Detroit Michigan
96DETROIT MICHIGAN
The story of the incredible rise and fall of Detroit Michigan is a lesson to us all about the results of Progressive Politics. Detroit Michigan was once the envy of the world, and the best place on this planet in which to live. Today it is a post-apocalyptic barren wasteland, which bears testimony to the failed policies of Progressive ideologies.
How could this happen? The answer to this question reveals the inevitable results for all of America should we cave in to a Progressive view of the world. Detroit Michigan has been ruled for fifty uninterrupted years by Progressive Liberal Democrats.
This article will investigate the causes of the decline into chaos of Detroit Michigan, and the implications to people the world over, but especially for Americans. The failings of Progressive Liberal ideas are not confined to Detroit, of course. Of the top ten cities in America for poverty, all of them have been administered by Progressive Liberals non-stop for an average of seventy years.
DETROIT HISTORY
Detroit Michigan was founded as a fur trading village in 1701 by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac of France. It is the only major U.S. City where Canada can be viewed by looking south. Detroit means "strait" in French, so named because the Detroit River links Lake Erie to Lake Huron.
Detroit Michigan was once the manufacturing center of the entire world. It also was the center of Soul Music. Its nicknames are The Motor City, and Motown. 100 years ago, it was called "The Paris of the West" for its splendid architecture and fine mansions.
5,700,000 people live in the Greater Detroit Area today. The city of Detroit itself has lost over half its population since 1950, when it was the 4th most populous city in America. Today, Detroit ranks 11th among U.S. cities for population.
THE RISE OF DETROIT
Henry Ford began building automobiles in 1896 in Detroit. At that time, the city boasted 275,000 residents. Within ten years, Walter Chrysler, the Dodge Brothers, and the founder of what would become General Motors also set up plants in Detroit to build motorcars. By the 1920s, Detroit would have over 1,000,000 citizens, and the city reached nearly 2,000,000 in 1950.
Henry Ford is the "Father of the Assembly Line." His ideas about manufacturing changed the world. Ford broke down the building of automobiles to where each of his workers would only do simple tasks that anyone could do. His ideas were copied for the manufacture of nearly every product. This opened up employment for millions of people with no education or skills.
Henry Ford attracted workers to Detroit after he announced in 1914 that he would pay double the prevailing wages for unskilled labor. It was Ford who instituted the 40-hour work week when many people in America were working 80 hours a week. He also designed his factories with huge windows so his workers would be bathed in sunlight.
Henry Ford was adamantly opposed to labor unions, which were created by Communists, because labor union leaders advocated violence and workplace disruptions. Ford correctly saw that in the long run, labor unions would hurt the manufacturers who provided jobs for the unskilled and illiterate, and thereby hurt the workers they proposed to help.
UNITED AUTO WORKERS
The United Auto Workers Union was formed in 1935 by John L. Lewis, who was backed by pro-Soviet Communists. Prior to this, automobile manufacturers had already lifted the standard of living for unskilled workers to the highest in the world.
The United Auto Workers immediately set about to create strife in the workplace, and created a mindset among workers that the companies they worked for were their enemies. Union agitators called factory workers "slave labor." Their ultimate aim was to topple Capitalism.
Barely one year after the United Auto Workers was formed; strikes were shutting down the places of employment for millions of people. In nearly every case, the union prevailed over the employer, who then had to pass on the higher labor costs to its customers. Its customers had no real alternative suppliers for automobiles until the 1970s. The steady increase in labor costs created phenomena known as "sticker shock" for buyers of automobiles.
The power of labor unions derived from the Wagner Act of 1935. This legislation was passed by Progressive Democrats who dominated American politics at that time and for decades after. The Progressive Democrats saw labor union members as a potentially enormous voting block that would perpetuate their power. The unions would extract "dues" from all workers, which would then be funneled to the Democratic Party. In the 2008 elections, $400,000,000 was contributed to Democrats by labor unions.
In 1937, there were 4,740 union strikes in America that involved 1,861,000 workers and resulted in 38,000,000 days of work lost to American industries. In 1945-1946, labor unions struck 9,735 companies, involving more than eight million workers and costing American industry 154 million work days.
In 1946, the UAW struck auto manufacturers demanding a 30-hour work week—for 40 hours pay. Then started a pattern whereby the UAW would strike one car manufacturer each year, which would then lose sales to the other carmakers until the strike ended in capitulation to the union.
In 1950, the UAW strikes gained the incredible pension plans that have the United States in such economic trouble today. That same year the union demanded and won employer provided health care, which is at the root of today's health care crisis.
By the 1970s union workers in the auto industry were costing companies $70 per hour. Worse than the exorbitant pay for simple work were the union work rules that hampered companies, and encouraged sloth in the workplace, and thus produced shoddy workmanship. The cars coming out of Detroit were poorly made.
The Japanese then offered superior automobiles, made with precision, and available at a far lower cost. They took 20% of the market in the 1970s. The Japanese workers could make the same number of cars with half as many workers. General Motors wanted to copy the Japanese method, including some automation; but the United Auto Workers response was that GM could cut its number of workers in half only if they continued to pay all of them, including the idled workers.
Even in view of this new reality, the United Auto Workers continued to strike in the 1990s, costing American carmakers billions of dollars. By this time, each car cost an extra $1500 to cover health care costs alone for current and retired employees.
The United Auto Workers union also drove the bicycle manufacturing industry out of America by 1980. Countless American companies were forced by exorbitant labor costs to move their facilities to "Right to Work" states, or out of the United States altogether, in order to compete in the global marketplace.
In 2009, President Obama, beholden to labor unions for his election, gave General Motors $58,000,000,000 from American taxpayers to keep it alive. The company that once produced 5,000,000 automobiles each year, now barely sells 2,000,000. The U.S. government took the majority of GM stock, making the government a manufacturer for the first time ever. This is in response to the untenable wages, benefits, and pensions won by the United Auto Workers over the years.
Five million people moved from Closed Shop [union dominated] states to Right to Work states from 2000 to 2008.
1967 DETROIT RACE RIOTS
"The riot put Detroit on the fast track to economic desolation, mugging the city and making off with incalculable value in jobs, earnings taxes, corporate taxes, retail dollars, sales taxes, mortgages, interest, property taxes, development dollars, investment dollars, tourism dollars, and plain damn money."
1st black mayor of Detroit, Coleman Young
In the early 1960s, Detroit Michigan was widely hailed as a model city for race relations. Detroit had a large and prosperous black middle class, most of whom had escaped utter poverty picking cotton in the southern United States. Look magazine called Detroit "The All American City." Blacks lived in their own neighborhoods, true. But so did Mexicans, Poles, Greeks, and the Irish.
100,000 poor blacks had moved from the South to Detroit in the 1920s to work in factories for far higher wages, and far better working conditions, than they had ever experienced on this planet anywhere. 100,000 more came in the 1940s, followed by just as many in the 1950s and 1960s. Blacks were making more money in Detroit than anyplace on earth by 1966.
Black Americans had much to be thankful for in the 1960s. The Civil Rights Act of 1965, the Voting Rights Act of 1966, and the promises of billions of dollars from the Great Society for inner cities were the most important gains for blacks since Emancipation. Instead of gratitude, blacks responded with violent riots. And nowhere were they worse than in Detroit Michigan.
