In chapters 19-22 when Dr. Hanna- Attisha does her press conference, I think that her press conference did the one thing it was suppose to do, draw people’s attention to the problem. The first objection in chapter 20, which I think is also a rebuttal is the statement by the MDEQ. On page 259, the statement says ” He repeated his familiar refrain: Flint water was within acceptable levels. Everything is in compliance. Everything tests fine.” I think hearing this was the biggest rebuttal and objection due to the fact it came from someone who was suppose to have the correct data and suppose to help keep Flint safe.
On page 263, chapter 20 the author mention not having her data peer-reviewed is another rebuttal. I see this as a rebuttal because if you don’t believe what you are saying how do you expect your audience to believe you. Although the next chapter speaks about how she refocused and gained confidence in the numbers she studied, after reading that the author was unsure of her work, I think it made her claim weak.
I think with most objection and responses the author received, I think her information she collected speaks for her. Not many people can argue with stats or data, not many people can argue with a doctor or scientist. If you don’t have a degree that helps other understand numbers, then your not really as credible. I think her evidence is suffice.
The MDEQ raises objections, and Hanna-Attisha’s response to the objections is her rebuttal.