  Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 3110 Registered: 10-2003 |
http://www.freep.com/article/2 0081112/NEWS01/81112065 Bwaaaaahaaaaaahaaaahaaaa. I'd put the chances of this happening at Zero. | ||
Leannam1989 Member Username: Leannam1989 Post Number: 104 Registered: 06-2008 |
Don't a lot of cities need money, though? How much would it cost to fix all of Detroit's problems? | ||
Giver108 Member Username: Giver108 Post Number: 27 Registered: 06-2008 |
The Freep article is the funniest thing I've read all week. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 1685 Registered: 12-2006 |
I agree with Ndavies. Interesting timing. I was listening to a commentator on the radio who was against the auto company bailout idea, and he was using the "slippery slope" argument, which rarely holds any weight with me. But what he said today was, essentially, the big banks get a bailout, and let's say the Detroit auto makers get a bailout. Now don't you foresee every other kind of business in any financial trouble lining up at that counter for their turn? And along comes Detroit City Council, on time as usual... | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 5208 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Requesting a made-up sum of money, no less. This is my favorite part of the article: quote: Yeah, lead the way by requesting free handouts. Way to be! | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 2873 Registered: 02-2007 |
As ridiculous as it reads, at least they are trying to do something, and are brave enough to put a number on it. But, it just displays in explicit terms the health of the city. It seems not long ago, a big billboard on I-94 "Mayor Young brings home the bacon!" "600 Million for the city of Detroit!" | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 1687 Registered: 12-2006 |
It wasn't long ago at all... Mrs. Cheeks-Kilpatrick had billboards during the primary season (including at least one on I-94) saying how much "bacon" she had "brought home". I don't remember the number but one of us will. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 5209 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: No, the way I read it, Ms. Watson is waiting for Congress to do something. The number has no basis in reality. It might be more helpful, if, instead of constantly posturing and arguing, the Council would find ways to cut budgets, spend money more effectively, and to target specific projects when federal/state money is requested. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 2875 Registered: 02-2007 |
Dan, Most definitely. | ||
Russix Member Username: Russix Post Number: 150 Registered: 11-2006 |
I'm sorry, is Detroit on the verge of failing? Are they going to dissolve the city charter if this doesn't come and auction off pieces of former Detroit? This might have been possible before as we were showing signs of revitalization and improvement, but almost a year of national headlines advertising outright government corruption will negatively impact any earmarks for Detroit for at least a generation. | ||
Swimmaven Member Username: Swimmaven Post Number: 24 Registered: 05-2007 |
I cannot find the pic of the lady with the tiara. Would someone please post it for me? | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 1691 Registered: 12-2006 |
Russix, cities don't fail in the same way that businesses fail. The process is different. Lansing would step in, and then manage the city badly for a few years and then quit doing this, such as they did with DPS not too long ago. I'm not sure Detroit is any more or less corrupt than other big cities. The crime isn't corruption, it's incompetence. Daley (the elder) was as corrupt as they come, but shit got done. Governments can survive being corrupt if they are seen as effective, for the most part. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 756 Registered: 02-2006 |
While we're at it, why not ask for a cool trillion.... <313> | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 1129 Registered: 01-2005 |
Sounds a lot like the Slavery Reparations demands - just tailored to current affairs. | ||
Bragaboutme Member Username: Bragaboutme Post Number: 569 Registered: 02-2008 |
WTF? Southwestmap. | ||
Bragaboutme Member Username: Bragaboutme Post Number: 570 Registered: 02-2008 |
And also, others Cities are doing the same in asking for money. Detroit isn't the only one. | ||
Tkelly1986 Member Username: Tkelly1986 Post Number: 479 Registered: 01-2004 |
Watson is a clown...Why can't the council spend time working on “actual issues”…budget cuts ect…..This is just as much of a joke as their resolution to impeach Bush/Cheney. | ||
Crumbled_pavement Member Username: Crumbled_pavement Post Number: 597 Registered: 08-2007 |
I want my own personal bail-out package as well. However, I won't be asking for nearly as much money as these other clowns. All I will need is a $1M package. Here's how I will spend the money: * Invest in my own personal education to make me more competitive in the job market * Pay off my mortgage and credit card debts, lowering the debt that the average American carries * Invest in a hybrid vehicle and support energy independence * Invest in tourism by traveling the country and the world and helping to spur the economy by spending money * Shore up my 401K and relieve the future burden that would otherwise be placed on social security * Invest in my own personal healthcare package so that the government doesn't have to go all social on us with the healthcare system * Build an outdoor swimming pool - this will keep me in shape and lower the costs to the healthcare system * Invest in a 50" LCD TV - this will help the transfer to HDTV go more smoothly in February * Hire a team of financial advisors to assure that I will not run into financial issues in the future - btw, this will also help create jobs There isn't another bail-out package out there like this one and there never will be. Every American taxpayer should support my efforts to get a bail-out package from Congress, as it would make America more solvent. Join with me by writing your representatives in Congress and demanding a bail-out for Crumbled_pavement. It will be the best spent tax dollars you ever seen. | ||
Detbest Member Username: Detbest Post Number: 109 Registered: 07-2005 |
This is really a big waste of time. The fact that they would propose and pass such a frivolous and empty resolution is pretty sad. Unfortunately it is another example of the Council's lack of ability to formulate real solutions to the numerous problems that face the city. At such a crucial time in the City's history it is sad that there is such a void in real leadership. | ||