In July of 1967, Detroit police conducted a raid on a black speakeasy, or blind pig, which was a nightclub selling booze without a liquor license. 83 blacks were arrested. Blacks responded with the worst riot in United States history. 10,000 of them began vandalizing, looting, and burning down businesses and homes. 100,000 others gathered in the streets to cheer them on.
2500 businesses were looted or burned to the ground. 43 people were killed. 467 were seriously injured, including 83 firefighters. Bricks and bottles rained on firemen trying to put out fires; from the very people whose homes were on fire. Most of the businesses owned by blacks were destroyed. The damage to property was $60,000,000. The United States military had to be called in to restore order.
White people soon fled the city of Detroit for fear of their safety. 67,000 whites moved out by the end of 1967; 80,000 more in 1968; 46,000 more in 1969.
My friend, Joe Smith, who has lived in Detroit all of his sixty years, says it was not at all the color of their skin that made whites move away from blacks: it was the behavior of people with black skin.
The riots only made blacks more militant. The voices of moderate blacks, who were favored by the majority, were drowned out by black radicals, who called for separate republic for black Americans. The black militant leaders instructed their people to break into gun shops and steal weapons. They preached that it was entirely moral to murder white people. Black Power was the rage. H. Rap Brown said: "Get you some guns and kill the honkies!"
WHITE FLIGHT
Blacks wanted Detroit for themselves, and white people gave it to them. Blacks complained that groceries cost 20% more in the inner city. But grocery stores there made less profit—shoplifting cost vendors more than 20%.
Blacks demanded more funds for their schools saying "It costs twice as much to educate a [black] ghetto child." Blacks demanded black studies taught to black students by black teachers. They didn't want a "white education."
Predictably, the federal government poured millions of taxpayer dollars confiscated from all Americans into Detroit. Much of those dollars vanished.
The Jewish Progressive Liberal federal judge, Stephen Roth, ordered 780,000 children bussed out of their neighborhoods to integrate the schools. Some children were sentenced to a 90 minute bus ride to school. This only accelerated "white flight."
SOMETHING WICKED COMES THIS WAY
Enter Coleman Young. Coleman Young became the first black mayor of Detroit in 1973, and he would serve in that capacity for twenty years. One year after entering the office, his regime made Detroit a "strong mayoral system," which gives the mayor nearly absolute authority.
Coleman Young made Detroit the most Progressive, Liberal city in the world. The levels of corruption in his administration were unprecedented. Coleman Young was a racist who hated white people, and did his best to drive what was left of them from Detroit. Businesses left with them, and the tax base eroded. Crime and drugs took over. Black gangs of criminals terrorized the poor whites who could not escape the city, while Young looked the other way.
Coleman Young outraged white people with his confrontational, outrageous comments. He proclaimed that all white people were racists. He also went out of his way to offend Christians. By the time he left office, Detroit had lost half its population.
Coleman Young's close friend and confidant, William Hart, whom he made Chief of Police, served fifteen years in prison after being convicted of stealing 2.6 million dollars of taxpayer funds. During Young's tenure, Detroit became the murder capital of the world, the arson capital of the world, and the most dangerous city in America. The poverty rate zoomed to 34%, highest in the United States. Unemployment rose to 24%. A city that was 90% white became 82% black. Detroit became a lawless pocket of poverty. Property values predictably plummeted. Whatever neighborhoods blacks moved into saw a sharp rise in crime, and disruption in its schools. The Great Society gave them money for nothing, and they gave the Great Society less than nothing in return.
I have published these other Hubs of interest:
My Journey by car into the Great Northwest of the United States
DETROIT IN RUINS
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James, I grew up in Pennsauken, a mixed working class suburb of Camden and Philadephia. I remember as a child shopping at Lits Brothers Department store on Broadway in Camden. Then the Cherry Hill Mall opened in the early 60's and all free standing department stores went under. As a teen, we were still able to take the bus into Federal Street to see an occasional movie. Federal Street was on the outskirts of Camden. Today, Camden is the number 1 poorest and unsafest city in the country. I cannot blame the demise on Progressive governing. I witnessed the demise to lack of opportunity, jobs and inferior education. Who would dare teach in crumbling schools filled with hatred and contempt for law and order. Recently, I entered homes scattered through out Camden as a Census Bureau worker. I was not attacked or belittled or even made to feel unwanted. I spoke to Puertorican families, a family with a severely disabled, infirm relative and a police officer. He lived in public housing but behind a gated community. The police were helpful with directions and the citizens were thrilled that I cared enough to record their opinions. This survey was about housing. The officer was the most difficult to find home. I woke him up on a Saturday morning and he was absolutely lovely. He was a black man with an absolutely stunning looking wife , a schoolteacher who went back to bed. My point I am making here is that I believe you are attributing every ill in society to a political movement that you believe has permeated every aspect of our society and is destroying our country. I'm not sure you are proving that.
According to the police officer, there are over 90 charter schools in Camden. ( This sounds too high to me and I have not confirmed the number.) However, the churches of all denominations have taken on the responsibility of educating the most children and I believe are doing an incredible job. I believe the public school system in Camden should be shut down and all the funds should be dispersed to these successful charter schools because they are working. I would never advocate abolishing the public schools system across the USA and I will explain later on your other hub. I am asking you to please take a step back and look at your approach to see if you aren't blaming every ill in society on this progressive movement. Sorry, I believe you are.
Nicely done James!
When will the American people come to the realization that businesses need to be nurtured for cities, states or society to prosper?
By allowing unions to inflate the standard of living we have started a cycle which drives business away. And then where will the taxes come from which the liberal governments need to spread their utopia?
If things do not change we will be seeing the detritus of Detroit spreading further.
History while we were watching........
Who will you expose next? LA, Birmingham, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Chicago.......
I can't say anything, James. This is amazing. How you make a special hub like this one. I really enjoy to read the history, behind the formed of famous city in US. You also complete this hub with awesome pictures and video. I can't blink my eyes for a while. This is super hub. Good work, James. You have done great research. I send my VOTE UP for you.
Your friend from Indonesia, ~Prasetio
James,
Detroit is a microcosm os all of industrial America. I saw an interview in the early 1970's of an UAW member on a network news magazine show where they were discussing his absenteeism and he was asked why he only worked three days a week. he replied ."I can't make a living working two days a week.".
Shortsightness on the part of labor and management led us down the garden path towards industrial graveyards called industrial parks.
Freakin Fox News has got to hire you!!....I have never been more intrigued with a story. I know I say that often with your hubs, but this one has so much punch to it. I don’t think anyone has had the courage to lay all of that out there before, but you have simply told the truth. THIS is the kind of stuff that needs to be told and heard by all Americans. James, I know I keep saying this, but WOW, you have an incredible gift, and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to experience this gift.
Once again, you delivered one of the most impressive, thorough pieces I have had the honor to read and re-read. There is a plethora of valuable information written in a supremely fine style. Your talent is awe inspiring...one of few. Thank you
Interesting article, James. You have certainly shown that excessive unionism and hostility to big business can have negative social and economic consequences.
