Angry as Fuck About Flint

[sonrisa]

Someone who doesn't scream every time she educates herself needs to help me out. I want to suggest a "adopt a preschool" program to my preschool. Does such a thing exist? Can we start shipping fuck loads of clean water, testing kits, lead testing to kids, treatment programs,etc to a school there? 

And feel free to rant here. Those fucking fuckers should be facing game of thrones style consequences. 

[sonrisa]

That OP sounded awful. No one "needs to help me out" but I'd really love a link because I can't think straight on this issue. Every time I touch it I get so angry I can't see straight. If there is a group doing this (connecting preschools), I want to get us involved. 

[Deleted]

I'm sorry no one is reading this. I don't really know what to say. Flint makes me rage. It is the type of thing that shouldn't happen in a democracy. I read somewhere they are actually pretty good on water now, but I don't know what else is needed.

Have you considered seeing if you can do volunteer work from a distance? I would love to go there if I were unencumbered. Obviously, you aren't at this point either, and I am sure they've got counsel for aspects of it lined up at this point, but there will be aspects that will fall through the cracks.

[sonrisa]

Feb 2, 2016 2:18:49 GMT -5 elle said:

I'm sorry no one is reading this. I don't really know what to say. Flint makes me rage. It is the type of thing that shouldn't happen in a democracy. I read somewhere they are actually pretty good on water now, but I don't know what else is needed.

Just last Friday, they announced the filters the firehouses have been giving out - filters that were supposed to clean the water so pregnant women and small children could drink it - only filter to 150 parts per billion which is 10 times the 15 parts per billion level the EPA says needs to be rectified. The actual lead levels being measured in the water have been found up to more than 4000 parts per billion. 4000 parts per billion being filtered by something that can only handle 150 parts per billion. The remedial measures being taken are jack shit for the reality of the situation. 

(I'm not arguing about the water bottle situation, I'm just frustrated). This preschool has disposable income. If I could find the right angle and right group to work with, I know I could sell it. (and put my own money where my mouth is).

[Deleted]

Feb 2, 2016 2:50:48 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Feb 2, 2016 2:18:49 GMT -5 elle said:

I'm sorry no one is reading this. I don't really know what to say. Flint makes me rage. It is the type of thing that shouldn't happen in a democracy. I read somewhere they are actually pretty good on water now, but I don't know what else is needed.

Just last Friday, they announced the filters the firehouses have been giving out - filters that were supposed to clean the water so pregnant women and small children could drink it - only filter to 150 parts per billion which is 10 times the 15 parts per billion level the EPA says needs to be rectified. The actual lead levels being measured in the water have been found up to more than 4000 parts per billion. 4000 parts per billion being filtered by something that can only handle 150 parts per billion. The remedial measures being taken are jack shit for the reality of the situation. 

(I'm not arguing about the water bottle situation, I'm just frustrated). This preschool has disposable income. If I could find the right angle and right group to work with, I know I could sell it. (and put my own money where my mouth is).

I meant the donated bottles of water. I could have sworn I heard on NPR they had more than they are capable of passing out at this point. I know you're frustrated, not taking it as arguing.

[mousemelon]

I'm semi-local (about an hour south from Flint) and it is just breaking my heart. I'm so pissed at the people at the MDEQ and in the governor's office. I'm going there later this week after buying a few cases and taking them up there. It's just infuriating that it took this long for SOMEONE to do SOMETHING.

[WOT?*]

I posted a different link elsewhere a couple days ago, but Rachel Maddow show posted with a ton of links to agencies and organizations that are on the ground in Flint right now. You can donate to food banks, Catholic Charities, United Way, Bottles for the Babies, a couple GoFundMe links and more. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/how-help-flint-michigan

I wish I was closer and could go there to help directly. The whole thing is just infuriating. You know that if this was Novi it never would have happened.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

I don't know that there is much beyond what has been suggested here and through the national outlets that we can do. I rage with you though.

[mekia]

Just want you to know that I'm sad about this situation too. Basically the only solution is to replace every pipe. It's just awful.

[onomatopoeia]

I'm equally frustrated and furious. On NPR this morning they were talking about how plumbers from all across the state were donating service hours to install filters and new faucets in residents' homes - they did about 1100 in a day, I believe. I thought that was great (although I don't know how long these filters are supposed to last, it could be just a bandaid).

Thanks for the link, WOT?* .

ETA: the news story also mentioned how the officials responsible were "determined to see it through until resolution".  I actually LOL'ed.  Thanks, fuckers.

