The sad story of Detroit

[hglenbetts]

Newt understands Detroit. Take a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNM6HHJTUMM

 

[Artemis Fowl]

Yup
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[Kristina Ledesma]

I can't help but say that I enjoy hearing him talk...I wish he had run for President, maybe he'll go up for VP. We were just discussing over coffee today how broken the system is...

Did you view his clip on Oil? http://www.youtube.com/user/ngingrich

 

[Michigan CG]

There are high schools in Detroit now with a graduation rate of 10%. Newt says that a high school drop out in Detroit has a 60% chance of being in prison. That is only the ones being caught.

My wife has seen an increase in car jackings in her intensive care. The odd thing is the number of people shot who are the car jackers themselves. Her latest is paralyzed because the car owner saw it coming, a group of them, and he defended himself.

If you do work there be very careful. She said they are no longer pointing the gun and demanding the car, they are now just shooting and pulling the body out of the car.

That 140 square mile area will be a drain on the state of Michigan for some time.

 

[john snyder]

I suppose living there and visiting are far different. Still I had a great time last nite at the Fox with Van Morrison and the Tigers were across the street - sell outs at both venues.

The tale of Detroit and my City of Flint are somewhat parrallel. The downward thrust of population is due to loss of jobs leading to poverty and constant vigilance against crime. Millions of dollars are poured into both communities ie. Flint U of M , cultural centers FIA and FIM in in Flint and many instances in Detroit via Karmanos Cancer, new stadiums , casinos (which I do not agree with) etc.

But neighborhoods depend on jobs. All the social/financial posturing to develop "affordable" housing does no good without jobs. Too much finger pointing at unions, auto companies with little credence given to the enormous income they provided. Poverty, along with one parent families contributes to the cause of poor grades and lack of respect for ones fellow man.

Read " The Limits of the City" by Murray Bookchin, a tale of urban living going back to early Rome. Rome grew and grew until choked with urban problems and people then moved to the country to stay away from urban problems.

While Newts comments are thought provoking, maybe he and the rest of our leaders should try turning around D.C. and its crime and school problems first as an example - unless the view from the limo is too close to the forest?

Other then that , in an urban environment, highest and best use starts with jobs - all the rest of the uses follow, housing, schools, churches, retail, banking etc.

jbs




jbs

 

[Kristina Ledesma]

Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Pontiac...all ailing, along with the rest of SE Michigan.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

There are a lot of urban planners looking at consolidating the larger cities. Basically they tear down the infrastructure in areas, remove the roads, close up the sewers and waters and turn the areas into parks...less police patrol etc. Relocate population to other areas of the city.

Not sure if it will work, but I have to say I'm in Detroit 3 times a week and every day it gets worse.

 

[Kristina Ledesma]

Wow, I hadn't heard of that...something needs to be done.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Well it creates alot of problems too...they are trying it in I believe Youngstown, OH. A far cry from the size of Detroit, but if it works on a smaller scale.

 

[Michigan CG]

Basically they tear down the infrastructure in areas, remove the roads, close up the sewers and waters and turn the areas into parks..

Already started...many city blocks where the houses have been burned or torn down. Some blocks only having one or two houses left on them.

See attachment.