However, I fail to see how this is an indictment of progressivism. Now, I am no progressive (I guess that makes me a "regressive"? haha, ok bad joke), but the progressive movement has done some positive things for America, just as Reagan conservatism has done some positive things.
Really, half of your article focuses on unions and radical unionists in Detroit, and the other half seems to focus on black militancy. Both of these are related on some level to progressivism, to be sure, but they are really separate phenomena. I saw little material on the actual government of Detroit or its policies.
Aside from the introduction, one would come away with the conclusion that radical unionism and mid-century black militancy were the factors behind Detroit's demise. But political progressivism, which is responsible for giving women the vote, for the very Civil Rights Act you praised, for establishing the minimum wage and social security for the elderly, among many other constructive things in America? I don't think so. You haven't really demonstrated that at all.
Progressivism and liberalism are the dominant mentalities in almost every major city in the US. And yet these are the economic engines of America. Despite their problems (and they do have problems) they continue to produce billions of dollars in value and employ tens of millions of people. So overall, they are doing pretty well, even with a leftist disposition.
The biggest problem with the cities, at the end of the day, is corruption and the bloating of government... but that has very little to do with progressivism as a political philosophy. It has everything to do with poor governance, fiscal mismanagement and corruption. And conservatives are most definitely NOT immune to those diseases.
Hi James,
This hub depressed me. Not because it's wrong but because it's right.
Maybe I'm just feeling pessimistic today. Maybe it's because I was born in Lansing and spent my childhood in Michigan. I watched the decline of the entire state as a child. Ultimately , we left and never went back.
My family owned a factory in Michigan I renumber the threats of violence against my uncle and cousins. People had jobs... Good jobs.
The "us vs. them" attitude was the worst of all. Once the battle started you had to pick a side.
We watched as Michigan became known as "The Welfare Wonderland".
These are sad and painful memories James. Yet, I'm glad you showed them.
James - a really good article, this one. To think that it took less than 50 years to get from prosperity to what things are in Detroit (and the area) today. Wow.
Gus :-O
What a wonderful thought provoking Hub. Loved the pictures and History Lesson. Do we ever learn...
Sad sad sad
The slam against the UAW is justified,but I contend it is more the people in the union (the ones that can't be fired because they will cry "discrimination" and the people running it)that are the real downfall of workmanship and productivity.
The IDEA of the union is sound, but in implememtation it is hijacked by greed and stupidity.
We have been giving and giving to the downtrodden for 5 decades and it does NOT WORK!
I lived in Saginaw and it is just like Detroit on a smaller scale....run by people who are not qualified..they are only there because of their race!
A sad commentary on my home town James.
I lived through its deterioration and came to understand its causes. I remember the devastating riots after the assassination of King that resulted in the destruction of many Black neighborhoods that were not considered a worthy investment for rebuilding. I also remember the failure of most churches to get involved except to support Coleman Young, in spite of his constant vulgarities. I remember much of what is written in this hub to my sadness of spirit.
I receive emails from time to time from my Detroit friends of my generation showing pictures of what once was. I do thank God that I grew up at a time when it was a vibrant city and I was able to experience its many joys such as the Motown sounds and bob-lo boat excursions and before I understood the avarice of political powers governing the city.
Thanks for the memories, I think.
Love, peace and joy in Him!
Forever His,
Truly OUTSTANDING HUB my friend. Educational, informative, shocking, and much, much more. I will be following the comments on this one for a long time. The staunch union lovers will be coming after this one with guns a blazing. I will be most interested in your responses to their comments. It is so hard to argue with the truth they will actually have to think before they respond. This is one of the best hubs I have ever read and a definet Vote Up.
I can testify to the truth of James' article. I watched it happen. I've been on both sides, union and management, in Michigan. I know horror story after horror story about the misconduct and malfeasance of the United Auto Workers union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and their ilk.
This hub is an eye opening! James,it put chills down my spine. This could happen anywhere! Thank you for such an awesome and well done hub, my friend!
Sad, sad. I have relatives near Detroit and their houses are worth very little compared to what they paid for them. I love Michigan and wish this all hadn't happened.
I wonder how much less conflict would be in the world if racism were removed. I will be honest, I fight racist thoughts all the time. I see images of thugs in my head and in those images I rarely see white people. I wish I weren't wired that way. In Detroit you cite that much of the cause for it's decay was the racism of blacks against whites. It conjured up images of the riots after the police were exonerated for the beating of Rodney King. The entire human race seems to be wired to a short fuse when it comes to race. I can't help from having the thoughts I have. I can however repent of them and look through the eyes of grace. Your hub has opened a wound in my soul. It has shown me not only how far we have to go in overcoming our dark sides. It has shown me how far I personally have to go in overcoming mine. Racism exists. It can only be overcome one heart at a time. God help me. All of us would be lost were it not for the grace of God. I need this grace everyday. My base instinct is to point out negatives in other races and use negative stereotypes in my thinking. What has happened in Detroit is a warning to all of the dangers of racist thinking. I wish only to love my neighbor as I love myself. Lord help me!
well written...and the pictures are worth a thousand words...
Thanks James, as always a well written story of the decline of one, if not the number one, industrial engine city in America.
I can well appreciate the sad story of Detroit, but it seems to me your conclusions about progressive liberals being the cause are not in evidence.
The real culprit in Detroit was greed and corruption--no matter what color of skin--it wasn't progressive liberal agendas that killed Detroit, but the corruption and selfishness of a group that misused the agendas of Martin Luther King, JFK and even the New Deal from the old depression era.
In this new Depression era, aren't we seeing the same greed and corruption in motion--whether its conservative libertarian or progressive liberal?
The Bush family is buying thousands of acres in Paraguay to create new wealth for their family--not for America.
Liberals may give away too much, which this administration did, but conservatives take too much which the last administration did.
George W. Bush spent how many trillions of dollars to go to war with a country that was not involved with the bombing of the WTC buildings? Then started another war in Afghanistan, which was the site of the fall of the Soviet Union--the communists' Vietnam. What is the natural result of going to war and running out of money?
The decay of present-day society, and being Canadian having lived for 17 years in the U.S., is a huge concern of mine--but unless "we the people" take government corruption and mismanagement out of the picture--which means coming together as communities and social networks(ugh, a form of social uprising) our whole present structure--which is poorly organised and easily taken advantage of by those willing to cheat the system--a Detroit like scenario can happen across the western world.
Education is always the key. Bi-partisan cooperation will be necessary in the U.S. with the results of this election--which should be a good thing--but the sad likelihood is that the Republicans will simply forfeit every idea this present administration may try to carry out.
Of course, the healthcare issue and financial bail outs have not been a good start.
First, budget cuts and restraints on bad programs, etc, etc--should have been carried out--this was not done by the new democratic administration--as a matter of fact, it appears there is little administering being done anywhere. Just advertising and talking.
Presently, I am very concerned about the new lack of direction by all parties, and so I'm going to be progressive in trying to show how new ideas, budget balancing, and systems like communities working together might actually create the world run, by "we the people," and not them--the governments.
Sorry, but great article, just conclusions seemed to need more evidence--because he who isn't seeing progress in life is seeing a slow death--just like Detroit did.
May we can all come up with a better way of slow growth with steady progress to well-balanced, healthy lives and cities?
