The toxic drinking water in Flint, Mich., is a result of a series of stupid decisions on the part of political leaders and others.
This Ebony piece compares the situation to the fumbling and worse after Katrina. Bankole Thompson writes about water so nasty General Motors wouldn’t even use on their car parts:
For 18 months, residents complained that the water from the Flint River looked, smelled and tasted funny. They warned that the water was making them sick and some were already developing skin rashes. The state did not respond to their cries. Instead, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality gave false assurances that the water was safe and denied that there were high levels of lead. Local health officials also conducted their own research only to confirm the suspicions of residents that the water was unfit to use. Even General Motors refused to use the water for its vehicle parts because it was damaging their machines.
Dating Jesus 
This gets me so angry. It’s another example of those in power ignoring environmental hazards that harm everyday citizens, to avoid cost or add profit. It happens again and again in places across the country, regardless of population demographic. I think of the kids, and the harm that has taken place due to mercury. There is no excuse. I have found that it is very tough to fight against corporations and the government when they are willing to cover up harm in order to do what they want. They really don’t care who gets in the way and is harmed.
I meant lead, not mercury. I’m tired.
Clean water is precious.
The people of Flint deserve better: clean water, decent grocery stores, good paying jobs, safe neighborhoods…