This Is Our City

Detroit has a "living wage" law, far above the federal minimum wage, for all public employees and private contractors. A powerful school employee union that militantly defends the high pay, benefits and job security for its members. Median compensation for teachers is $76,000 and Detroit spends the third highest amount of money per student among 76 large cities nationwide. A powerful government employee union that does the same for its members. A tax system that aggressively redistributes income from businesses and the wealthy to the poor and to government bureaucracies. Detroit has been dubbed "the most liberal city in America" and each of these "progressive" policies is alive and well there. How have they worked out? In 1950, Detroit was the wealthiest city in America on a per capita income basis. Today, after 52 years of Democrat domination, the Census Bureau reports that it is the nation's 2nd poorest major city, just "edging out" Cleveland and a 47% rate of functional illiteracy.

In 1961 the last Republican mayor left. The tragic history of Detroit has been written entirely by Democrats. That is an unbroken streak of 52 years of Democratic party domination. Auto worker unions and teachers unions rule the city. Consequently the auto industry fled the city and in 2009 Detroit Public School students had the lowest scores ever recorded in the national math proficiency test over a 21-year history. Only 1.8 percent of students were considered capable of doing college level work. Corruption is rampant, Detroit has been voted the most dangerous ciity in America. 34.5 percent are on food stamps. Out-of-wedlock birthrate is 75 percent. Yet the city doubles down on Democrat policies and politicians. In a city of 700,000, only 6000 voted for the Republican presidential candidate! 98% voted Democrat. It is the 800 pound gorilla in the living room. The author compares the plight of the city to Rome hit by the plague in the 3rd century. But this is a self imposed tragedy.

Truly, nothing is resolved going through bankruptcy if nothing is truly done to avoid it. One has to wonder how many Detroit politicians, over the years, campaigned on the promise to decrease the debt. And the people simply believed them. John 16:13 However,when He,the Spirit of truth,has come,He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority,but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Psalm 51:11 Do not put me away from before you, or take your holy spirit from me. 2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro in all the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.

Grew up in Pontiac. Every Friday evening we drove the length of Woodward Ave. to visit grandparents. During the 1930s to 1950s the Detroit area was swept by a true revival movement, and our family came to faith in the middle of this awakening. It set me off on a life of preaching in revival movements and writing about them. So, my sadness at the bankruptcy of Detroit is deep and painful. Thank you for this report. Love your news coverage!

Great article, Katelyn. Let's keep praying for long-suffering commitment and renewal - even as Detroit declares bankruptcy. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/19/us/detroit-files-for-bankruptcy.html