Live Updates: (click here)
Dozens of protesters outside of HS, chanting clean water for #Flint
May 4, 2016
By Matt Burns
Google’s charitable arm (click here) is today announcing several grants and donations aimed at helping the residents of Flint, Michigan respond to their ongoing water crisis. With a total amount of $250,000, the funds will be used to pay several local researchers and address health concerns connected with drinking the poisoned water.
The cash won’t solve the crisis. The city and state estimate it would take tens of millions of dollars and many man hours to do that. Yet this money is wisely earmarked in strategic ways that will make it go far.
Google.org reached out to TechCrunch and explained that $150,000 will be used for teams of researchers at Flint and Ann Arbor University of Michigan campuses with the goal of developing a comprehensive data platform. This system will then be available to government and local community leaders and able to assist in making decisions about the water crisis....
President Obama drinking a glass of filtered water.
By Ryan Garza
In the audience waiting for President Obama:
The entire gymnasium is booing at Snyder. They are on their feet and no one can hear what he is saying. They won't let him be heard. It was a really bad idea for him to come to Flint when President Obama is there.
Snyder should know he doesn't belong there. Snyder will not accept his responsibility in this until he is prosecuted.
May 4, 2016
A few suggestions (click here) from the investigative reporter who broke the story about the city's toxic water.
Live coverage on MSNBC. President Obama is suppose to speak soon.
There are some notes on the message boards indicating when residents can afford to purchase baby wipes, they are used for personal hygiene rather than showers or baths.
President Obama says, "Flint's recovery is everyone's responsibility."
"What I believe contributed to this is a larger mindset....Environmental rules designed to keep air and water clear are optional...or burdens taxpayers...I am alright so I am not going to invest in what we need as a community...so we under invest underground and bridges and the schools that move usu forward.
This is part of the attitude and the mindset and the community that are poor...are not heard in the halls of power. This myth that states government is always wrong, is an extensive of that attitude...the government is us...it is corrosive...over time it diminishes the life of a community and makes it harder for our young people to achieve...A pastor stated he feels like he doesn't count. You can't have a democracy if the people feel they don't count."
"What should do individually what we can do for ourselves...but, we should do collectively what we can't do for ourselves...there are things we do together than benefits everyone..."
President Obama has been coughing occasionally and asked for a glass of water. 4:33 PM He is still coughing and there is still no water to him. It finally arrived.
Mayor Weaver has a plan to fix the pipes in Flint, Michigan and the cost is far higher than averting the disaster in the first place. The pipes will be replaced by the state government. Intense conference held in "The Beast" earlier in the day with Secret Service surrounding the car.
Flint's state delegation has to lead the state congress in a bipartisan legislation to insure the funding for the new pipes.
The federal, state and local leaders have to work together and stay on the job until it is done. That means it is required the state remain engaged until this is finished. The health care passed today in the legislation is a good beginning. The legislature passed a Medicaid Expansion for the children of Flint that were exposed to the lead. "All parties have to work together...to put Flint on a strong foundation..."
Cough.
"Culture of Neglect" mindset has to be fixed. "But, I do love Detroit and the schools have to be fixed. That is part of the same mindset....we are going to accelerate everything to get the new pipes needed here in Flint....It is going to take awhile to get those pipes replaced. But, it is not going to happen overnight...."
C-Span
"What I know...first, while you are waiting to get your pipes replaced you need to have a filter installed...if you do use that filter than water is safe to consume for children over six and women not pregnant....to solve the problem, I am telling you what I know...I understand the fear the people have...those filters are free and people will help if you need help with installation and the water will be safe. Point two, the children in Flint exposed to the water need to be checked, because lead is a serious issue and if not diagnosed it will lead to serious problems. If a parent is working with a doctor you child will be fine....If you are my age or a little older there is some lead in your system when you were growing up....not to make light of the situation...the point is as long as kids are getting good healthcare and they are getting a good education and they are getting some home training and they are in a community that cares these children will be fine....I don't want that stigma established in the minds of kids."
"The reason I think this is important...moms and dads are feeling guilty...it is right to be angry, but, you can't be passive...and sink into despair....Don't wait for someone to reach out to ask if your child has seen their doctor lately...you have to use that health system...."
President Obama does want outreach regardless the vigilance of the parents. It is just a second measure to be sure everything is going well. I agree, especially considering how this community in Flint was oppressed for nearly two years before the country heard the news and became outraged. I worry about the people in Flint. They could be too passive in a low depressive state for too long. I worry they aren't strong enough still today to carry on if their news continues to be bad news. They need a gentle spirit of well being instilled in their lives. They have had horrible things happen by todays' standards and they know it. They and their children have to compete in a world that did not have bad news. There are still adults breaking out in rashes. They very well might have developed sensitivity to some minor amounts of toxins. No person with a rash should be ignored and explained away even if they have a filter. Adults can develop sensitivities and should be taken seriously.
President Obama states, "The culture of neglect leaves the poor people behind, the working people behind....We have to break that mindset....We have to break that attitude....and everybody has to look out for each other....the kids in Flint are their kids and our kids...."
"...Our success is dependent on each other...."
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