The proposed rule, aimed at reducing exposure to a potent neurotoxin, would require water systems nationwide to replace lead pipes that carry tap water to homes, schools and offices

  • PeepinGoodArgs@reddthat.com
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    11 months ago

    Although the infrastructure law dedicated $15 billion for lead pipe removal, the largest investment ever, there is still a shortfall. While advocates and federal officials estimate the total cost for lead removal at about $45 billion, the drinking water industry’s estimate runs as high $60 billion.

    So, who’s going to foot the bill for replacing the pipes while Marxists turn kids trans with their critical race pedagogy? Is replacing lead pipes really protecting kids?

    Okay, but really, this is probably a strategically good idea. My proposed solution is to get the richer areas of the city/state to help pay for the poorer areas. Everybody has skin in the game as far as the benefits, so why not the costs?

    • orclev@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      Because you’re not thinking like a kleptocrat Republican. The government is only allowed to spend money when it can be used to increase the bank account of someone rich, and never under any circumstances if it benefits poor people (unless someone rich receives a significantly greater benefit).

      Republicans will fight this tooth and nail because the rich receive no direct or immediate benefit from this. Also they’ll denounce any suggestion of rich areas subsidizing poor areas as the dreaded socialism which they’ll argue is the same thing as communism which is the same thing as fascism. No that doesn’t make any sense at all, but that’s never stopped them before.

      • PeepinGoodArgs@reddthat.com
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        11 months ago

        The government is only allowed to spend money when it can be used to increase the bank account of someone rich, and never under any circumstances if it benefits poor people (unless someone rich receives a significantly greater benefit).

        So, the EPA’s (and other people who want lead pipes removed, their) communication strategy should be convincing Republicans that the removal of leads pipes directly causes their wealth to increase.

        That shouldn’t be that hard. Make it a business analogy, their favorite.

        Like, in the same way business make capital investments to increase production, take advantage of economies of scale, and pay lower taxes, so too does making a capital investment in the removal of lead pipes, which lead to increased production, a happier workforce, and more trainable employees.

        Or some soul-sucking shit like that.

        • orclev@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          That’s only because their buddy is the one selling the napalm and makes sure they get their kickbacks.

    • Candelestine@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      There’s a solid line of argument here. Lead toxicity creates more psychopaths. And if they turn into serial killers, they don’t care if you’re rich or poor. We also don’t have good mental health services available everywhere, so prevention is the most plausible solution.

      This leverages fear, which is the primary lens some people view the world through. “You don’t want more serial killers like we had in the 70s, do you?” basically.

      • orclev@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        The politicians won’t care because they have gated communities and armed guards, and you’ll never get through to the voters because Faux and the even worse places like OAN will be bombarding them with propaganda about how this is horrible big government overreach.