We take clean water and air for granted these days. It seems as if it naturally occurs but this is very far from the truth. The truth is that we have clean water and air because people demanded it in the 1960’s. Smog was commonplace. There were frequent ‘smog days’ when schools had to close because it was too dangerous to go outside. Industry would have gone along its merry way had we not banded together and created the laws to insist on a livable planet.

It’s tempting to want to trust politicians and business to do the right thing. Of course they want clean water and air too. And yet, profits and money get in the way. Wealthy people can avoid the issues of clean water and air by getting their own filters or moving away from unhealthy areas so it doesn’t really hit them at home. When we are out of the situation, it’s easy to forget the needs of others.

Flint is a great example of this. The water in Flint was not being used by wealthy people. It was easy to ignore the poor piping and lead. Poor people are helpless in getting folks to listen and eventually give in to the horrors. I was shocked to learn that the people of Flint were not outraged the filters were going to take months or years to get installed. This made clear to me the results of years and decades of oppression. Eventually people see this treatment as the norm.

It’s time for those of us who can, those of us who can see a bigger picture, to stand up for those who can’t. Where in your own area are people putting up with less than quality water and air? How can you find out? Call your local newspaper to gather information. Look up organizations online. Ask at your local library. Then get out there and do something.