated to realize it.
4
The chemicals they used to clean the river water dissolved the minerals that form in and coat water pipe, in this case, down to its lead surface. Why didn't the engineers test or have prior knowledge that this was going to happen? Were bonuses handed out to the geniuses saving money by not paying Detroit a water fee.
35
Uh oh. So, now what will Flint do about the possible scores of lead-poisoned cognitively impaired kids who will need special instruction?
What about the potential devastation of their long-term health, and future job prospects as adults?
Geez, poor kids.
I smell lawsuits.
What about the potential devastation of their long-term health, and future job prospects as adults?
Geez, poor kids.
I smell lawsuits.
40
Lead 'poisoning' is also *strongly* linked with criminality. Will MI officials decide to treat these poisoned kids brutally despite the state's complicity in making them what they are/will be?
1
As soon as we're finished building a new infrastructure in Iraq and Afghanistan, I'm sure we'll get right on it.
In the meantime, we can vote Grand Old Tea Party for a further destruction of the country.
In the meantime, we can vote Grand Old Tea Party for a further destruction of the country.
122
This is really depressing. There are many places in so called third world countries that do better than this.
Citizens of America: This is brought to you by the "no government in our business"/"government is the problem"/"let's get rid of the EPA" crowd."
Citizens of America: This is brought to you by the "no government in our business"/"government is the problem"/"let's get rid of the EPA" crowd."
119
We only have money for wars, not infrastructure of our precious cities.
104
And tax cuts for the outrageously wealthy.
Pathetic.
Reckless.
Criminal.
Reckless.
Criminal.
60
And billions are sent overseas for myriad reasons and we can't take care of our own. Think of all the jobs that could be created if we focused on our crumbling infrastructure. Voters need to demand more and pay attention.
139
We shouldn't be having 3rd world municipal problems anywhere. But we do, and it's going to get worse because at least half the country doesn't think we need to raise revenue to pay for infrastructure repairs and maintenance. The wealthy communities in Michigan aren't having these problems.
158
If you buy into MMT (Modern Monetary Theory) then we have all the "money" we need. The US issues its own currency. It can never run out. There is no such thing as not having enough money-- this is a false argument (think of how we always seem to have enough money for wars or for the NSA or to bail out banks.) The deficit? So what? Are we really leaving it to our grandchildren, or to pay it off do we simply change the number to zero? Think about it. Money is a medium of exchange-- it's not a "resource." How do we pay off China, even if it really did "own the debt?" Well, how would a country that issued its own currency (printed its own money) do that? What would you do if you were deeply in debt and had an official printing press? You may say "inflation, inflation" but that's another issue; the issue is not that "we don't have enough money." What they really seem to mean is that we have plenty for war but not for our own infrastructure and health care.
We're living in a 3rd world country, perfect example!
64
Not quite. We have had decades of single party Democratic rule transform some parts of the country - like Detroit, Fling, Camden - into 3rd world countries.
These places serve a vital function in America. They reminds us of what not to do.
These places serve a vital function in America. They reminds us of what not to do.
And US gun violence is right on par, and should be compared to thrid world countries, not fiirst world countries like Sweden et al. which are the exceptional ones.
2
I lived in a third-world country. The US is not one.
I recommend you travel outside the US some before making statements like this.
I recommend you travel outside the US some before making statements like this.
This is symptomatic of a trend in the U.S. where essential services for average Americans are being under-prioritized until someone blows a whistle. These are third world problems emerging in THE most advance country on Earth.
I wonder who believes that Republicans or big business would be more likely to fix problems like this.
I wonder who believes that Republicans or big business would be more likely to fix problems like this.
77
Somehow, someway, we need to abandon this meme about the US being the "most advanced country" nonsense.
Many European countries, especially Scandinavia, seem to have more advanced and civil societies than the US.
Once Americans realize and accept the decline in the stature of the US, then they might develop the motivation to sacrifice more for the public good.
Many European countries, especially Scandinavia, seem to have more advanced and civil societies than the US.
Once Americans realize and accept the decline in the stature of the US, then they might develop the motivation to sacrifice more for the public good.
Something tragically stupid occurred. It's a mistake to wait for Michigan to fix this. Congress should step in--if they are working this week, if they are even functional this week--and allocate funds to provide necessary fresh water for a good long time until everything is fixed and tested and retested.
Also, families should be compensated for the long-term effects of lead poisoning. No family should sign anything, accept anything, agree to anything, without proper legal advise. Someone, somewhere wants this to go away, and will stop at nothing to spin and convince and pay-off with a pittance. Afflicted, poisoned families should be taken care of. My fear is that the poor and unconnected will feel the brunt. Hopefully, a smart, compassionate lawyer gets in there and represents everyone--not just the rich.
Also, families should be compensated for the long-term effects of lead poisoning. No family should sign anything, accept anything, agree to anything, without proper legal advise. Someone, somewhere wants this to go away, and will stop at nothing to spin and convince and pay-off with a pittance. Afflicted, poisoned families should be taken care of. My fear is that the poor and unconnected will feel the brunt. Hopefully, a smart, compassionate lawyer gets in there and represents everyone--not just the rich.
104
I'm sure Michigan's Tea Party governor will get right on it.
If not, I'm sure the next Republican president will get right on it.
If not, I'm sure the next Republican president will get right on it.
132
Two words: Detroit. Democrats.
Res ipsa.
Res ipsa.
It's Detroit that is the root cause. They have increased charges by double digits for years to fill their revenue gap. A gap driven by corruption in government going back decades. What party runs Detroit?
I would never have thought such a problem could arise in the United States, not for the last 50 to 100 years. Do we have any commitment to building and securing infrastructure any longer, at least infrastructure so far as middle class or relatively poor communities are concerned?
Appalling, the state and federal government need act now and fast and the federal government need look elsewhere beyond this state.
Appalling, the state and federal government need act now and fast and the federal government need look elsewhere beyond this state.
86
It's a Republican, Republican, Republican, Republican world.
61
It would have been substantially cheaper if this was done right in the first place. Now this community faces an expensive repair, shattered trust, lost hope, and an unsure future. Why can't the low tax morons understand that it takes money to run a country, and a lot more if it's broken. A country like the United States. Not some third world disaster.
32
Give it a rest. Flint has been run by democrats for 50 years. Ditto Detroit. Both cities had their infrastructure coffers mismanaged and looted.
4