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Barack Obama Personally Visits Little Girl Who’s Helping Flint’s Crisis, And Their Bond Is Heartfelt

By Antonio J. Newell
Published on: 12:05 PST, May 5, 2016

Barack Obama visited Flint native, Amariyanna “Mari” Copeny, after receiving a letter about her endeavors in Flint, Michigan. “Little Miss Flint” is her title for a reason.

President Barack received a letter from 8-year-old Copeny regarding her attempts to bring awareness to the serious nature of Flint’s water crisis. The little girl, being from Flint and having personal experience with the situation, wrote Obama with sincerity. Mari Copeny expressed that she’s using her voice in proxy of all the kids in Flint, Michigan.

According to Medium, the little girl asked President Barack Obama if she could come to Washington, D.C. to meet him. The letter mentioned that she was making the trip to the area anyway, and she wanted to meet with the nation’s leader. You can see Barack Obama’s appearance in the White House’s Facebook video below.

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/10154344553404238/

According to Barack Obama, he would’ve been happy to meet the little girl in Washington, D.C. However, Obama also stated that, when circumstances arise like the current one in Flint, it should be the other way around. President Barack mentioned that the city’s citizens shouldn’t have to travel such a distance just to be heard.

“I thought her President should come to Flint to meet with her,” says Barack Obama during his speech.

“Little Miss Flint” mentioned coming to Washington, D.C. to attend the Congressional hearings of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, along with bus loads of other people from the water-tainted city. While in D.C., the girl asked Barack Obama if she could see either him or First Lady Michelle Obama. She stated that she knew it was an odd request. Likewise, she acknowledged that Obama might be caught up in his hectic schedule.

Yet, simultaneously, little Copeny also thanked President Barack for his endeavors to keep the country running. She mentioned, “Thank you for all that you do for our country.” The girl delightedly looked forward to just being in the same city as Obama — even if she didn’t get to meet him, personally.

Well, President Barack responded that he was proud of her. And to her surprise, he was actually scheduled to visit Flint on May 4. Barack Obama said that he wanted to ensure the citizens were getting the help they needed, in regards to the crisis. Although he did express that “Presidents are often busy,” Obama also noted that letters like the one from Copeny help to keep him optimistic about this country’s future.

And, in keeping his word, President Barack arrived to Flint and met with little Copeny. They were extremely happy to see each other, and she ran into his arms — as can be seen in the video above. While greeting her, Obama stated that he was going to talk about Copeny and her voice during his speech.

Commentators of Barack Obama’s Flint support have applauded the gesture. In the video’s comment section, several people have offered kind words towards Obama. Some even have asked if the United States will ever have another president like him.

The Inquisitr covered President Barack Obama’s recent Flint speech. The source mentioned that Obama told citizens that he’s got their backs. Also within the article, it states that Governor Snyder pledged to drink Flint’s water, himself, for a 30-day period.

If you’re unfamiliar with the situation in Flint, the city’s water supply is severely tainted with lead and other hazardous corrosion materials from the old and outdated pipe system. Reportedly, Governor Snyder knew about the situation, but he felt that it wasn’t a serious issue and was allegedly told it was safe for the residents to consume. So, the public waits for Governor Snyder to drink the tainted waters as well.

All in all, what are your thoughts regarding Barack Obama’s appearance for and embrace of little Mari Copeny? Do you agree with the commentators who state that Obama is a great president? Feel free to express in the comments below.

[Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News]

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