What an indictment of progressive politics and policies you have set forth in this hub, James. Anyone who doubts the veracity of your words has only to visit in person the Motor City if he or she dares.
A once thriving manufacturing center of America has become little more than a criminal cesspool. You gave us all an education regarding the dangers of unchecked union machinations.
And your photos underscore it all. Don't stop opening our eyes.
James
Another great well written hub which came as no surprise. I live in what was a fairly large midwest city which has now lost right at 20% of its' population. The answer is the same in every case; Liberal Democratic Administrations backed by greedy anti-capitalist labor unions!
You seem to be laying a lot of the blame at the foot of the unions.
It is rumored that Henry Ford looked at Mason City,Iowa to build because they made the Colby back then, and there was a lot of migrant workders that worked at the cement plants. But General McNider ran him out of town because he would have competed against him for the migrant workers at the cement plant McNider built.
Keep on hubbing!
All I can say is I hope your right wing tea party buddies show us something more than taking us back in time to rape us again. This whole hub has a terrible vibe! Peace!! Tom
Tom .. blow me. I mean bite me .. sorry, I don't want to peav off your partner.
James, you are freaking unbelievable man. I've GOT to have you on board the "Housefire Project," and I won't stop till I've got you dude! This piece is so far out of my league, it makes me feel like I'm in grade school.
Keep it coming bro.
jim
Detroit certainly is in trouble.. I was there recently, and it was a disaster area.
Kaie Arwen— Thank you, my dear, for being my first visitor!! I sincerely appreciate your gracious compliments. Yes, the video is incredible. I hope many do not pass it up. So good to see you. :D
I've been to Detroit and its surrounding areas many times. I've always loved it there, and one of my favorite memories is our team having had the chance to play at the Joe Lewis Arena. This is sad, thanks for the wake up call!
fetty— Thank you very much for reading my article. I appreciate your heartfelt response. You wrote:
"I cannot blame the demise [of Camden, New Jersey] on Progressive governing."
Camden is described as a "stronghold of the Democratic Party" on Wikipedia, which goes on to say it is noted for corruption, with three former mayors in prison. It also says the decline of the Republican Party in Camden coincided with the loss of manufacturing. I cannot find a Republican mayor of Camden since 1867. It sounds as if it was governed by Progressives to me. I am not trying to be argumentative.
I enjoyed reading your story. And I agree with your views on the Camden public schools. I can't blame every ill in society on any one cause, of course. But Camden looks like a pretty good candidate for a town that was ruined by corrupt Progressives. You would know better since you live there. I must be missing something.
boba020682— Thank you, brother. I must say your comments are tremendous! Right to the point.
Business creates jobs, not the government (unless you mean the employment of millions of bureaucrats, but they contribute nothing to the national wealth).
As you said so brilliantly, how are you gonna pay for Utopia with no businesses? :D
The union workers are getting double what their work is worth on the open market, and working at half speed, which makes them overpaid by 400%! This is terribly unfair to Americans who are not in unions.
Wow James! this hub is remarkable. You did a great job. I remember the riots; they spilled over to our side of the state. The once beautiful city of Detroit is a testament to the decay of society when inhabitants choose entitlement ideology instead of personal responsibility. The video is unbelievable. What a sad truth for Michigan and the whole country.
onegoodwoman— Thank you for reading my work. I have Hubs already on Los Angeles, New York New York, and Chicago Illinois. I am working on my next Hub right now. It is a short history of Mexico. :)
prasetio30— Hello my friend from Indonesia! So kind of you to stop by and offer your gracious accolades. You have encouraged and inspired me, Prasetio. Thank you!!
James
The liberal progressive takeover in California seems determined to mimic Detroit's downfall for their entire state. Sure, one can claim it's not social justice causing them to be in the biggest financial hole of all states, just ask the union leaders out there. A good example: while communities across the nation are fighting for ways to save themselves, San Francisco (touting itself the liberal center of the country)is busy condemning Happy Meals, controlling the contents of their vending machines, and making sure their citizens don't acquire new pets. Go San Fran!
Keep it coming Jim
It is sad to see this city, like many other great cities fall to ruins. It is a similar story with Cleveland, Ohio. Great hub with great information. I enjoyed this read.
Detroit area's magnificent Pontiac Silverdome
The sale of the Silverdome, completed in 1975 at a cost of $55.7 million (approx. $220 million in 2009 dollars), and sold in 2009 for $583,000 was viewed by many as a symbol of the collapse of real estate prices in the Detroit metropolitan area though many local leaders and residents claimed the sale was brought about due to the incompetence of city management and their not having a vision or future plans for the stadium and surrounding area.
Kinda says it all
Tom Whitworth— Wow! What a great quote, my friend. I appreciate your insights. Thank you very much for reading my work and commenting.
CMerritt— I am thankful for your laudations, friend. I lived near Detroit for one year, and I am a native Michigander. One of my albums was recorded in the old Motown Studios, which was quite a thrill. You can buy a house in Detroit for $1.
Amy Becherer— You are quite welcome, my dear. Thank you so much for your accolades. I am grateful to you for them. :-)
secularist10— Thank you! Detroit has had fifty consecutive years of Progressive government and this is the result. I think this reveals the difference between idealism and realism. Sometimes social theories do not translate to real life.
I agree with you that Progressives have had some good ideas. Progressivism naturally leads to bloated government as it is centered around government work, in particular bureaucracies. And it is naturally hostile to business.
You surely make many fine points. I appreciate your insights.
BDazzler— I was born and grew up in Benton Harbor, Michigan—another ghost town. I'll write about it someday.
The union leadership, hell bent on communism, manipulated the average worker. In the end, it was all a scheme to fund the Democratic Party with paychecks of average Joes. The amazing thing to me is that in all of these ruined cities they continue to vote in Progressive mayors. You know the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again even though you are getting terrible results.
Thank you very much for visiting and commenting. I feel it with you.
GusTheRedneck— Thank you, Gus, for your affirmation. I sincerely appreciate your time to read my work. It is good to read your words.
James
Thank you James, it is really very informative hub and I enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read historic hubs from you. Thanks your sharing.
b. Malin— When will we ever learn? Thank you for reading my piece. I appreciate your gracious compliments.
Bill Winters— It is a pleasure to hear from you, my friend. I know that Saginaw is in very rough shape. It is been a while since I was up there but it was plenty tough even then. I agree with your thoughts. Thanks for reading my sad, sad piece.
RevLady— You are welcome, my dear. I am sorry to deliver this tragic story. Coming from Detroit, it has to hurt. I am from Benton Harbor and it has suffered a similar fate. But as you say, we can both remember the great years when they were vibrant, fun towns; where we have great memories. And we can pray for the best for those who are still there. I was a bit harsh—but the story of Detroit is sugarcoated so often that I just want to yell "Wake Up!" Not at you, of course. You are a great lady.
James
Old Poolman— Thank you so much for the applause! I appreciate it. The defenders of the indefensible usually show up a few days later. As you say, maybe they have to marshall their brainpower, or consult some committee, before they attack. I will find it interesting to see how this story—of all stories—can be defended. We shall see what we shall see. :D
DiamondRN— Thank you for sharing your key testimony, my friend. It is good of you to come and offer your enlightened voice to the conversation.
sherrylou57— You are most welcome, my dear. Thank you for coming by to read my work. It is a chilling tale of woe. It was the great Progessive experiment of the 20th century. A laboratory for Progressive ideas, if you will.
