Tamera & Meh

text by tamera blount • meh tanda oo

A Letter

November 28, 2016

Dear Governor Snyder,

I am a senior in Carman-Ainsworth School District in Michigan. I am not a resident of Flint, but I know many people who are. The emergency going on with the water should be a priority to every government official, starting with you.

First, I want to say that I am shocked that a city in the United States of America can have unsafe water in 2016.  You hear about these issues in countries where they don’t have money to have safe water and sewer systems.  In the United States, we have regulations that make sure we have safe water.  I don’t understand why this has failed in Flint. Second, I want to know what the government is going to do to fix the water system.  All pipes should be replaced.  If there were a problem with the water in your house, you would replace the pipes, no matter what it cost? Governor Snyder, Michigan is your home. Third, I want to know how you are going to make sure that adults and especially children get the necessary health care to make sure the lead-infested water does not damage their bodies.  The people of Flint, MI did not do anything to deserve this disaster.  They have the expectation, like all other citizens to have safe water, and to live healthy lives. Lastly, they need to know that they can trust the government.  Right now, that is not the case.

I feel that it is a shame that citizens of Flint do not have safe drinking water. The people of Flint need action, now. Thank you for listening to my letter.