When I see people leaving Michigan because they believe there is no future here for them, I wonder if they know Michigan is sitting on a resource more valuable than all the oil in Saudi Arabia?   That resource is water.  Due to the Great Lakes, Michigan has access to the largest supply of fresh water on the earth.

Sure, one might say, water is great–but more valuable than oil?  I will concede that oil runs our machines, but try drinking or bathing in it.  You will not have a pleasant experience.  Besides, there are already places in the world where a gallon of clean water is more expensive, and harder to find, that a gallon of gasoline.  As populations grow, and resources dwindle, the value to the Great Lakes can only increase.

Water shortages are not just a distant problem, there are sever stresses on the resources of many places right here in America.  Many of these places, I might add, are popular destinations for those leaving our state.  Atlanta for example, is in the grip of a long and sustained drought.  There is not enough fresh water in Florida to sustain the levels of population growth Miami is experiencing.  The same is true in Arizona, and the list goes on.

Lack of water will soon negatively impact the ability of these areas to grow and prosper.  As our loss has been their gain, so shall their loss be ours.

Of course this is all long term, and does little to blunt the pain many feel today.  Still, it should give those of us with the determination and the opportunity to remain in Michigan  a reason to hang on.  Besides, this is a wonderful place, a natural paradise, the envy of the world, and our hope for the future.  A future, I might add, we need not fear.  Economies change.  Industries rise and fall.  But our bodies will always need plenty of H2O.

So what can we do today?  We can start by electing officials who will guard our most precious resource for powerful outside interests.  Michigan's government already works with Canada and the other Great Lake States on a variety of issues concerning diversion, pollution, and resource management.  I imagine more can be done.  It is our duty, and should be our goal, to promote those amongst us with a vision and talent for protecting our water resources, who resist squandering our vast potential for small short term gains.  The stewardship of the Great Lakes is an awesome responsibility, and a huge challenge, but if we do right, our children will revere us for the prosperity they inherit.

Can we succeed?  I would argue we have no other choice.  For better, or worse, we will be an example to the future.  Perhaps this is our generation's moment to struggle, as generations of Americans have struggle in the past.  And as they did, so shall we also rise above this moment of darkness.  I look forward to looking back on these trying times with pride and a sense of accomplishment.   Let the history show a generation Michiganders who pulled together and got the job done.  A generation that was down but never out.  Perhaps even a great generation, worthy of those who have passed before, and an inspiration to those who follow.

Meanwhile, and for now, I will not despair.  If you think about it, most people moved here because of the auto industry.  Now that the auto industry has collapsed, a lot of people are going to have no choice but to go.  Still something tells me, when they get thirsty enough, they will all be coming back.  Until then, I'm going to rest my feet in the cool soothing waters of Lake Michigan and enjoy the view.