Barbara Kay— Welcome, my fellow Michigander. There isn't much to cheer about here. But plenty to digest. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
fred allen— My Brother, I did not intend to wound your soul by writing this. The purpose of studying history is to prevent the same mistakes from happening again and again. I do greatly appreciate what you wrote, especially this:
"All of us would be lost were it not for the grace of God. I need this grace everyday. . . I wish only to love my neighbor as I love myself."
Amen!
I will add that Jesse Jackson once said:
"There is nothing more painful to me than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery, then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved."
Enlydia Listener— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
randslam— You are welcome. Thank you for coming by to visit.
Do you mean that fifty consecutive years of absolute rule by Progressive politicians are not to blame for the destruction of Detroit?
I believe the old Bush-Paraguay story has long since been revealed as a Hoax (check smokinggun.com).
Going to war is a serious issue but one I do not see as related to Coleman Young's administration in which several folks have been convicted in court of flat out stealing millions of dollars in public money. We can talk about the war but that is not the subject of this Hub.
I certainly hope the new Congress undoes the Marxist ideas which have been foisted upon us these last two years. I do agree with you that the country needs to be united to stand strong. A house divided cannot stand for long. I think "progress" is an excellent idea but this is where the word "Progressive" betrays its current meaning, just as the words "fairness" "equality" and "tolerance" do not mean what the dictionary says they mean.
I do appreciate the visit. We have some common ground to work with. Thank you for your comments.
drbj— Thank you for the laudatory affirmation of my work. I agree with your comments wholeheartedly. I appreciate you making them here. :)
Partisan Patriot— Thank you for your gracious compliments, my friend. You would think one of these cities would try something different, such as a Conservative government for a change, but alas—they just won't do it. What a shame.
jtrader— Very astute observation my friend! Thank you for reading my article.
eovery— That is a fascinating story, and one which I had not heard before. That would have surely made things different. I don't know if better or worse, but different. Thanks for adding that in. Good stuff!
justom— Bad vibes? I'm sorry, Tom. I calls em as I see em. I'm going to look for some more positive subjects! Thank you for your kind comments.
James
TheManWithNoPants— The "Housefire Project?" I am not familiar. But if you are involved perhaps I should be. You've got some great ideas. Thank you for the laudations!
James
Great information, James, but I think randslam put it all together for a way forward. Also, don't forget that the whites flooded the gettos with drugs for one reason and one reason only. That also might have counted for the riots to some extent. I don't know. I also wonder whether Mr Obama is not as suggessful as he wish to be because the Congress is working against him to make him look a failure. It is an open secret that the Congress opposes most of the Democrats when they come into power. Whether is makes sense or not. That is not a good politic and not good for the country. I agree that the Union became too powerful at the end but on a whole to have management all the power is not good either. Therefore, a good balance is always the best.
carolina muscle— It is hard to believe how the city has gone down. I was there as early as 1960 and it was a magical,awesome place then to me. Thank you for coming to see me, my friend. It is always good to hear from you.
daPuma5— You are welcome. There are still some lovely cities in the suburbs, such as Birmingham. I last went to Detroit to the big car show with my now deceased Uncle Walter. I guess that was about five years ago. Thank you for coming! :D
Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Joni Douglas— Thank you very much, my fellow Michigander. The riots were especially bad in Benton Harbor, which was a thriving city until that day. You wrote:
"The once beautiful city of Detroit is a testament to the decay of society when inhabitants choose entitlement ideology instead of personal responsibility."
Well said!
Thanks for watching the video. It is more powerful than the Hub. I appreciate the visit and your kind comments.
During this last political campaign I finally got the answer I was seeking. The Progressive answer to their failure is 'It would have been worse'. They accuse Republicans of spreading fear because that's what they've been doing. I wish the black community would realize they're pawns to the unions.
John B— Great comments, Brother! California is at the cutting edge of Progressive policies so I suppose if it is in great shape we have nothing to worry about.
Whoops! California is bankrupt, sinking into an abyss, companies are moving out, jobs are disappearing . . .
So this is what we have to look forward to? I think we're in trouble. Thanks for coming by to visit. It's always good to hear your voice.
Fullerman5000— I share your sadness. I am glad you enjoyed this Hub though. Thank you for your kind compliments.
John B— The story of the Silverdome is poignant. The situation in Michigan as a whole is tough, I know. Detroit?
Neverletitgo— You are welcome. Thank you for the accolades. I appreciate your readership.
Hello, hello,— Whites flooded the ghetto with drugs? For one purpose and one purpose only? Pray tell, what that might be?
Mr. Obama has tried to implement the most radically Progressive, redistributive, socialist agenda in American history. It is not just congress that is against this; the American people are against this, as proven by the resounding defeat of his protegees in the election last week.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Even though the Silverdome hosted the Detroit Lions of the NFL from 1975–2001, the Detroit Pistons of the NBA from 1978–1988, and the MotorCity Bowl, I've been to several high school football championships and rock concerts there. It certainly was a beautiful facility and paralleled the rest of the area's decline.
Good heavens, James - well done and well done thumbs up. My husband is from Michigan and we lived there from 1976 to 1978. It was culture shock coming from southern California for me and being so young but wow - what an experience. We went from there to Chicago and I further was wow'd out of my socks. Great piece though on the history of Detroit. Will have to show this to Bob!
Thank you for your gracious reply to my comment. I know this hub was simply a commentary of the history of a great city now in decline. The conclusion I reached based on the facts you laid out was that racism caused the decline of this great city. Some would conclude it was corruption, there is data to support that position. I would conclude that greed can be motivated by racism and that it was the gangsta thug mentality that was predominant in influencing it's decline. Am I corec5t in my assesment? Perhaps. But that is where my dilemna takes root. What went through my mind as I read this is purely racist. It is what has opened my eyes to the wound in my soul. I love all people in my ideal mind. But in reality I concluded that if I were not battling racist thoughts, race would never have entered my mind as a reason for the decline of this city. only corruption. I am not afraid to bear my soul. Others mayside with caution and discretion. I wish to display reality however ugly it may be. Again I want to state for the record that I love all people. I just struggle putting down stereotypes. Your hub has revealed this struggle. All who read please forgive my honesty. It's not who I wish to be, it's who I see I am.
I'd submit there are racial based realities as well as fallacies associated with stereotypical perceptions. To notice and merely utter some differences tags a person as racial in some peoples' eyes. For instance, being caucasion and admittedly part of the population who on "average" can't run as fast or jump as high as the average black in America is a known fact. Does this verbal ackowledgement make me racist? To some maybe! My hopes for my own attitudes seem similar to those expressed above by Fred Allen for "unclouded thoughts". It's obviously everyone's choice to form opinions about others and either ignore ethnicities or not. In reality, I'm not sure recism will ever disappear without hundreds of years of homogenization by interracial breeding. Then knuckleheads will have to stoop to "she's fat" or "he's dumb" or look at that person's "big butt". Stupidity always finds a way!
sheila b.— Well, of course it could always be worse. But it could also be better. What I find most amazing about the Progressive mindset is this: They seek and destroy everything traditional Americans hold dear, our religion, our morals, our culture, our history . . . but any opposition they claim is "divisive." They are cleaving our society relentlessly but claim resistance is "divisive."
