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Protesters confront GOP debate-goers in Detroit

Sarah Cwiek
/
Michigan Radio

Chanting everything from “Flint lives matter!” to “Nazi scum, off our streets!”, a range of protesters confronted Republican presidential debate-goers in the snow outside Detroit’s Fox Theater Thursday night.

Some wanted the presidential hopefuls to feel the urgency of Flint’s water crisis—and tackle it on the campaign trail.

Reverend Charles Williams II said the four remaining GOP candidates haven’t shown any sign of taking the issue seriously.

“How can these Republican candidates be here, and want to be President of an American city, while American people are suffering from poisonous water?” Williams said.

Other protesters condemned Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, and called for a higher minimum wage.  

Alicia Roberson was part of the “Fight for Fifteen” group of fast food, health care, and other low-wage workers fighting for higher pay.

“That’s really why I’m out here--just for a better life,” Roberson said. “Just to be able to make it. Not to have to worry about my lights being cut off or my gas being cut off.”  

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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