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Omaha Steve

(99,060 posts)
Sun Sep 4, 2022, 07:10 PM Sep 2022

Jackson mayor: residents face 'longer road ahead' before safe water is restored

Source: The Guardian

By Edward Helmore

The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, where 150,000 people are still without safe drinking water after an infrastructure failure, said on Sunday residents face a “much longer road ahead” before services are fully restored in the majority Black city.

Speaking to ABC’s This Week, Chokwe Antar Lumumba said there had been improvements, with water pressure restored to a majority of residents.

But he said the state capital was “still in an emergency – will be in an emergency even as the water is restored to every home and even as the boil water notice is lifted because that is the fragile state of our water treatment facility”.

City officials said later water pressure had been restored to most customers.



Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/04/jackson-safe-clean-water-longer-road-ahead

38 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Jackson mayor: residents face 'longer road ahead' before safe water is restored (Original Post) Omaha Steve Sep 2022 OP
Pork Rind Reeves would rather give up his fried chicken than do anything for Jackson. peppertree Sep 2022 #1
I still don't understand why the city water authority let it get this bad jimfields33 Sep 2022 #3
Having lived in Mi'ssippi, I suspect graft had a lot to do with it peppertree Sep 2022 #4
Here in NY it's like that to NYC (to a lesser extent) Polybius Sep 2022 #6
I hear you. peppertree Sep 2022 #7
Then when there is an emergency the federal government will bail them out. Irish_Dem Sep 2022 #14
Das' right. peppertree Sep 2022 #16
Nothing has changed in the south. Irish_Dem Sep 2022 #17
Not enough, anyway peppertree Sep 2022 #18
That sounds right. Almost 160 years later... Evolve Dammit Sep 2022 #19
It's not like that where I live. DashOneBravo Sep 2022 #33
I have been selling into the municipal market for 15 years lonely bird Sep 2022 #5
bingo dembotoz Sep 2022 #25
Probably the same reason the Russian army is broke. Irish_Dem Sep 2022 #11
Some cities run by Republicans rival those in third-world countries. Shameful. Lonestarblue Sep 2022 #2
+1 peppertree Sep 2022 #8
And in these cases it's done on purpose because of the minority community. We saw it in Uvalde also JI7 Sep 2022 #10
The media represents the interests of the while male GOP elite. Irish_Dem Sep 2022 #13
I'm pretty sure Jackson is not run by republicans jimfields33 Sep 2022 #15
So true Snoopy 7 Sep 2022 #9
still carpet bagging the poor whenever they can. Same as ever Evolve Dammit Sep 2022 #20
We used to go to Myrtle Beach Marthe48 Sep 2022 #12
Hey Mississippi, stop voting the way Fox News tells you! Initech Sep 2022 #21
Don't worry cause repukes have assured us that systemic racism in not happening in America. The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #22
IIRC Zeitghost Sep 2022 #23
Jackson cannot fix the system without help from the state and federal government. The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #24
You are correct Zeitghost Sep 2022 #26
Experts disagree with your analysis. The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #27
Those look like opinion pieces Zeitghost Sep 2022 #28
No where did I say they were academic papers. The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #29
It's very simple Zeitghost Sep 2022 #30
OK I will post it again The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #31
If you want to accuse the people responsible Zeitghost Sep 2022 #32
I presented three respected articles supporting my position of systemic racism. The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #34
Show me Zeitghost Sep 2022 #35
I provided you with three easy to source articles. The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #36
The bipartisan infrastructure law has a ton of $ MissB Sep 2022 #37
The repuke congressional representatives from Mississippi voted against BBB!!!! The Jungle 1 Sep 2022 #38

peppertree

(21,526 posts)
1. Pork Rind Reeves would rather give up his fried chicken than do anything for Jackson.
Sun Sep 4, 2022, 07:27 PM
Sep 2022

The residents are all th' wrong color, see.

jimfields33

(15,454 posts)
3. I still don't understand why the city water authority let it get this bad
Sun Sep 4, 2022, 08:48 PM
Sep 2022

Even if the governor lowered the amount of funds, you still have to make sure the equipment works and if not scream bloody murder before the emergency.

peppertree

(21,526 posts)
4. Having lived in Mi'ssippi, I suspect graft had a lot to do with it
Sun Sep 4, 2022, 09:02 PM
Sep 2022

I knew of a guy who was named 'physical plant director' of one of the state's better-known institutions - and within a few years had become one of the richest people in town, despite not having family money and despite its being a fairly modestly-remunerated public-sector post.

A lot of over-billing and (of course) kickbacks, one can't help but suspect.

Now - if you add deliberate state underfunding, it's a perfect storm.

You see - to many white Mississippians, Jackson is synonymous with 'n***ers'. I doubt there's another state where so many of its residents have such deep-seated hostility against its own capital city.

peppertree

(21,526 posts)
7. I hear you.
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 12:43 AM
Sep 2022

It's the rivalry that besets all of the world's great cities, alas.

