Reading Log Question #2

Kayla Bahr
Professor Young
ENGW 1101 38
6, February, 2017

In small towns such as Friendswood, Texas, conforming to the thoughts and opinions of the majority of the population might seem easier than straying away from them. We see the consequences of opposing a popular opinion in the life of Lee Knowles.
In Lee Knowles's case, she is fighting for justice for the lives that were taken, her daughters included, from the effects of chemical dumping in her town. Despite the EPA's clearance of the land being clean enough to start building new properties on, Knowles believe the town is being fed lies. She even goes as far as trespassing on the toxic to literally dig up the truth about what contaminants are residing on the debris-filled land. When she finds evidence of the plastic containers the chemicals were dumped in and buried fifty feet under had rose up and exposed the chemicals, she knew something had to be done.
Lee has gone to great, expensive lengths in order to find out the truth about the contaminated land in Rosemont before anyone else gets effected. In order to delay Taft Industries from building of the Rosemont land, she pays for the soil to be tested, from her own pocket (Steinke 49). By her holding the town back from making money and fighting for what she thinks is right contrary to popular belief, she is looked at as obsessive and crazy. Yet, if she was not willing to speak out on the behalf of the towns safety who would?

We would like to believe that the governments first priority would be the people. In the instance of the contamination of lead and arsenic in an East Chicago town's land, something had to be done (Lyons 1). The residents were alerted of the high levels of contaminants surrounding the town and were informed by their mayor to relocate (Lyons 1). This is an example of the correct way for a government official to react when faced with decisions of the citizens best interest. Signs like the one pictured to the right is another example of putting the citizens before profit.

Water from Flint Michigan

However, in Flint, Michigan, citizens are still fighting their battle for clean drinking water after two long years. The population of Flint's economic status is below the poverty line leaving Flints water fund nine billion dollars in the red (CNN Flint Water Crisis Fast Facts, 'Facts'). In an effort to save the town money, they decide to switch the source of their water from Lake Huron to the Flint River. Despite the Flint River's notorious image of filth and disgust, the government went on to make it the towns main source of water. The water always seemed to look dirty and when tested found high levels of lead and iron. Long term effects from lead poisoning include organ dysfunction, seizures, and in pregnant women effects on the child could include learning difficulties, behavioral problems and growth delays. The government knew of these effects and yet nothing has been done about it. The citizens are forced to live their life knowing they could be slowing exposing themselves to a long list of health defects. The citizens need their voices to be heard and deserve justice for the wrong done by them. The citizens need to know that the government is there for them in times of need to protect them and when they need to be heard they are there.


Works Cited
Lyons, Craig. "East Chicago Lead Contamination Galvanizes Residents." Post-Tribune. N.p., 30 Dec. 2016. Web. 05 Feb. 2017. <http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-east-chicago-awakening-st-0101-20161230-story.html>

Steinke, Rene. Friendswood. New York: Riverhead , a Member of Penguin Group (USA), 2014. Print.

CNN. Cable News Network, 02 Feb. 2017. Web. 05 Feb. 2017. <http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/04/us/flint-water-crisis-fast-facts/>.