Perspective is not needed here. Neither is information. That isn't what this place is about.

Perspective would be looking at actual test numbers over time. And maybe noting the differences between very young and older children.

Perspective would be noting that until 2012, the CDC level of concern for lead was twice what it is now (it's currently 5 micrograms per deciliter). It has been falling steadily since the 60s, when that level was 60 micrograms per deciliter(!). These reductions were right and proper, since continued research shows that even small levels of lead can be an issue in younger people.

Perspective would be pointing out the many cities in Michigan (and probably elsewhere) that have more lead problems than Flint. This is an ongoing and real issue that rarely makes national headlines, and the primary culprits are paint and dust, not water.

But this was one incident where they could point at a Republican leader, which are damn few and far between in Michigan cities like Detroit. The media set the mechanical rabbit loose and the hounds here followed in blind fury.

Just on my hourly national news fifteen minutes ago: "Residents of Flint Michigan are calling for Governor to resign." This call is apparently going up across the nation.

Now you know the entire reason this is a major news story. That the city was Flint, a name that resonates on the Left, was just the cherry on the top.

ER asks, I hope honestly, how did this become a partisan issue? It was already one before he saw the first news story. It's why the news story existed at all.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled program.