Amariyanna Copeny, an 8-year-old girl from Flint, sent a letter to the President voicing her concerns about the Flint water crisis. To her surprise and delight President Obama wrote her back and flew to Flint to meet her in person and address a number of rightfully concerned citizens. Not only did this visit inspire Mari to continue voicing her opinion and assuring her that she matters, this visit reassured the community at large that they also matter. This was a completely avoidable situation which was a result of poor decision making. The decision was made to switch from the Detroit water system to the Flint River to save money. The problem with that is the city was working with an old infrastructure and the Flint River water was significantly more corrosive. As the water coursed through the old lead pipes copper, iron, manganese and lead leeched out and was deposited into the water supply. There has been an outpouring of support surrounding the Flint water crisis and after the National Spotlight was shined on the city it looks like changes will be made.