[snipsnsnails]

I can't shake what you mentioned the other day - parents of kids in that high-risk group of young infants, toddlers, preschoolers - the absolute fear and anger they're experiencing right now. It's unfathomable. My heart breaks. Let our anger and our sadness fuel action.

[bex1973]

sonrisa, really, truly, sincerely it warms my heart that you are helping to keep this issue on the forefront.

Certainly many others have as well but I want you to know I appreciate you.

I've started to feel like a one trick pony with this subject but it actually unimaginable that this continues on.

I might suggest looking in to Whaley Childrens Center www.whaleychildren.org/ this organization is amazing and the work they do is heartbreaking. Most kids come there after being forcibly removed from their parents so have lots of uphill battles but the staff are amazing. They are located in one of the highest lead count level areas in the city.

There are a number of kids in Morgan's school that live in Flint, the struggle is starting to wear on the kids - there is a supply of bottled water right by the door that parents can take as needed. It's honest to god heart breaking to see that every day at drop off and pick up.

We've been holding a series of classes on campus regarding the water crisis, my H has been going & last week someone from a local elementary that now the kids are asking if they are going to die & they need resources in the school and information to be able to answer the kids questions. It's fucking heartbreaking.

[atlas]

No helpful insight nor links. But RAGE! I am so angry with everything in Flint that I'm like you and can't read too much otherwise I just starting ranting and my BF is like "I know. I'm on your side. I get it. Shut up."

Seriously. This should not be fucking happening in TWO THOUSAND FUCKING SIXTEEN

[mekia]

Feb 2, 2016 8:55:28 GMT -5 mekia said:

Just want you to know that I'm sad about this situation too. Basically the only solution is to replace every pipe. It's just awful.

ETA- obviously this does not help the damage that has been done already. That is the worst part of this. 

[whiterussian09]

Just to add to the rage...

m.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2016/02/01/gov-snyders-flint-aid-bill-signing-a-pr-disaster

[underwaterrhymes]

I lack the words to deceive how infuriated I am over this.

I'm so glad the FBI is involved. I hope Snyder and everyone else who was involved spend the rest of their shitty lives in prison.

[bex1973]

Feb 2, 2016 10:50:53 GMT -5 whiterussian09 said:

Just to add to the rage...

m.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2016/02/01/gov-snyders-flint-aid-bill-signing-a-pr-disaster

Oh my God. Yes, this has been a hot topic. As soon as I saw that I actually for the first time in my life said the words "Jesus take the wheel" with no irony what so ever.

And now the jokes and memes have started because apparently people are "tired of hearing about this" and "shouldn't they have enough bottles of water yet?" It's a fucking outrage. People have no idea how many bottles of water it actually takes to get through the day - and I supposed in their defense why would they know how many because this shit should not be happening.

[miniroller]

Feb 2, 2016 10:50:53 GMT -5 whiterussian09 said:

Just to add to the rage...

m.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2016/02/01/gov-snyders-flint-aid-bill-signing-a-pr-disaster

HOW?!? How are these people still this obtuse?! I seriously cannot get my head to understand why there isn't at least one person who stepped in & suggested a couple changes to this gross as phuck 'PR' photo.

I'm aghast at the lack of perspective & insight. And I don't think they'll learn until they're punished/ made to pay for their disgusting "oversight," or lack thereof

[runforrest]

sonrisa - thank you for keeping this issue a priority.

I can't even start to think about Flint without wanting to throw things. Those poor babies. And those poor people. The whole emergency manager thing, and Governor Snyder's absolute inability to understand what the fuck he did, is enraging.

I have some friends who went to GMI in Flint, and I wonder if the school is doing anything to actively help. Shit, a college full of engineers may actually be able to come up with something to help the city out in the long term, since sending bottled water can only do so much, right?

I am going to do some digging and see if I can find anything out. I'm in meetings all week in Seattle but I will look this evening.

[pizzapizza]

Yes this also makes me rage. It is unconscionable what happened. Those at fault need to pay dearly for the what they have done. I feel like the ones at fault always manage to get off somehow or place the blame elsewhere. It is sickening. All because of $$$.

[bex1973]

Feb 2, 2016 15:18:28 GMT -5 runforrest said:

sonrisa - thank you for keeping this issue a priority.

I can't even start to think about Flint without wanting to throw things. Those poor babies. And those poor people. The whole emergency manager thing, and Governor Snyder's absolute inability to understand what the fuck he did, is enraging.

