Our government’s inability to address pressing issues isn’t new; they have a track history of putting things on the back burner depending on what lines up with their agenda. Flint, Mich. has become a symbol of our government’s inaction, showcasing how inefficient budgeting and lack of representation leads to faulty health regulations.

Since the 80s, Flint, Mich. has been experiencing an economic decline due to GM’s downsizing. Budgeting quickly became an issue, and the state of Michigan took control of finances in the early 2000s. More recently, the government switched water sources for financial reasons, even with concern from citizens about safety, demonstrating the lack of representation affected citizens receive. Because this was a government decision, the press coverage was limited, as it highlighted the flaws of the government.

Previously, Flint had been using the same water source as Detroit—the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD)—but in 2012 talked of switching to the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA), and the switch was authorized in spring 2013. Delays in pipe construction ensued in April 2014, but the switch was official. Mere months later, in August, fecal coliform bacterium was found in the new water supply and a boil water advisory was issued. After a few mishaps, the previous water supplier offered to reconnect the city for a $4 million fee in January, but city officials declined.

For the months following, several issues and “hiccups” arose. Not only had bacterium and carcinogens been found, but the new water source officially tested positive for dangerous levels of lead by October 2015 as well, after several lead warnings had been issued in the previous months. Reports of children and the elderly suffering from rashes and “mysterious illnesses” were pouring in, and the blame was put upon corrosive elements in the water, allowing lead to seep into the water supply. Not upon the government workers that pushed for the switch in the first place.

For a short span, the hashtag “FlintWaterCrisis” was very popular, but quickly diminished. Why? How did such an issue disappear from popular social media so quickly? Why was press coverage so minimal?

I believe it’s because officials didn’t want it to continue to be acknowledged. Records show that the water was falsely tested for lead (the results tampered in a way to appear safe), and that was so the government didn’t have to pay to replace all the dangerous pipes. Nearby cities, including Lansing, Mich. and Madison, Wis. both replaced all of their aging lead pipes simply because of the health risk they pose. Flint has been prompted to fix these pipes, but hasn’t. What we see in media is picked and chosen for us, based on what lines up with our media providers agenda. This sounds almost Illuminati, but think about it.