Canadians deliver water to protest Detroit shutoffs

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Why should a business foot the bill for a whole neighborhood's showers and toilets? It's not their problem. It's the gov's problem, and requires a gov solution.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Historically, towns had communal wells, pumps, or fountains for people to get their water. These things have been entirely replaced by piping water in to individual homes. You can't eliminate this water without replacing it with something else. Someone mentioned that water is available. Where?

And making people drive miles and miles to a lake is not a solution.

It has been suggested that these people "trot" down to their nearest lake with their "lifestraw".

[GandD 5,966]

Why should a business foot the bill for a whole neighborhood's showers and toilets? It's not their problem. It's the gov's problem, and requires a gov solution.

Its not a gov solution because the YMCA is a private company? So are the water companies. I think the gov should subsidize the serveries rendered by the local YMCA or whatever. To me, it seems like more of a govt solution to provide a centralized place for people to get what they need than to pay someone's water bill.

The government should provide community shelters, not build everyone their own, ya know?

Edited July 28, 2014 by GandD

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

It was symbolic, you know, let's make a point to highlight that this is a ridiculous situation and deserves world attention.

So how much did you donate via the link provided? It's obvious you care about the situation.

[Boiler 45,518]

The local town to me raises money for good causes, through the water bill.

Fireworks for 4th July were paid for this way.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Its not a gov solution because the YMCA is a private company? So are the water companies. I think the gov should subsidize the serveries rendered by the local YMCA or whatever. To me, it seems like more of a govt solution to provide a centralized place for people to get what they need than to pay someone's water bill.

The government should provide community shelters, not build everyone their own, ya know?

Okay, but who is going to pay for the extra janitorial work required to clean up after all the people? Pretty soon people are going to be washing their dishes at the YMCA showers.

I would be for a similar solution, but I think it would very quickly be more expensive than just paying the water bills.

Edited July 28, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

Why should a business foot the bill for a whole neighborhood's showers and toilets? It's not their problem. It's the gov's problem, and requires a gov solution.

Actually, it is an individual problem. I have water because I pay my bills.

A natural disaster such as damage caused by a tornado (not democrats) would warrant government intervention. Paying their bills for them will simply further the problem.

[Boiler 45,518]

Okay, but who is going to pay for the extra janitorial work required to clean up after all the people?

I would be for a similar solution, but I think it would very quickly be more expensive than just paying the water bills.

Work for Water?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Actually, it is an individual problem. I have water because I pay my bills.

A natural disaster such as damage caused by a tornado (not democrats) would warrant government intervention. Paying their bills for them will simply further the problem.

The poor in this country are not left to die. Sorry.

Work for Water?

Okay, so some sort of chore wheel, for the people that need to use the shower? And who will pay for the supervisors required to make sure that the people bartering janitorial work for water do a satisfactory job? And who will pay for the cleaning products?

Edited July 28, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Why should a business foot the bill for a whole neighborhood's showers and toilets? It's not their problem. It's the gov's problem, and requires a gov solution.

You are right, it is the problem of the Govt water system Almost half of the people stopped paying their bill, because they stopped turning the water off. They were owed 100 million in late bills. They are fixing it. Almost 100% of the people find the money to get it turned back on withing 48 hours.

They have said, we will make payment plans for anybody who is behind until they can catch up. Very few have bothered to apply

[GandD 5,966]

Okay, but who is going to pay for the extra janitorial work required to clean up after all the people?

I would be for a similar solution, but I think it would very quickly be more expensive than just paying the water bills.

Without getting too much into the specifics, I would say the government has the capability and responsibility to provide all aid required during a humanitarian crisis like this. I disagree that it would be more expensive. It also gives people enough inconvenience to motivate them to continue to look for a personal solution. I hate to be "that guy" but if you pay someone's water bill, why would they ever pay it again? Assistance from the government should be enough to ensure you can get what you need but not enough to where you're cool with living with it.

[Boiler 45,518]

The poor in this country are not left to die. Sorry.

Okay, so some sort of chore wheel, for the people that need to use the shower? And who will pay for the supervisors required to make sure that the people bartering janitorial work for water do a satisfactory job? And who will pay for the cleaning products?

Perhaps the Canadians could supervise any provide cleaning products. Cheaper than supplying bottled water.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Without getting too much into the specifics, I would say the government has the capability and responsibility to provide all aid required during a humanitarian crisis like this. I disagree that it would be more expensive. It also gives people enough inconvenience to motivate them to continue to look for a personal solution. I hate to be "that guy" but if you pay someone's water bill, why would they ever pay it again? Assistance from the government should be enough to ensure you can get what you need but not enough to where you're cool with living with it.

I'll be "that guy" too.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I'm donating 100 dollars to the cause. Anyone else care to pitch in?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Without getting too much into the specifics, I would say the government has the capability and responsibility to provide all aid required during a humanitarian crisis like this. I disagree that it would be more expensive. It also gives people enough inconvenience to motivate them to continue to look for a personal solution. I hate to be "that guy" but if you pay someone's water bill, why would they ever pay it again? Assistance from the government should be enough to ensure you can get what you need but not enough to where you're cool with living with it.

I agree, but the only solution I see is to recreate public pumps so that people have access to water. They can haul it to their own house. But since this has been eliminated, I think it would be rather expensive to dig up the ground and pipe it in, and make the drains, etc. Not to mention making this accessible, let's say, one in every square mile. Then, what to do when people start bathing at the pumps, washing their dishes there, etc. Do you think the neighbors that have paid would settle for people bathing themselves in public in view of their house?