According to whoever wrote this piece for CBS Detroit, it’s a given that water is a “human right”:
DETROIT (WWJ) – It’s a basic human right: water. But could the United Nations soon help the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department provide the service to struggling customers?
Water department spokeswoman Curtrise Garner says it’s a possibility — but for now, the water bills must be paid.
No one wants anyone to die of thirst, OK? But having water piped into your house so that it comes out when you turn on the faucet is another matter.
Back in the 1930s, my father paid to have running water piped into my grandparents’ house and a flush toilet installed. Before that they had a well, a pump, and an outhouse. They raised four kids (including my dad) that way.
So… while I might be willing to concede that people have a right to water, there is also this process called living, and it is not entirely passive. It might mean that if you want water, you might have to go get it.
And if you want someone else to bring it to you (which is what plumbing and water service are all about), you might just have to pay.
Making other people pay for your water is hardly a human right.
Just the opposite.
Comments
9 responses to ““the water bills must be paid.” Oh, the humanity!”
Clearly, water is not a human right. In much of the western U.S., it’s illegal to capture rainwater off your own roof in a cistern–that water belongs to the state.
Unless you define “rights” to be “free” as in beer, not “free” as in speech.
Maybe we could get the Peace Corps to stop trying to get clean water to Kenyans and get them back here to provide it for Americans.
Michigan has a ton of water. Plastic rain barrels can be bought for $20.00 to provide free drinking water. Plus there’s a huge river running right alongside Detroit. No one needs to die of thirst!
“No one wants anybody to die of thirst, ok?” Thats mighty white of you.
Wow cap*, your comment so succinctly encompasses so much hatred and prejudice I don’t think it can be surpassed.
Yes, water is a race issue. Like everything.
Well, when I visit my father in AZ I do go into Fremen mode. Big difference from here in VT and a very large lake we can’t drain.
hmmmm
They want water? High pressure hose. Apply as needed.
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!