The Crisis in Flint and the Role of Government

For the nearly two years the people of Flint, Michigan have been consuming contaminated water. The source of the water, the Flint River, is severely poisoned by lead. The water not only tastes awful, but it smells terrible and is noticeably discolored. As a result, it cannot be used for human consumption. 

Flint is a city of over 100,000 people. Most are working class and the majority of the citizens are African Americans. This is a health and welfare disaster of epic proportions. Lead-contaminated water has horrendous health implications for humans. The effects of lead poisoning range from organ damage, high blood pressure, anemia, and even death. In children the effects can be anywhere from learning and behavioral disabilities to permanent brain damage and long ranging health issues.  

This problem has emerged despite repeated protests to the State of Michigan. The governor of Michigan is a right-wing Republican and an advocate of all manner of anti-worker measures including “right-to-work.” His administration received numerous warnings about this disaster, but did almost nothing to address the problem. The fact that the government of Michigan ignored the obvious implications of lead-contaminated water is nothing short of scandalous. This willful ignorance is part of the right-wing attack on democratic government. The extreme right-leaning politicians of this country do not believe that government should play any positive role in the lives of ordinary citizens. They seek to reduce government to an institution that exists only to protect the profit margins of the multi-billionaires they serve. This approach to government must be vehemently opposed.

Standing in opposition are those who see a positive role for government. The use of public dollars is a serious responsibility. A democratic government at all levels should provide services that promote the “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” of the society. Programs that enhance a fair employment relationship, which protect the air and water, and which support health and welfare should be a priority in a democracy. The situation in Flint is actually an example of the worst form of non-representative government.

We must draw conclusions from this injustice. It is our responsibility as members of this democratic nation to use the many forms of mass protest available to us. This should include not only national, but also state and local elections to demand government be an aid to the living standards and working conditions of ordinary people. Government by the people, for the people and of the people cannot be a hindrance, or worse, an actual block to the rights of citizens. 

Richard Lipsitz is President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation. The WNYALF is accepting water and monetary donations, 100 percent of which will be used to purchase water for residents of Flint, Michigan.