[RJL]

Detroit has lost more than half its population since its heyday in the 1950's. The people who remain are mostly black -- 83 percent -- and mostly working class, with 30 percent of the population living below the poverty line according to the US Census Bureau.

The schools are bad. The roads are full of potholes. Crime is high and so are taxes. The city is in a budget crisis so deep it could end up being run by the state.

Liberals run Detroit from the top to the bottom, what's the problem?

The one unassailable liberal touchstone is the desire to tax us into prosperity. So let's get going, raise taxes and raise them again... more freebies and benefits for everyone!

[RobRoy]

>>"If you call and ask (the city) about it they say they don't have the funds to tear it down."<<

Box of matches, $.75.

[RobRoy]

I've been to detroit on several occasions (the company I used to work for is based in their downtown.

It is a pit. Some say it will be our first "ex city". I've posted that here before. It is becoming quite obvious they were right.

I always wondered just how big a ghost town could be.

[No Truce With Kings]

I don't know how they can say Detroit is shrinking. I seem to recall that there are more votes cast in Detroit precints with every election.

Some of them even get 125% of the registered voters to cast ballots.

[danmar]

The people who remain are mostly black -- 83 percent -- and mostly working class,

The author of this piece missed to mention that at this point Detroit has a genuine opportunity and a challenge to show the rest of the nation, that black folks can revive down trodden neighborhoods without "white" interference.

It is right up the alley of the Rev's Jackson and Sharpton, who repeatedly, in various statements blamed the "whites" for suppressing the black ascension on the economical/political ladder.

[Petronski]

"There are about 400 to 500 hundred (being moved) a year which shows you the depth of racism and fear."

Racism?

I presume he can establish that crime statistics do not alone justify the fear. . . . . . Yeah, right.

[Old Professer]

"Bates does her best to keep her five children away from the rat nests, but the lead creeping out of crumbling bricks and peeling paint drifts in through her windows."

That's the biggest load I've read in a long time.

[Doohickey]

...which shows you the depth of racism and fear."

I'm sure the people doing this would not rather be beaten and robbed by white guys, ass. That's not racism, that's reality.

[Centurion2000]

Shrinking Detroit has 12,000 abandoned homes

Sounds like we should ahve just moved Katrina's homeless up there and there wouldn't be this problem today.

[toddlintown]

"mayor Kwame Kilpatrick"

From the ole' sod, I see.

[King Moonracer]

Typically pessimistic. Some of the 12,000 abandoned home have crack-whores living them.

[hosepipe]

Detroit is what happens when all tax breaks for the rich are eliminated.. the minimum wage is increased.. and a level played field is created for the homeless..

[Torie]

The problem with Detriot is not so much the abandoned homes, but the homes that are no longer there. This says it all, about a legacy of dysfunctionality. This is from a google map about maybe 2-3 miles from downtown.

[YourAdHere]

Ironically enough, Census Bureau headquarters is in Prince George's County, Maryland, which looks VERY similar to Detroit.

[aShepard]

Sounds like a wonderful place to increase the population of muslims from throughout this country.

[VOA]

bump

[Trueblackman]

Can’t be any worst than Baltimore, with blocks of row-homes abandon.

[CDHart]

Bricks have lead in them?

Carolyn

[RockinRight]

"The issue is not just getting people in the city. It's getting people in the city who can become property owners and stay property owners and pay taxes."

Nobody fitting that profile would voluntarily live in Detroit. That's like asking a sheep to voluntarily live among hungry wolves.

[relictele]

"There are about 400 to 500 hundred (being moved) a year which shows you the depth of racism and fear."

A new low for liberal lying academics: dead people can now feel fear!