Steven Huber Democracy Now Analysis # 3

Steven Huber

Soc 122, M-W @5:30

Democracy Now #3

4/10/2016

 

Flint Residents: "We Need a Public Health Disaster Declaration from President Obama"

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/18/flint_residents_we_need_a_public

This story is a perfect example of "political opportunity". This social movement became so large and popular because of how all the issues came to a-head at one specific time. The people of Flint, Michigan were lied to by the city and state officials about the cleanliness of their tap water. Of course with "white collar" crime, the entire reason for poisoning these helpless people was for money. Finally this case took a huge step in court proceedings. Michigan's governor Rick Snyder testified for the first time about lead poisoning in the water of Flint, MI. The governor actually acknowledged his role in this crisis. The other two people that testifies was Flint's former emergency manager, Darnell Earley, and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. Of course all three of these "high up" people are playing the blame game on each other. One of Flint's residents affected by this disaster is a mother of two, Mellisa Mays. Mellisa has used this disaster to form an advocacy organization for Flint city's water crises named Water You Fighting For.  

Flint: State Loan Blocked City from Returning to Detroit Water

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/3/headlines/flint_state_loan_blocked_city_from_returning_to_detroit_water

            This story goes on to explain how the people of Flint want Governor Rick Snyder to resign. Documents show that the state of Michigan loaned Flint $7 million dollars to help pay for the cost of exiting their current lead contaminated water system and return to the clean drinking water prior to this disaster. This next part tells the reason for the people wanting Governor Rick Snyder to resign. There was a condition prohibiting the city from returning to the clean water source without the approval of the state. Even though Governor Snyder new about the lead contaminated water, he continued to impose the condition prohibiting the city from obtaining clean drinking water. Unbelievable how white collar crime can hurt so many people and still not have to pay for their faults.