I have some friends who went to GMI in Flint, and I wonder if the school is doing anything to actively help. Shit, a college full of engineers may actually be able to come up with something to help the city out in the long term, since sending bottled water can only do so much, right?

I am going to do some digging and see if I can find anything out. I'm in meetings all week in Seattle but I will look this evening.

It's called Kettering now  I haven't heard much - yet, I imagine it's a topic of discussion!

[runforrest]

Feb 2, 2016 15:32:06 GMT -5 bex1973 said:

Feb 2, 2016 15:18:28 GMT -5 runforrest said:

sonrisa - thank you for keeping this issue a priority.

I can't even start to think about Flint without wanting to throw things. Those poor babies. And those poor people. The whole emergency manager thing, and Governor Snyder's absolute inability to understand what the fuck he did, is enraging.

I have some friends who went to GMI in Flint, and I wonder if the school is doing anything to actively help. Shit, a college full of engineers may actually be able to come up with something to help the city out in the long term, since sending bottled water can only do so much, right?

I am going to do some digging and see if I can find anything out. I'm in meetings all week in Seattle but I will look this evening.

It's called Kettering now  I haven't heard much - yet, I imagine it's a topic of discussion!

I've always called it GMI Kettering

[CurlyQ284]

I work in telecom with cell frequencies and stuff. I was talking to my boss the other day and he mentioned that if a tower has a birds nest in it, you aren't allowed to disrupt the birds nest to hang your equipment. When you build a tower, you have to check it against flight patterns, bird migration patterns, historical society, tribal authorities. You can be VERY heavily fined for breaking the rules.

But they can just poison an entire city!

It is obscene. WHY haven't charges been filed?! I'm surprised a mob with torches and pitchforks hasn't shown up to deal with the governor at this point.

[SwimDeep]

I will join those who are enraged to the point of incoherent speechlessness.

We subscribe to Time, and a couple of weeks ago they ran a special about Flint, MI. I cannot imagine what I would do if this crime was to happen in my city. And if I had children? Babies?

People need to go to prison for this!

[hisno1girl]

By the time all of this has "settled" down (settled in quotes because the toll of this will take years to manage) someone is going to have their ass in jail or facing charges.

Right now the locals are blaming the higher ups and the Governor's office is citing lack of communication.

I am so glad the feds have finally stepped in.

There are so many issues that need to be addressed that the cost is going to be staggering. With all of the long term issues these poor children will be facing, this might Bret one of the priciest mistakes ever made in the history of our state.

As a reminder, you clean still donate. Water is needed (regardless of the rumors that it's not) and money is needed.

Donations can be made through so many places, just choose the one you like the best.

TO DONATE to Flint Community Schools: Call the district's finance office at 810-767-6030 about cash donations. Bottled water drop-offs can be coordinated by calling 810-760-1310.

To United Way of Genesee County: Visit unitedwaygenesee.org and click on the "GIVE" button. There's an option to support the Flint Water Project. Call 810-232-8121 for details. A new phase for outreach is investment in services to help residents who have been exposed to contaminated water.

To Catholic Charities of Genesee County: For information on making cash or bottled water donations to aid soup kitchens and warming centers, call 810-785-6911.

To help Flint community activists who are delivering water: Call Melissa Mays at 810-423-3435.

[SwimDeep]

Thanks, hisno1girl. I'm writing all those numbers down. As soon as I can donate, I will!

[claudiajean]

There have been 10 deaths from Legionnaires’ in Flint in the last year (maybe year and a half). In the 5 years prior, there were 0 deaths. Over a year ago, the hospital said it was coming from the water supply, but still nothing was done.

I'm sickened and angry. They aren't even able to estimate what the cost (of human life) this will be before it is over. It's so disgusting.

[hisno1girl]

Feb 2, 2016 16:40:19 GMT -5 claudiajean said:

There have been 10 deaths from Legionnaires’ in Flint in the last year (maybe year and a half). In the 5 years prior, there were 0 deaths. Over a year ago, the hospital said it was coming from the water supply, but still nothing was done.

I'm sickened and angry. They aren't even able to estimate what the cost (of human life) this will be before it is over. It's so disgusting.

Yes, and they haven't even really talked about the Legionnaires issues yet!

Also, what about people that were exposed but no longer live in the area or have ties? I know this has been on the national news but it is possible that someone could have had lead exposure and not know it because they moved away.