Very clever. :-)
John B— I've never been to the Silverdome. I see that the two largest crowds ever assembled there were both over 93,000: Pope John Paul II; and WrestleMania III. :D
I suppose when the Lions moved, it hurt the Silverdome. Ford Field does look to be quite beautiful, though.
akirchner— I would be interested to know what Bob thinks of this piece. I enjoyed reading your interesting comments. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my Hub. :)
fred allen— You are welcome, my friend. Yep, racism and corruption both played a huge role in the demise of Detroit.
There is nothing to forgive you for. I appreciate your candor. You expressed your heart, laid bare the prejudices that you find troubling. Race has been a huge problem for America. I think it good that we explore our feelings about it, and have dialogue about it. Thank you very much for your keen insights.
Well, James, you've certainly stirred the pot--gone viral yet?
I think what Fred is describing is quite profound. The "gangsta thug mentality" certainly had a part to play, but a city is defined by its people--not just its gangstas and government. The people of Detroit chose to honor and pledged allegiance to the path of corruption.
What may be astounding is why didn't any conservatives fight for Detroit, instead it suffered "white flight" in the 60s and 70s? So was Detroit ultimately a victim of racial attitudes during tumultuous times--to a huge degree--yes.
Were morals on movie screens telling black men, white men, everybody what there place in society was--or was life like that already and art was only mimicking life?
Maybe, but where there is no vision the people perish--Detroit had no vision even though it had everything going for it with the auto industry--and government bailouts--good money thrown after bad management.
Motor City, Motown, Detroit Rock City, Murder Capital, USA, etc. are all names that Detroit has owned--but is that due to progressive government--or hedonistic nihilism that Detroit's people came to possess through drug use, social upheaval and days of past injustices remembered creating demands for unreal restitution?
The high life, rock and roll, have your cake and eat it too. The good times just kept rolling for Detroit--until foresight and vision were gone--the party was over.
Detroit fell because of a its people--didn't it? I mean black conservatives, if this was completely a race issue, could have come in and "cleaned the political house?" America is still a democracy and Detroit is a city in that democracy.
The car industry could have had some vision and realized the world's need for better ideas, but it didn't. Japanese visionaries created a better product with socialist systems in place.
How was that possible? Losers in WWII--humbled by a powerful nation with money in one era come back to win economically in the short span of one decade? James, I know you remember a time when "Made in Japan" meant junk.
Detroit could well learn from the historical lesson of Japan. It takes vision, will, discipline and action to get the ball rolling, but to keep it rolling it will take patience, continued effort and levels of tolerance (race-based and faith-based) that weren't there 30 years ago and there not there in this era of polarity.
I know you hate to hear it but pure capitalism doesn't work either. Socialized programs do work when capitalism is the engine. First, there has to be production--which Detroit had so many years ago--but then there needs to be social stability--which, Detroit likely, never had.
After stability comes maintenance and effective growth--all requiring social interaction, fact-gathering--ugh, visionary nurturing. It can't be all work for the benefit of the few--that's despotic tyranny, which is what Detroit's people have continued to vote for.
I have never been very good with states' history. At least I got a good lesson here, today, even if it is a sad one.
James, very well put together. I thought I was watching the history. Excellent job, and appreciate all the facts.
Black people (in general)...
will demand that everyone get out of their city and demand the government give them everything they want and all the while they turn the city into a toilet in a decade or less.
And if anyone confronts them for their behavior, they start a riot and burn their own city to the ground and then bitch and moan to get the money to rebuild again.
They are like the horse leech...(in general)
I have not seen a community made the better because it had been controlled by black folk.
And I have many black friends who understand my point and they know I am not racist, but a realist.
John B— Stupid is as stupid does. :)
The thing is to treat each person with whom we come in contact with the same respect and courtesy regardless of their color, beauty, age, disability, or whatever. I know you and I do that.
Talking about groups of people in terms of politics or culture or society, is a different matter. According to political correctness, some groups are only to be discussed in ways that sing their praises while one group—white men—are not to be praised but denigrated at every turn. To do this ignores serious group pathologies that will not be wished away without putting things in the light of day.
I always enjoy your voice.
randslam— Thank you for your extraordinary comments. Conservative whites fled Detroit after the race riots because they feared for their lives, and for the safety of their little children. Black Conservatives' voices were drowned out, unfortunately, by the louder voices of black radicals, of whom there were actually far fewer.
And it is an odd thing about Blacks and Democracy that Blacks are generally pretty Conservative in their views, but they rarely vote that way. They vote for Progressives 90% of the time.
As far as art imitating life or life imitating art—it goes both ways. Anybody who poo poos the effect of popular culture, particularly film, on people needs to take a course (or read a book) in marketing and advertising.
I do remember when "made in Japan" meant junk. You know who changed that? An American, W. Edwards Deming. I could write about him at length here, but instead I'll provide this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming
I'll provide one excerpt:
"Dr. Deming's teachings and philosophy can be seen through the results they produced when they were adopted by Japanese industry, as the following example shows: Ford Motor Company was simultaneously manufacturing a car model with transmissions made in Japan and the United States. Soon after the car model was on the market, Ford customers were requesting the model with Japanese transmission over the USA-made transmission, and they were willing to wait for the Japanese model."
Hi James another awesome hub.Your pictures of detroit in decline were really well chosen. I had never seen such images of detroit before.
ama83— This is a very sad story. Michigan is the land where I was born and raised (the land where HE was born and raised). Excuse me, I channeled the Soggy Bottom Boys there for a minute. :D
tinamarie9884— Well, I sure am grateful for your accolades. Thank you very much for reading my work and letting me know you appreciate it. :-)
James, I live about an hour from Detroit and have lived in Michigan all my life. This article is an eyeopener for me. I have vague memories of the riots in the late 60's, but those were my teenage years and I was not paying close attention. It is all very sad. The pictures also are awesome, but sad.
We were just in Detroit a couple of days ago, but only at the airport. We never go any further in than that. I knew it was bad, but I didn't have a clue how bad it actually is.
I only have vague memories also of all the stuff about Coleman Young. Henry Ford built it and Coleman Young tore it down.
Blessings to you James. This is an awesome hub. Thanks for sharing.
quietnessandtrust— Wow dude. Where have you been? I am well pleased to hear from you again. Is everything alright?
You have powerfully presented your views here. I'm not sure you can conclude that blacks are not capable of governance. What about Haiti and Rhodesia? There are a couple of success stories for us to ponder.
seanorjohn— Thank you for the accolades, my friend. I appreciate you swinging by to check out my work.
And it is an odd thing about Blacks and Democracy that Blacks are generally pretty Conservative in their views, but they rarely vote that way. They vote for Progressives 90% of the time.
--
According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in the 1920s, the only real spiritual power in the US was from the Black Church. He believed it was their influence that provided the spiritual backbone and the only spiritual depth in the US at the time.
I see both RevLady and DrPastorCarlota as guardians of this tradition. Certain other "ministers" have betrayed that tradition to all of our detriment.
