Cher Calls Gov. Snyder A Murderer Over Flint's 'Poison Water' In Twitter Rant
DETROIT (WWJ) - Did a world-famous pop star really just say she wants Michigan Governor Rick Snyder dead?
Grammy-award winning singer Cher decided to share some choice words about the governor with her nearly 3 million Twitter followers Tuesday night.
The pop icon made the comments after Snyder declared a state of emergency in Flint over problems with lead in the city's drinking water, the same day federal officials confirmed they're investigating the matter that prompted a local public health emergency.
Cher first called the Republican governor a murderer in a tweet she sent at 10:11 p.m., saying he made the decision to give people "poison water."
GOV.Of MICHIGAN IS A MURDERER????HE Made Decision 2GAVE ppl POISON WATER,&NOW MUST SIGN DISASTER BILL.CHILDREN WILL"NEVER"RECOVER???? #JAILFORRICK
— Cher (@cher) January 6, 2016
After suggesting he be thrown in jail, the singer appeared to call for Snyder's execution.
WTF IS GOING ON W/POWER
— Cher (@cher) January 6, 2016
MAD,GREED DRIVEN,KILLER,
INCOMPETENT,POLITICIANS?THEY R CRIMNALS‼️
GOV.RICK SNYDER OF MICH.#FIRINGSQUADWORKSFORME
When one of her followers said she was going off, Cher tried to justify her comments.
@sarcasticalexa POITICIANS
— Cher (@cher) January 6, 2016
& BIG COMPANIES, POISONING & KILLING OUR ???????? FAMILIES,ALWAYS SEEMS 2 RUB ME THE WRONG WAY…#IMFUNNYTHATWAY
The city switched from Detroit's water system to Flint River water in a cost-cutting move in 2014, while under state financial management. That was intended as a temporary step while a pipeline was built from Lake Huron. Residents complained about the water's taste, smell and appearance, and children were found to have elevated levels of lead due to the water supply. Exposure to lead can cause behavior problems and learning disabilities in children.
Much of the blame for the water crisis has been placed on Snyder's Department of Environmental Quality. Last week, Snyder apologized and Michigan's top environmental regulator resigned after a task force created by Snyder blamed problems on his agency. Administration officials have pledged to cooperate fully with any federal requests.
The state initially downplayed lead concerns but ultimately had to commit $10.6 million to reconnect Flint to Detroit and to respond with filters, testing and other services.
The city's request for a disaster declaration includes roughly $50 million in aid, most of which is taken up by $45 million to replace 15,000 lead service lines — "one of the most cost-intensive endeavors related to ameliorating water contaminants" in its system, according to the application. It also seeks $2 million in reimbursement costs for reconnecting to Detroit's system.
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