None greater though.



peppertree

(21,526 posts)
16. Das' right.
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 11:58 AM
Sep 2022

White Democrats in Mississippi (and of course black ones) certainly understand that, and for the most part have a deep appreciation of Washigton's role in the state's development since FDR.

But It's hard to overstate the sheer hatred Mississippi Republicans have for the gummint - and for Kennedy.

"It all started with that damn' Yankee Kennedy," the older ones might tell you.

When Clinton was elected, I remember some of them moaning and bitching that "if he goes too far, we'll take him out - like Kennedy!"

Many still see November 22, 1963, with a kind of pride - "things being put back straight."

So that's why when I saw the GOP becoming radicalized into the semi-fascist outfit they are now, it didn't surprise me at all.

That's what I saw in Mississippi 30 years ago already.

peppertree

(21,526 posts)
18. Not enough, anyway
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 01:16 PM
Sep 2022

There are many exceptions to the Jim Crow bigot/far-right white southerner type.

But they are in the minority, and they usually keep quiet for fear of reprisals.

DashOneBravo

(2,679 posts)
33. It's not like that where I live.
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 04:30 PM
Sep 2022

I bet over 90% will have look up November 22, 1963

I travel all over the south and Texas. Ive been doing it 20 years. Some people like try to make seem, that’s it’s 1968 but it’s not.

I just don’t ever see that

lonely bird

(1,642 posts)
5. I have been selling into the municipal market for 15 years
Sun Sep 4, 2022, 10:17 PM
Sep 2022

While the majority of my work has been on wastewater some has been on water. Many municipalities have not raised rates deliberately so they can thump their chests. Much infrastructure from treatment plants to water mains to sewers are in poor repair. People will scream about costs and then scream when a catastrophe happens.

Lonestarblue

(9,878 posts)
2. Some cities run by Republicans rival those in third-world countries. Shameful.
Sun Sep 4, 2022, 07:46 PM
Sep 2022

But then we know Republicans care only about the white country club set.

JI7

(89,173 posts)
10. And in these cases it's done on purpose because of the minority community. We saw it in Uvalde also
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 06:54 AM
Sep 2022

The Media should be reporting these things but ..........................

Snoopy 7

(521 posts)
9. So true
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 06:49 AM
Sep 2022

This story is very true except the elephant in the room is still there. I saw various videos where people are saying they bought $100, or more, for bottle water. Then I saw how much they purchased and realized the price has been tripled by the grocery chain. That is the major crime PRICE GOUGING.

Marthe48

(16,690 posts)
12. We used to go to Myrtle Beach
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 11:15 AM
Sep 2022

The tap water was horrible, and we routinely bought water for drinking and coffee. We skipped a few years and went back. Lo and behold, the entire water treatment plant had been replaced and upgraded. The water was drinkable. Too bad Jackson isn't a resort town.

Initech

(99,910 posts)
21. Hey Mississippi, stop voting the way Fox News tells you!
Mon Sep 5, 2022, 08:26 PM
Sep 2022

You elect stupid idiots like Tate Reeves who cuts regulations to the state's water supply, don't be surprised when you get something that looks like motor oil coming out of your faucet. Stop watching Fox, that shit is bad for you!

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
22. Don't worry cause repukes have assured us that systemic racism in not happening in America.
Tue Sep 6, 2022, 08:37 AM
Sep 2022

Institutional racism, also known as systemic racism, is a form of racism that is embedded in the laws and regulations of a society or an organization. It manifests as discrimination in areas such as criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, education, and political representation. Wikipedia

Zeitghost

(3,796 posts)
23. IIRC
Tue Sep 6, 2022, 07:36 PM
Sep 2022

Jackson has a majority Black City Council and a Black Mayor and it's been that way for some time.

The water system in Jackson has been mismanaged, but I'm not sure it has anything to do with race.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
24. Jackson cannot fix the system without help from the state and federal government.
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 08:52 AM
Sep 2022

These people have been boiling drinking water for years. They remember their grandmothers boiling drinking water.
This is a major infrastructure project requiring billions which will require state and federal help. The problems have gone on for years. Like all cities they need state and federal government help. All cities get state and federal government help with major infrastructure projects. The state is majority republican and has refused to help.
Yes the city is 82% black with a 26.9% poverty rate. Let that sink in for a few moments. Why would any industry or business locate in this city when they don't have and haven't had clean water for years!!!!
Repuke house members in Mississippi voted against Bidens infrastructure bill!!!! Even thought their people desperately need the help!!! ****That folks is the face of systemic racism.****
Here is another example:
The city of Philadelphia and Reading, Pa school systems are a disaster. The state has a majority republican state congress. The schools do not get help. The per student funding is well below the suburbs! It is called systemic racism. The state actually took over control of the Philadelphia school system for many years. Nothing changed. Then the republicans admitted failure and gave control back to the school board. Still no money. The system is making improvements but still lags the suburbs. For a while they had almost a 50% drop out rate. That number has improved. Philadelphia is 43% black. Repukes hate Philadelphia. It votes D. Pa is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Pennsatucky in the middle.

