Twitter gives Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder not-so-happy birthday
'You're an immoral criminal with the deaths of your citizens on your hands'
Staff members working for Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder started Aug. 19 with good intentions.
They wished their boss a happy 58th birthday and then called on his Twitter followers to do the same.
Happy Birthday, Governor Snyder! He turns 58 today. RT & leave a message to wish him a happy birthday! <br><br>-Staff <a href="https://t.co/wp8MEn77Dv">pic.twitter.com/wp8MEn77Dv</a>
—@onetoughnerdThe wishes he received were, well, not the best.
Several called on the governor to serve jail time in the wake of the Flint water crisis. Others accused him of being a murderer. Some simply swore at him.
It wasn't pretty.
<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> do us all a favor and turn urself in
—@cuddlesandkafka<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> You're an immoral criminal with the deaths of your citizens on your hands. Why you haven't been indicted is beyond me.
—@DukeOfVinings<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> jailjailjailjail for the smooth criminal.
—@jjfedpit<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> time to retire.
—@Tony_the_GnomeyNine people now face charges stemming from the Flint water crisis.
Under the leadership of a state-appointed emergency manager, officials in April 2014 began using the Flint River as Flint's water supply. State officials did not require that the river water be treated for corrosion, and lead from aging pipes and fixtures leached into Flint homes and businesses. The city remained on that water supply for 18 months, despite complaints from residents.
Elevated levels of the toxin were discovered in children. Lead contamination has been linked to learning disabilities and other problems.
One Twitter user was quick to note the photo that accompanied the original birthday tweet was that of Snyder kayaking.
<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> Dear Staff, You seriously put a picture of him on the WATER? The lack of self-awareness is incredible....
—@auberginefedora<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> nice to see you on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flint?src=hash">#Flint</a> River <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlintWaterCrisis?src=hash">#FlintWaterCrisis</a>
—@pattyngng<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> Hope that water isn't poisoned like Flint's drinking water.
—@ejg2Some tweets were too profanity laced to be posted on CBC News.
In the end, there were some best wishes. Not many.
<a href="https://twitter.com/onetoughnerd">@onetoughnerd</a> Happy Birthday, Governor. Thank you for your serviceß
—@Chasing_LizWith files from the Associated Press