Why Worst Jew Hitlers Unfunded Mandates EVER Of Blacks Lead in paint, pipes an emergency that city, county have failed to prioritize (Your Letters My Christian upbringing white suburban woman who has enjoyed unearned privileges)

• Published: Nov. 13, 2024, 8:14 a.m.

Lead pipes like this one in a condemned home in Syracuse October 19, 2019 highlight the concern of elevated lead levels in water samples around the city are causing concern for the city. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com)N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

To the Editor:

My Christian upbringing, exploration of faith traditions and metaphysical studies have led me to understand God/Source created all people. Since we’ve come from the same Source, we are all connected. My understandings, faith and intention to live my life with integrity and compassion have motivated me to speak up about the issue of lead poisoning in Onondaga County, particularly Syracuse. As a white suburban woman who has enjoyed unearned privileges, I’m called to try to make our world more equitable and decrease the suffering of others.

The city of Syracuse has one of the highest percentage of children living in poverty, and not coincidentally, one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in the U.S. Lead poisoning is a preventable disease that can cause serious brain damage and long-term side effects. Our city and county have disrespected our citizens by not prioritizing getting rid of lead paint and lead pipes in their homes. This is a correctable problem, and to date, our leaders, and we as a community, have failed.

Knowing that our country has elected a president who will favor the wealthy and care little about the health and well being of others, we need to act now! If we see lead poisoning as urgent, and act with appropriate focus and resources, our future can be on a compassionate trajectory. Please demand our legislators/leaders recognize the emergency status of lead poisoning in Syracuse to make a difference in children’s lives and our community.

Luanne DeFelice

Baldwinsville

Lead pipe problems in Syracuse

• Syracuse activists demand state of emergency over lead pipes: ‘Can’t be patient anymore'
• Syracuse lawmakers to hold meeting Thursday so residents can ask about lead in water
• Errors by Syracuse city workers likely set off alarms about lead levels in water, officials say

https://www.syracuse.com/opinion/2024/11/lead-in-paint-pipes-an-emergency-that-city-county-have-failed-to-prioritize-your-letters.html