Systemic racism is real.

Zeitghost

(3,796 posts)
26. You are correct
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 10:32 AM
Sep 2022

Systemic racism exists. I just don't think it is the driving force behind Jackson's water problems.

Zeitghost

(3,796 posts)
28. Those look like opinion pieces
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 03:15 PM
Sep 2022

Not academic papers.


Jackson has mismanaged their water system for decades, under the leadership elected by their citizens. Those elected officials are to blame.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
29. No where did I say they were academic papers.
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 03:56 PM
Sep 2022

They are interviews with experts.
So what are your credentials to disprove my sources. You have offered no sources or facts to support your claims. I have presented several respected news sources.
The water problems in Jackson are systemic racism plain and simple.
Please present your argument.

Zeitghost

(3,796 posts)
30. It's very simple
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 04:03 PM
Sep 2022

Q: Who controls the water system in Jackson? A: The City of Jackson

Q: Who controls the City of Jackson? A: The Mayor and City Council


Looking at the makeup of the Jackson City Council and Mayors office over the past few decades, they don't strike me as the type to engage in systemic racism... If you evidence to the contrary, by all means, please post it.


Are there racists at the State level who might be holding back assistance? Very possibly. But the root cause of this issue is decades of mismanagement by city leaders.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
31. OK I will post it again
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 04:18 PM
Sep 2022

These people have been boiling drinking water for years. They remember their grandmothers boiling drinking water.
This is a major infrastructure project requiring billions which will require state and federal help. The problems have gone on for years. Like all cities they need state and federal government help. All cities get state and federal government help with major infrastructure projects. The state is majority republican and has refused to help.
Yes the city is 82% black with a 26.9% poverty rate. Let that sink in for a few moments. Why would any industry or business locate in this city when they don't have and haven't had clean water for years!!!!
Repuke house members in Mississippi voted against Bidens infrastructure bill!!!! Even thought their people desperately need the help!!! ****That folks is the face of systemic racism.****

I have supported all of these arguments and you have presented no argument with no support. This is now a circle jerk.
I can post it again if needed. The facts have not changed.

"But the root cause of this issue is decades of mismanagement by city leaders." Support that statement with sources.
Demonstrate the mismanagement as I have demonstrated and supported the systemic racism.

Zeitghost

(3,796 posts)
32. If you want to accuse the people responsible
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 04:21 PM
Sep 2022

Of systemic racism, you should probably have clear evidence. It seems you do not.


I understand that the state is full of racists and that many cut off their noses to spite their faces when it comes to things like BBB. But none of that explains why the city leaders dropped the ball on this issue.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
34. I presented three respected articles supporting my position of systemic racism.
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 05:11 PM
Sep 2022

That is clearly me supporting my position with clear evidence. I am quite sure you did not read the articles or you would not be trying to defend this systemic racism. The articles are well done and were many more.

You have presented nothing to support your position.
This is not how debate works. Support your position or stop. You are welcome to your opinion but not the facts.


Zeitghost

(3,796 posts)
35. Show me
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 06:01 PM
Sep 2022

evidence of the actual people responsible doing or saying anything racist and I might agree.

If you want me to believe that a group of predominately African American politicians are racist, I'm going to need a little proof, not news articles deriding Mississippi State politicians, we all know the issues there. The City is responsible here and it's leaders, while flawed, don't appear to be racists.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
36. I provided you with three easy to source articles.
Wed Sep 7, 2022, 09:39 PM
Sep 2022

Articles from major respected news outlets demonstrating the systemic racism in the state of Mississippi. You did not read them.
You have presented no support for your position even though I have asked several times. Your statements are repetitive
I have never said the politicians in Jackson are racist that is a lie and it is offensive. I do not like dishonesty and your dishonesty displays your desperation
I don't think you really care about this issue. You are just playing a ignorant cat and mouse game.
So fuck off I am done. You have once again put nothing on the table because you have no argument.

MissB

(15,800 posts)
37. The bipartisan infrastructure law has a ton of $
Thu Sep 8, 2022, 12:10 AM
Sep 2022

for water infrastructure (91 billion). It also has requirements in it for awards - including grants- to disadvantaged communities (which is actually quite awesome if states use that as intended).

Usually the $ is distributed by EPA through the state regulatory programs.

The $ could be there, if the state takes their share of funding.

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
38. The repuke congressional representatives from Mississippi voted against BBB!!!!
Thu Sep 8, 2022, 09:13 AM
Sep 2022

They knew the state need the money and voted NO. They knew Jackson needed clean water and voted NO.
But I bet they will all be out there for the ribbon cutting!
I don't consider the bill very bipartisan considering only 13 republicans voted for it. Of course the republicans who voted against it are all bragging about the projects in their states.
Citizens United is destroying this nation. I am sorry but I don't want to play nice with these so called Americans. They have lost sight of the goal our founders expressed.
I hope the state does take advantage of the BBB money. I just want the republican representatives held to account.

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