White House ‘Concerned’ About Flint Water Crisis

[Purveyor]

Source: Detroit News

Chad Livengood, Detroit News Lansing Bureau 3:13 p.m. EST January 10, 2016

The White House is monitoring Flint’s water contamination crisis “very closely” but Michigan officials have not yet asked the federal government for emergency assistance, President Barack Obama’s chief of staff said Sunday.

Appearing on NBC’s “Meet The Press,” White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough told host Chuck Todd that Flint’s water woes is on the administration’s radar.

“Obviously very concerned about it, but I don’t have any news to make with you on that today, Chuck,” McDonough said. “... We’re watching it very closely, but nobody has asked us anything yet.”

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for Genesee County and his chief medical executive said Thursday Flint’s water is not safe to drink without a filter to remove toxic lead particles.

Read more: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/michigan/2016/01/10/white-house-concerned-flint-water-crisis/78594112/

[nc4bo]

1. Can the (R) Gov. ask for assistance from the National Guard?

Bring in water tankers, help residents install water filters, pass out water filters, etc.?

Would this be considered a "CRISIS" important enough to bring in help?

I find this situation extremely fucked up and the fact that the ones who made the mess are taking their damn sweet time DOING something about it, simply repugnant.

[Siwsan]

2. I believe that he can - he is doing virtually nothing substantive

That would be admitting he had done something wrong, in the first place and we all know these conservative misanthropes never, ever admit to being wrong about anything.

Maybe he's still trying to come up with a way for his friends and/or family to profit from this disaster.

[dhill926]

3. agree....this situation is TOTALLY unacceptable....

[Yallow]

13. Poisoning Children Is OK

If you are Republican.

Amerikka the Butiful.

I am beyond angry.

If this is not a crime, there is no such thing as crime.

[emulatorloo]

4. Yes, The (R) gov could ask for aid, but I assume his R-ness is what's holding him back.

You are right, this situation is horrible. I beleive Snyder is more worried about wingnuts would think about him than the health and welfare of the people of Flint.

From article above, "Michigan officials have not yet asked the federal government for emergency assistance."

[leanforward]

8. Ditto

The Governor has "executive privileged" correspondence to hide.

[nc4bo]

9. Incredible. Was just wondering if this is considered a

Natural disaster or what. Does it matter at all in the type of aid he could request or if even requesting aid would be admitting liability in a lawsuit situation.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

15. He's more likely to have the National Guard surround the Governors Mansion to keep us out.

[Mass]

5. Yes, Snyder clearly does not care

He should have called FEMA, at the very least to distribute of clean water to families.

Anyway, why is Snyder not in jail? His administration decided to ignore the advice they were given by specialists for months.

[SamKnause]

6. Just curious ???

Does the president of the United States have to have an

invitation or request from the governor to help the people in Michigan ???

Does he have zero power to help these people ???

I just don't understand the games being played with the lives of innocent people.

It is insane !!!

He is The Commander in Chief !!!

Can't he send in the National Guard ???

Governor Snyder is responsible for this travesty.

He should be jail, not inhabiting the Governor's Mansion.

Why is the White House ignoring the heinous damage this man has caused ???

[Enrique]

17. that was my question

from what I hear, it's an emergency situation.

I wonder what is up, this official saying he wants to be careful with his words. I understand the DOJ is looking into the matter, but what about the people that need water now?

[Human101948]

7. It's time for a federal rescue...this is domestic terrorism by Republicans against Flint...

If Al Qaeda had poisoned the water supply of an American city (as some eared in the past), there would be a massive federal response to IMMEDIATELY remedy the situation. The time or action is now! The enemies amongst us should be arrested and indicted right now!

[glinda]

10. The actions of the Gov.Snyder all the way to the WH....is unacceptable.

[forest444]

11. If they truly are as concerned as they say,

federal charges against Governor Rick Snyder, former Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr, and other Michigan officials should be forthcoming.

Otherwise it's just more empty rhetoric, and that's the one thing those people in Flint don't need.

[Yallow]

12. Obama - Have The Asshole Prosecuted

My gawd. They purposely poisoned thousands of children.

WTF are you waiting for?

[Dont call me Shirley]

14. Snyder and his fascist buddies need to be under heavy doj/fbi investigation.

[greiner3]

16. This fits into the need for more of an awareness regarding national infrastructure and how to fix it

[atreides1]

18. Concerned, but doing nothing!

Just like with the situation in Oregon...they might be waiting so they can avoid any confrontation that would upset the Republicans in Congress!!!

[democrank]

19. Concerned?

How about downright disgusted!