I lied.
I said that we are not in the area affected by the chemical spill.
The whole country is affected by the Freedom Industries chemical spill into the Elk River.
We all know that industry is like a child. Pushing the limits, testing the boundaries, getting away with whatever they can in the name of higher profits.
We all know they can do a better and safer job. We should demand it.
I have struggled with what to say about this issue. These are two very well written pieces by born-and-raised West Virginia natives that tell the story much better than I can.
They are worth the time:
What I can add is this: Having lived all over the country, I have seen this in your backyard, too. This is not unique to “poor old WV” or Appalachia. It is everywhere. We deserve better, safer, cleaner neighborhoods, home towns, rivers, lakes, places to work and industries.
I lied. We are all affected and we are all responsible.