Star Parker's "Uncle Sam's Plantation" gives a brilliant analysis of the reasons behind this ... how the black community is deceived and betrayed by the very progressives they are supporting.
Sadly, just as not enough people in Germany listened to Bonhoeffer, not enough people in the US are listening to Starr.
Dear Drum Basher =)
I love ya man...
I am living out of a Dodge Neon...holding the line.
Lost my house of 13 years on the golf course. =)
The 2 countries you mentioned, point made.
I will add that poverty abounds, worship of many things evil does as well.
And America seems to be heading to the same address.
I hope you know that I do not think that white people have their ducks all lined up.
Nobody has their ducks lined up, it is just my observation that black folk, whom I love and have many a friend who are such, they just seem to destroy anyplace they occupy and I have no clue why they do this. Breaks my heart.
~Shalom~
Kristeen— You are welcome. Thank you for your accolades. I am grateful to receive them. I am from Michigan, too, though I moved away for 18 years to Florida. Now, I'm back. It is very good to see you again. I appreciate your thoughtul comments.
BDazzler— I have signed copy of the Bonhoeffer book by my friend Eric Metaxas right behind me. I haven't read it yet. When I do, I am going to highlight it and write a Hub about it—unless you want to, which would save me the trouble. But somebody needs to.
I have not read Star Parker's book but it sounds great. I'll have to get a copy.
You are so right about drpastorcarlotta, and RevLady—let us not forget DeBorrah K. Ogans.
Thank you so much for your wise words.
James A Watkins, This is informative, educational and to the point yet poignantly disheartening… What has happened to Detroit is a sign of the times. Whenever there is an imbalance in society and basic foundational principles are compromised and abandoned it is a sure equation for eventual destruction. Discrimination comes in many forms. Material comforts do not satisfy the insatiable void that can only be filled by God! Unless a person feels self worth they will not have the coping skills to excel beyond what they know. Lack of exposure can keep you in a box and any and everyone who is beyond that scope becomes a threat regardless as to what color you are… Therefore life becomes a battle against whoever has more…
In general people are intimidated by what and who they do not understand. They then must resort to what they know or have erroneously been taught. Racial discrimination is often passed down from generation to generation. Stereotypes do still exist... This often breeds an environment of distrust, hostility, division and violence. When there is an added socio economic difference this adds to the equation. When someone genuinely tries to help you or gives you a hand up it still feels as though they are looking down on you and it results in increased resentment. The mentality is to take from whoever has even if I do not know what to do with it…. Being unskilled and ill equipped results in further destruction when accompanied with violence…. I think the culprit here is insecurity and yes of course spiritual warfare. Few realize that violence is destructive and is not really power at all! It is lack of self control driven be fear! The ruins of Detroit somewhat attest to this.
It may lay dormant for a season but unless the root systemic cause is dealt with it will raise its ugly head again and again… It is hard to fathom by some but when you have been treated as having less worth than an animal it is hard to override that inferiority complex. Therefore when cornered you result to animalistic behavior. This is not an excuse… But as you say if one does not learn from history it will repeat itself.
It is interesting to see how the auto workers capitalized initially on keeping the strife and division going to maintain control in the long run it is was resulted in the down spiral as well…
Thank you for sharing this well presented written documentary. Much to ponder and a plethora of life lessons to wade through. This is grievous to the soul and heart wrenching…. However we can still make a difference one person at a time…
In HIS Love, Grace, Peace & Blessings!
quietnessandtrust— I was a basher all right. :)
I am surely sorry to hear about your present conditions, brother, and your losses. I am not living much above where you are. It is humbling. It is a learning experience. I'll pray for you today. God Bless You.
DeBorrah K. Ogans— You have made profound comments here, with myriad salient points. We surely agree that each person has a hole in their soul that only can be filled by God. So many attempt to fill that hole with other things, but in the end it remains a hole in the heart.
Yes so many of the world's problems are about things people simply don't understand. You are right that discrimination and stereotypes still exist—and might always exist. Especially since stereotypes contain a kernal of truth.
You hit the nail on the head when you wrote that, at bottom, it always comes down to spiritual warfare. I think you are right about the inferiority complex as a result of mistreatment.
This is a heart wrenching tale, alright. As you so poignantly point out, we can make a difference one person at a time.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us here. And you are welcome.
Great hub, and an eye opener. What a terrible shame for a city to go down like that. This tells me something about inefficient politicians and bad office holders. It should not have happened. Seems like the elected, whoever they were, did not do their jobs. Office holders have a duty, and and obligation to protect their towns and cities from becomming ruins. Good politicians seek out jobs and good industries for their cities. They keep things looking decent.Their not in offices just for payrolls. Office holders must be intelligent enough, creative enough, resourcefull enough, know how to bring in constructive, productive bussinesses and industrious minds. They must be able to repair important cultural structures and buildings. They need to also clean up their cities, provide fine education resources, and provide safe, healthy living conditions for citizens, families and children. They must also protect waterways, wildlife, provide good natural habitats for humans, and for the creatures God put on this earth.Illegal drugs must also be addressed and dismissed from cities, and corruptions of all kinds.GBY My Friend.
James: While Detroit is the most extreme example, I think you have pretty much described every U.S. city in the northeast and upper midwest (the rustbelt). I wish more people would take a cue to what's going on there.
stars439— Wow! Brother, your comments are deep and wide. You just laid down the law of civil government just like that. Well done! It couldn't have been said any better. Thank you for this magnificent contribution to our conversation. God Bless You!
jvhirniak— Yes sir, what you say is true. Our industrial heartland has died. It may never come back. For sure, it will NEVER come back under progressive politicians. Thank you for your excellent comments.
Well, I don't agree with you about progressive liberals being the downfall of Motown, however having grown up in Detroit I have to say you've done an excellent job of detailing the city's history.
edelhaus— You grew up in Detroit!? Well, I am pleased to meet a fellow Michigander. I appreciate your remarks and I thank you for reading my works. Welcome to HubPages!
Interesting hub James! I thank God everyday for my suroundings! Be Blessed and keep hubing! I have missed you, (smile)...
drpastorcarlotta— Thank you my dear! I am thankful to God too for my life and those who love me. I'm coming over to see what you've been up to. God Bless You!
I am a resident of Detroit, and sadly much of what you say is true. All that my family can do is to be a light, as the LORD would want us to be and pray for the city we are in. There is great spiritual warfare going on here, as in our whole country - keep it in your prayers. PS the picture of 'slums of Detroit' does not look like Detroit to me (notice the palm trees in the background - and I've never seen that location anywhere-but if I'm wrong can you tell me the actual location of that?)
Thanks and God bless!
FriendofTruth— God Bless You for being that light in the darkness of Detroit. Yes, we must pray for Detroit. Spiritual Warfare is hot and heavy in your city and all of America today. This is the great battleground.
I will review that photo. I think you are right that it is mislabeled (or photoshopped). I will remove it. Good eye! Thanks for that info.
I appreciate the visit, your fine comments, and you are most welcome.
