by J.S. Buford
I can imagine the initial reaction to such a title. It’s pessimistic hyperbole, right?
Well, perhaps for those of us whose comings and goings within Detroit are restricted to Mid Town or the shrinking number of neighborhoods yet to be accosted by the scourge of unrequited crime and violence that is gripping the city. Yeah, I can see that. And yes, there are wonderful enclaves of relative prosperity and safety within the city.
But is it not grossly quixotic at best to ignore the crisis we are in?
For the reality of the matter is that it doesn’t require an imagination on the part of Detroiters to grasp what it is like to live in a declining major metropolitan city. The truth is staring us dead in the face. And unless you’ve spent the better part of the last seven plus years of your life completely inebriated, or you’re not particularly desirous of a functional, ethical city government, superior public educational systems (though many of us would probably settle for proficient), a responsive, public safety apparatus, and a thriving cultural district (please support the artist), it is obvious Detroit cannot afford another four years (or four months for that matter) of unrepentant greed and ineptitude.
Cockrel’s blundering regarding assets like COBO should be evidence enough of how dire the need is for change.
I mean can you technically say Cockrel sold Detroit out, when he didn’t ask for anything in return (at least not for the citizens)? He gave it away. And if Detroit’s City Council doesn’t know it, we are all watching to see if you uphold our best interests.
The paucity of principled, competent leadership in positions of power throughout Detroit is apparent. However, what’s not apparent is who will step in to fill the void if Detroit is to move forward into the 21rst century as a city where African Americans – everyone for that matter – can continue to own homes, enjoy gainful employment, take advantage of entertainment venues, and live lives of dignity.
Because you must understand, Detroit is going to move forward. Regionalism is upon us.
And it is time we were honest with ourselves regarding the fact that the current crop of individuals that have been steering the ship has failed us miserably.
As disenfranchised as we once were decades ago (before Obamania really was possible) wanton violence and killings (particularly in broad daylight) were not tolerable to such an extent as today. After the conclusion of the Civil War, Black America was almost completely illiterate. Yet, with few resources and plenty of commitment, in less than three decades well over 50% of the entire African American population was functionally literate. But look at our public school system today. There was a time when “Power to the People” was more than a slogan, but a creed; a religion; the standard upon which leadership was measured.
Today, they are little more than just words used to dupe folks too blinded by provincial prejudices and fears to purge the leeches in our community that are sucking the lifeblood out of us. Sucking the hope of higher expectations out of us. Sucking the idea of good, honest leadership being possible. Blunting the emergence of new energy, innovation, and resolve among those of us who would be the future business owners and trailblazers of tomorrow.
Too many of us behave as if dignity, intellect, commitment, and benevolence are dispensable. Too many of these people determine what transpires in this city today.
Detroit the choices are clear.
You can either vote for a continuation of the greed and ineptitude that has led us to this point. Or you can vote for change.
You can vote for a candidate that is not even willing to prove that he has the answers, by answering the questions of citizens he means to govern. Meet you face to face, and convince you that he is truly capable, knowledgeable enough, and willing to put Detroit’s citizens first.
Or you can vote for a candidate who is willing to walk among us, address our questions and criticisms, and look us dead in the eye while doing so.
You can vote with childish notions of who you like more, who’s most popular, who is willing to say whatever to earn your support… you know the same criteria used to choose high school class presidents.
Or you can dispense with the pettiness and ignorance (read, visit websites, go to the library and access newspapers – past and present).
Look on this note, if I hear one more person yelp how much Archer sold the city of Detroit out, I’m going to dispense with the academic langue and proceed to tell them what kind of dumba#!%* they are. Tell me, who approved those lame, neutered casino deals? Who sold, no gave away Cobo Hall? Who bludgeoned small business owners for their hard earned currency (people who employ people), in order to stunt around the city? What crop of people have been receiving deal after deal, contract after contract, handout after handout, while our city has gone to hell? Who has failed to balance budgets, submit paperwork tied to millions of city revenue…..? Who? Who dammit! Who! Who are the real sellouts?
I apologize…. back to message.
You can vote for individuals whom have no experience, and have not even exhibited the potential required to operate a multibillion-dollar government apparatus like Detroit. It’s not the same folks as running a corporate enterprise… don’t believe the hype. By the way, has Bing shared or provided any tangible reason via debates, literary work, or electronic media to prove he knows how to manage a city government? Please forward it to me, so I can re-evaluate some things.
Or you can vote for a candidate that has proven himself, with an undeniable track record of success.
Detroit, change is coming. My young, aspirant peers. Movement is coming. However to quote a name that escapes me at this moment: All change is not progress. All movement is not forward. We can continue to choose errantly as we have time and time again. And continue to suffer the consequences.
Addendum: or those of us with some sense, children, and a desire to live in a city with clean recreational parks will simply leave.
Or we can choose to elect the correct candidate for the job. Vote Freman Hendrix for Mayor of Detroit.