But I'm the tenth! For my birthplace!

If the Republicans get away with what they are doing, no city in America will be safe. They have people mostly attorneys camped out downtown waiting to see if they can be next to destroy any hope of a city rebounding from a recession that started before 2008.

Perhaps even the 1950s with the closing of Packard Plant and the start of the population reduction.

Something needs to be done to make the city safer for new residents, and more attractive for modern manufacturers and other good job sources to move back in the city, to help with the massive unemployment.

A multibillion dollar federal grant with no repayment necessary is the only hope the city has.

make adequate investments in the neighborhoods with schools and job educational skills. we need to rehab some homes for families. Yes we have a huge problem. but it didn't happen overnight. a lot of the people who have created this mess are long gone. they no longer live in the city. Truth be told a lot of the people who have moved to the suburbs and talk about Detroit badly are some of the same people who helped bring the city down. Now they want a new Generation to move into a city with no voting power. Good Luck. who would ever move into a city where their vote is of no value. We have some terrific neighborhoods but all they will show you is an area that is blighted. Google earth search some streets in Detroit. Or area of Detroit. like E. Outer drive., W. outer Dr., Chicago Blvd., Arden Park. Boston Street. Morningside district,. Palmer Woods, Rosedale Park. Green Acres. Sherwood Forest. Halley School Area. Morang Ave. Outer drive/Van Dyke area. Most streets with the exception of Brightmoor that are above McNichols to Eight mile road are full of nice homes. The 3000 block of Malborough or Philip. Indian Village. Those streets across Jefferson have some nice homes on them too. We have a city full of vibrant neighborhoods but no one in the Media will show them to the world. Is it because they are not million dollar homes or expensive lofts or because the neighborhoods are not in the plan or vision for the city. And quiet as its kept are projects are pretty cool too. check out the Brewster Homes. Or the Parkside Housing. Emerald Springs. Or the old Herman Gardens.

I've driven taxi and one of those annoying door-to-door "meat trucks" throughout Detroit. I've spent quite a bit of time talking to people who live in the city.

My heart aches about the situation there. And I am stumped over the long term solution.

transportation expert. have driven buses in the city for 17 years. but glad you know the streets. Its really for those who don't. I did not assume you didn't. I just wanted anyone who reads my reply to look for themselves. I truly care about this city. I care that the future of the Vote won't belong to the Future. I may not get the signatures I need, but I will try anything to get rid of Kevin Orr and make Governor Snyder and the other Republican Governors realize that the buck stops with the people of this Nation.

Kevin Orr says that all Detroiters are dumb, lazy, and have an eighth grade education. Kevin Orr has a lot to learn about the human spirit. And the Power of social media. And there will be those who will pass this petition up, but there will be those who know first Detroit and the rest of the Country next. This is a National Agenda. All republican states have attorneys here waiting to see how this thing goes. I want the President to use " that mechanism that shuts that whole thing down."

I am just one person. With one voice. I see my city under attack. I don't have any weapons except the voice of my heart. A voice that knows this is Wrong!!!!!!! That nullifying the will of the people and the process of true Democracy is an absolute power play by control freaks. The state of Michigan firmly and with a resounding thunder of votes said NO to an Emergency Financial Manager. The governor and Republican Legislator have defied the will of the people and stuck the provision for an Emergency Financial Manager in a Budget and spending bill as not to be revoked. This was a blatant disregard for the citizens of Michigan. The Governor keeps saying its whats best for the citizens of Detroit. How would he know??? He has never asked. He has never engaged with the Residents of our city. Nor has Kevin Orr for that fact. They are using Troll tactics to have a city angry at what they say, as to not see what they are truly doing.

The Isthmus (Madison newspaper) ran an article about the Solidarity Singers and onlookers being arrested in the Capitol, and someone who goes by Bill Dunn asked "Why did this never happen in Wisconsin's 165 years of history until Scott Walker became governor?"


Here's the best response ...

Most of the people want to believe it can't happen to them. Well I am here to say its coming. This is a National Agenda designed to take away the right of a free Democracy. By having a vote with no Authority or Validity. Point Blank. But you have those who chose to lay down and die. Not me. If I must go alone I will. I can't sit back and not do anything. Not when I know this is a pure outright stripping of the citizens of Detroit as well as Michigan rights in the voting booth. Personally if it were allowable I bust one of those S.O.B.'s in their grill. But I like doing it the right way. If I win, the Country wins as a whole. I am not trying to lose.

This is truly a David vs. Goliath moment for me. I will admit a little nervous. But I truly want to be an effective change in progress. For those that stand with me means that I am not alone. And that feels right to me. Thank you.

Signing means a lot. More than I can say.

Home of the perfect tag line for the GOP. Get Out our Panties.

rec

The situation in Detroit is terrible and I wish the city and its people the best of luck and compassion.

However, Detroit's problems have been well-known for over 60 years. The scope of mismanagement, impossible promises, corruption, lack of diversified development, and often bad luck, is simply breathtaking.

Many cities and towns across the nation are badly suffering, and its impossible to bail them all out. What then is the solution?

Should the nation's taxpayers be liable for literally generations of Detroit's poor management? Is is Detroit more deserving than other cities, and if so, why?

Many here at DU, including myself, opposed bailing out the banks. However, at least the banks realistically had the potential, and in fact mostly did, reimburse the taxpayers with interest. Have we seen any even remotely viable plan for Detroit to recover if we bail them out? Detroit's problems extend well beyond their debt payments. How do they intend to retain their residents, attract business and development, lower crime, fight corruption, etc.?

When I see a plan that could reasonably provide for Detroit in the short-term, legally bind them to conditions that maintain growth thereafter, and ensure at least a partial return for outside taxpayers, I will then support a bailout, not before.

A model might be the NYC bailout in the 1970. The conditions were strict and onerous, fees, taxes and even union contracts were altered to adjust for the then current economic realities, and the stakeholders in the City were required to help "bail-in" the City as a demonstration of their commitment. The municipal unions guaranteed over $100 million (in 1970 dollars!) to get the City back on track. Even with these conditions and restrictions, and the fact that NYC could rely on ample financial, cultural and foreign assets like no other city in the world, the recovery was still long and difficult.

I want Detroit to survive and prosper, but hope does not constitute adequate fiscal and social policy, nor a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I will support a bailout only as part of reasonable plan to effectively deal with all of Detroit's problems.

with me. like I said some will pass up signing my petition. thank you anyway.

However, before I support a bailout, I would like to see a viable plan to save Detroit and allow it to prosper.

Spending billions of taxpayer dollars in Detroit without such a plan would be irresponsible and potentially wasteful. If NYC was able to recover, so can Detroit. I just wish I knew what can be done given all the stark challenges facing the city.

anyway