As Democrats have sought to score political points over the Flint, Michigan water crisis, their supporters are turning into a bit for their amateur stand-up routine.
During a protest on the Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C., a speaker at a rally hosted by the Teamsters union made light of the situation.
“This is awesome, you guys are just unbelievable,” the speaker said as the crowd chanted.
“I’ve got a little announcement. All the people from Michigan — Michigan people you’re supposed to meet up at the fountain after the rally. It’s right behind us.”
Then he added, “Probably want to get a drink. Well, it’s cleaner water than in Michigan!” he cracked as the audience groaned.
The crisis started after the Democrat-controlled Flint city council voted to switch its water supply from Detroit to the Flint River in an effort to save money.
The action triggered elevated lead levels.
“Health effects of lead exposure in children include impaired cognition, behavioral disorders, hearing problems and delayed puberty. In pregnant women, lead is associated with reduced fetal growth. In everyone, lead consumption can impact the heart, kidneys and nerves. Although there are medications that may reduce the amount of lead in the blood, treatments for the adverse health effects of lead have yet to be developed,” according to CNN.
The Environmental Protection Agency is now recommending city residents to run their taps in an effort to clean the lead out of their pipes.
“There will be no associated cost to residents related to this flushing program,” the EPA said in a statement, according to the Detroit Free Press. “Residents will be compensated for the cost associated with flushing in addition to receiving water credits already awarded by the state.”
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