Chicago has plenty of Detroit expatriates who've been following the exploits of their beleaguered hometown and its mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, the so-called hip-hop mayor.
Like the empty, foundationless, moral-relativism of much of hip-hop, Kilpatrick finally found himself without a leg to stand on Thursday. He lied under oath, disgraced his family and his city, obstructed justice and so much more. Now he'll pay a penance -- plead guilty, resign, pay $1 million, spend 120 days in jail and relinquish his law license for his rampant disrespect and illegal actions. This outcome is so much better than other possible legal outcomes he faced.
Detroit -- one of America's once-great industrial stars -- is once again hobbled. The sad part is Kilpatrick, though young, had great ideas and solid plans to bring residents together and put the city back on its feet. All the signs are there: a bustling riverwalk, suburbanites are coming to town for Tigers games and Greek Town dining, and even new construction.
Once Kilpatrick has served his time, he'll get a new start, a new lease on life. I can't say the same about Detroit.
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Thank you for raising this issue. I too, am a lifelong Detroit area resident who "expatriated" one year ago. I continue to be amazed at the vitality, diversity and relative efficiency of Chicago compared to Detroit.
The problem with Detroit is not Kwame Kilpatrick. The problem is the city is in ruins, it is abandoned, and there is no incentive for private investment. This has been true for many years and the election of an unqualified mayor with bad personal values is only symptomatic of the larger issue.
There is a special stress that all Detroiters feel where despite the best efforts of good people, progress is not possible. People like Dave Bing, Roger Penske, Gov. Granholm, and the leaders of Compuware and General Motors fight an uphill battle every day that so far is a losing effort.
Why invest in Detroit? Why indeed. The next months will tell if the Detroit automakers survive or go bankrupt. General Motors' largest single expense is $1500 per vehicle to finance health care for more than one million people. Toyota doesn't have this expense and has easier decisions to make when investing their money.
The situation is complex, but if we want to save Detroit, we should focus on investment, not Kwame Kilpatrick.
HMMMM was the mayor a Republican or a Democrat.
Who cares who Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick had an affair with? The question is how well he is running the City Of Detroit.
President Clinton was caught lying about his outside affair in the most prestigious place in this country, but that did not bother me, because this man had everyone making a living and standing on their own two feet.
On the other hand we have a Vice-President elect Sarah Palin has a seventeen year old daughter five months pregnant, and everyone is making that seems like it is the greatest thing to happen. While on the other hand no one is mentioning that she is under age and the future husband should be looking at some jail time, I guess I'm asking you, or someone to help me if I'm wrong.
Now comes Gov. Sarah Palin who suppose to have had a outside relationship outside of her marriage, and she is starting off denying it before the ink every hit the paper, so let's see how this unfold.
I must admit none of these sex scandals have not Killed on person, but on the other hand we have a government in place that have destroy many families lives and no one is whispering a word about it.
Ms Geiger,
I ask you why should the city of detroit, every person who pays taxes and works should pay millions for Kilpatrick's stupidity and lies. Remember if he had told the truth the investigation would not have started and the mayor would not have fired the deputy mayor in reptaliation.
As for Ms Palin's child it is none of our buisness don't attack the person
This is a sad day for Detroit. I hope that the the people of Detroit will remain strong during this time period. The Archer Administration looks so good regarding Detroit History. Perhaps, people can learn from this experience.
The issues of education, community and economic development are paramount. The government and business sector needs to demonstrate concern and leadership unless America whats a Hattie in America posted to the world.
Hmmm wonder who the liar is who is President? Is his name Bush? Or the huge liar and corrupt vice president is? Would that be Cheney? Didn't Cheney's chief of staff commit many felonies only to pardened by Bush? Glass houses! Glass Houses! I sure think the mayor of Detroit has done some very stupid things and he is paying for them. But what have Bush/Cheney got for lies and outright deception? Rich! and there friends? Rich! And what have the american people recieved from Bush/Cheney? A royal screw job!
who cares about Detroit anyway???
Barry O= Kwame. This is the guy who Barry endorsed