I have a friend on Facebook that is a prison Chaplain and gives many insights on Facebook of the Republican roots of Blacks in America. I can't tell you how it saddens me because I have had one foot in the black community through my two adopted children and now with my second wife being a woman of color I have much concern about our family. I think that the politcal machine grinds people underfoot as if they are human garbage and thinks of them as block voters instead of people with hopes and dreams, Americans. These progressives do not care because their bread and butter is stolen out of the hands of black, hispanic, and poor white children whose parents have no idea the people they support are destoying their home and way of life. DeBorrah Ogans has all of us Christians praying all the time for our leaders and for our country and I will love them and pray for them but they are criminal in their actions. 2012 can't get here fast enough and beyond that the rapture. Even so come Lord Jesus. Thank you brother. I never cease to be amazed at the wisdom and talent God has given you. Love ya Jim.
no body— Thank you for reading my Hub. I know that you are uniquely qualified to see America and American politics from both sides of the racial aisle.
I have long felt that the attitudes of Progressives are quite condescending to people of color: "You can't make it in this world without our help."
DeBorrah K. Ogans is my favorite person I have met through HubPages. She is a wonderful teacher and human being. We should pray for our leaders and our country, to be sure.
If I have any talent or wisdom, I am merely a conduit to be used for the Lord's purposes. I am truly blessed in every way, Brother Bob. You are most welcome. I appreciate your thoughtful insights.
And then there is Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings.. you gotta mention those guys?
travelinAsia— You just did!! :-)
I agree that the Detroit Red Wings are a huge part of what is left of Detroit Michigan. Thank you for visiting my Hub. I appreciate your comments. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Very powerful article. I grewup there and I wrote the Hub "IMPORTED FROM DETROIT" same place different take. You need a different perspective on Detroit. The heart and soul is missing. But I loved your story.
PETER LUMETTA— Thank you for the kind compliments. I am pleased to meet another Michigander. I will read your article this afternoon. Welcome to the Hub Pages Community!
Have you ever actually lived in the city of Detroit? if so generally where in Detroit? and for how long? and when was the last time you spent a significant time in Detroit - more than just drove through the city or went just to attend a single event?
val— I am from Michigan and thus have always followed the developments in major city of my state, Detroit. As an ardent history buff, I also have read extensive histories of the city and the state.
I lived in the suburbs of Detroit for one year—1980. In 1985, I spent three months in the city (My band was recording an album in the old Motown Studios).
I have visited Detroit countless times, and I have many friends who grew up in the city—with whom I have had manifold discussions about it. The last time I was there was for a few days in 2006.
People always want to blame Coleman Young for the downfall of Detroit. But i've never heard anyone talk about how the city's Water and Sewage Department allowed developers to hook on to the water system in the 1950's. The Water Board saw itself as a utility, not as a department of city government. Detroit actually sounded it's own deathnell.
Motown_jazz— Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I had not heard anything about this Water Board situation. That is an interesting angle.
The book the "Tipping Point" mentions an effect they called the 'broken window' effect. Namely that if in a community the small laws (like don't break someone else's window and don't spray paint graffiti) are rigorously enforced then the community builds a sense of rule of law and that ripples upwards and serious crime (theft, murder, rape) decreases significantly. It was used in NYC and is generally credited by their police department with dramatic improvements.
I wonder if Detroit had paid (or would now pay) attention to enforcing justice in even the smallest laws (those easiest to enforce) fairly whether that wouldn't have rippled upwards to create a general sense or order.
I don't think you should be adding more laws or more programs as fixes until the current ones are being fairly executed.
Steveo— Thank you for taking the time to read my article about Detroit Michigan.
I have that book, "Tipping Point." The "Broken Windows" concept was used to great effect in Manhattan. That borough was pretty nasty back in the 1970s, and quite unsafe to visit. It was cleaned up and now is full of tourists. I believe it works.
I do not think such an approach has ever been tried in Detroit. It is a town without much of a sense of law and order.
I agree with you that there is no logic in writing more laws if the ones on the books are not enforced. Good point.
Your comments are excellent, thoughtful and insightful. I enjoyed reading them and I appreciate you making them here.
Wow, James, this Hub is epoch.
I used to live in Northern Michigan, but only ventured into Detroit on a couple of occasions. It is so sad to see what is happening to Detroit; I just can't believe people do what they do.
Having said that, I am still an ardent fan of all the Detroit teams and Michigan Wolverines...Go Blue!!!
Great Hub, James, thanks a million.
James:
I just want the world to know that James A. Watkins has become my very first "follower". The first among tens of thousands...if not millions.
So, in a couple of years from now, when I bring forth the first Hubpage Trivial Persuit Game, this factoid shall be included and the name, James A. Watkins, shall be forever immortalized into the Hubpage Hall of Fame.
Thanks again, James, for your support and if I can figure out how to become your fan, I will do so immediately.
It isn't that I'm as dumb as a bucket of rocks, though my I.Q. does hover around room temperature, it's just that I'm technologically impaired.
CJ Sledgehammer— Welcome to the HubPages Community! I look forward to reading many of your Hubs in the future. I appreciate both of your comments here.
I'd be curious to know about where you lived in Northern Michigan. My rock and roll band used to play up there a lot back in the day. Traverse City, Alpena, Cheboygan, Charelevoix, Cadillac, Gaylord, Grayling--just to name a few.
I am from St Joseph, Michigan. I have been a Michigan Wolverines fan most of my life. And I root for the Tigers against everybody except if they were to play my beloved Cubbies. :D
I enjoyed reading your second comment. I hope you do immortalize me. That would be great.
Thank you for all the kind words you wrote. I am glad we have found each other here on HubPages. I always like to meet another Michigander. And you are most welcome, too.
James
James:
I lived in the Petoskey area and almost opened a business in Charelevoix many moons ago.
Cubbies?! What is all this talk about the Cubbies?! That is a sacrilege! Do you not know Chicago is on the wrong side of Lake Michigan?
What is this world coming to? First the auto industry hits the skids in Michigan and then we have one of our own defecting to the Chicago Cubs?! It's a sign of the times - a sign that the end is near. :0)
If there is an upside here, it's that you will never have a conflict between them, because the odds of the Cubs playing against the Motor City Kitties in the world series is remote.
Detroit is an example of how the unions and black people can destroy one of the greatest cities in America
CJ Sledgehammer— I visited Petoskey last year and wrote a bit about it in my Hub entitled, "Lake Michigan Circle Tour." Here is a link to that wonderful article, just in case you are interested:
http://james-a-watkins.hubpages.com/hub/Lake-Michi
I know Chicago is on the "wrong" side of the lake but growing up in Benton Harbor our television, radio, and newspapers came from there rather than from Detroit—five times farther away (as the crow flies, or the boat sails). So everyday after school the Cubbies were on. Oh yea, and all that daytime baseball was good for making young fellas into Cubs fans. The Tigers were rarely on TV back then. Once and a while WKZO would have a Saturday game.
Thanks for coming back by. I have enjoyed the engagement. :D
Mr Trump— Thank you for reading my article. I appreciate your remarks.
Kaie Arwen Level 2 Commenter 18 months ago
Fabulous Hub............. educational, well written, and most importantly..... EYE OPENING! The pictures you chose couldn't be more fitting, and anyone who passes by the video.......... they need to go back and hit the play button. I stand in awe ;-) thank you.......... Kaie