Sometimes, with their innocence and spontaneity, the little ones are able to carry out feats that adults can only imagine. This is the case of this American girl who, with a simple and direct letter, convinced President Obama to visit Flint, the city that was the scene of the worst water crisis in the United States.
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Sometimes, with their innocence and spontaneity, the little ones are able to carry out feats that adults can only imagine. This is the case of this American girl who, with a simple and direct letter, convinced President Obama to visit Flint, the city with the worst water crisis in the United States.
For over 2 years, in fact, this urban area of Michigan, where about one hundred thousand inhabitants live, has been experiencing a water emergency of enormous proportions, due to the presence of high amounts of lead in tap water. The contamination is likely due to a faulty distribution system and has resulted in the spread of numerous health problems among the population, even causing some deaths.
For this, a month ago Amariyanna “Mari” Copeny, an 8-year-old girl, sent an email to President Obama, explaining that she wanted to make known as much as possible the problems that afflict Flint.
"I am one of the children affected by the water problem" - Mari wrote - "and I did my best to participate in protest marches and to speak on behalf of all the children who live here in Flint."
Since, with a group of fellow citizens, he was planning a trip to Washington to hear the Congressional hearing of the Governor of his state, the little girl - whose nickname is Little Miss Flint - asked Obama and his wife Michelle to be able to meet them in person.
"I know this is probably a weird request, but I would love to have the chance to meet you or your wife." - continues the text of the letter - "My mother said that you are probably too busy with more important matters, but there are a lot of people who will come to Washington on these buses and a meeting with you or your wife could really lift people's morale. Thank you for everything you do for our country. I can't wait to come to Washington, to be able to see Governor Snyder in person and to be in the same city where she lives. "
A request formulated spontaneously, without mincing words, which did not have the desired effect (Obama was unable to meet the inhabitants of Flint during their trip to Washington) but produced an unexpected and even more significant one. Last week, in fact, the American President replied to Mari by telling her that next May 4th she will be in Flint to meet in person the citizens affected by the water emergency.
"[...] I want you to be the first to know that I will visit Flint on May 4th." - Obama wrote - “I want to make sure that people like you and your family are getting the help they need and deserve. Like you, I will use my voice to ask for things to change and to help lift your community. Letters from children like you are what makes me so optimistic about the future. Hope to meet you next week, Little Miss Flint. "
With the hope that the story of Flint and his poisoned water can end as soon as possible with a happy ending.
Lisa Vagnozzi
Photo Credits
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