Vas Member Username: Vas Post Number: 961 Registered: 01-2004 |
absolutely terrible. Bailout should only go to automakers. | ||
401don Member Username: 401don Post Number: 856 Registered: 11-2007 |
Sorry Crumbled but your share of the national debt is approaching 1 million. Don't pay it and we'll call it even.  | ||
Thecarl Member Username: Thecarl Post Number: 1412 Registered: 04-2005 |
please make the check payable to "monica conyers" | ||
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 2181 Registered: 03-2008 |
Bwhahaha? Seriously? It's not that silly, assuming it's over a period of time. This isn't maintenance it's repair, which means handouts will be needed. Things like transit, industry transition, work-force training, and mortgage crisis help... that's all things that handouts are already used for all the time. And... The above comment that bailout should only go to the auto makers is ludicrous. Bailout should go to Metro Detroit, to switch industries. To say it should go to a poorly run business is a HORRIBLE idea! That is just putting off the inevitable. (Message edited by Sean_of_Detroit on November 12, 2008) | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 2848 Registered: 07-2007 |
Lefty wants a measly one million bailout. So the city council has no faith in themselves to take control of the city without socialist help. Bummer it ain't gonna happen, but a nice shot at a zero proposition. Idea; lower taxes, open the city to non union workers, be open and honest in dealings and more people will come. | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 2849 Registered: 07-2007 |
give everyone over 21 in Detroit a million dollars and it would still end up in the hands of rich people who have struggled to get where they are. | ||
Thames Member Username: Thames Post Number: 297 Registered: 02-2007 |
From the article: "The city recently received $47 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by the nationwide foreclosure crisis. Officials with the city’s Planning and Development have prepared a plan the city council is expected to vote on in a week." There is no doubt in my mind that that 47 million hasn't ALREADY been misappropriated. Giving money to the City of Detroit right now, is like giving money to AIG. | ||
Novine Member Username: Novine Post Number: 835 Registered: 07-2007 |
"There is no doubt in my mind that that 47 million hasn't ALREADY been misappropriated." Did you mean "has already been misappropriated"? Otherwise, your comment doesn't make any sense. But you would be wrong either way. Detroit hasn't gotten the money yet so it hasn't been wasted. Whether it will or not remains to be seen. | ||
Thames Member Username: Thames Post Number: 298 Registered: 02-2007 |
^^You're right Novine^^ I left out an important word in my haste. Let me try again "There is no doubt in my mind that *none* of that 47 million hasn't ALREADY been misappropriated." Still, a terrible sentence. | ||
Haikoont Member Username: Haikoont Post Number: 31 Registered: 09-2008 |
I don't know about $10 billion, but I'd give Detroit about tree fiddy.  | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 6406 Registered: 10-2003 |
Looks like a publicity stunt more than anything else. I think they know the reality of the bailout. I personally don't think the request is that ridiculous as it's being done to make a point given how they even know that this government would never give them emergency monies. The request isn't them being stupid, it's them bringing attention to those groups and organizations that actually need a bailout versus the ones that are actually getting them. Haikoont, What was the use of that picture and your post? What is it supposed to represent? (Message edited by lmichigan on November 12, 2008) | ||
Giver108 Member Username: Giver108 Post Number: 28 Registered: 06-2008 |
A couple years ago the council passed a resolution to impeach George Bush. Today they pass one demanding a ten billion bailout. I'm not sure which one is more laughable. The fact that they spent five minutes debating these things let alone passing them is five minutes that should be spent debating how to get the street lights turned on in a neighborhood or why when you call the cops nobody shows up. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 702 Registered: 12-2003 |
The picture and reference to tree fity are from South Park - its a show on TV. Its really funny. | ||
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000 Post Number: 726 Registered: 06-2005 |
Whether this request is realistic or not, it certainly is a discussion starter. Food for thought: the U.S. has appropriated $48 billion in stabilization and reconstruction in Iraq -- and they could have upwards of $80 billion in oil revenue this year. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 703 Registered: 12-2003 |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =yuB0GUgIB4Y "I need about tree fity." | ||
Foxyscholar Member Username: Foxyscholar Post Number: 275 Registered: 12-2007 |
Well, the Bible says "you have not because you ask not" (James 4:2) | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 704 Registered: 12-2003 |
You can't use the bible as a standard to judge from, it also says this... "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." (Luke 19:27) | ||
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 2184 Registered: 03-2008 |
Provided the money is watched by the public, press, and government, I see no problem. I get the above points though. Success is a team sport, and that goes double for this city and state. Until Detroit asks for help on how to manage and spend, giving them money is like giving a hungry person fish. Without learning how to fish, they'll soon end up back where they started, with nothing good to show for it. The constant remarks by our own council, that "Detroit doesn't need outsiders help", shows that they aren't ready to be handed money. Now, when they start asking for more outside help, that would be a different story (Although, DPS and the transit officials have been asking for help and input). (Message edited by Sean_of_Detroit on November 12, 2008) | ||
Foxyscholar Member Username: Foxyscholar Post Number: 276 Registered: 12-2007 |
Oh but I can, Bussey. Judgement has nothing to do with my point. Like NDavies started this thread off, the very question sounds RIDUNKULOUS (ridiculous for the mainstreamers). But hey, I ain't mad at 'em for at least asking. | ||
Crawford Member Username: Crawford Post Number: 427 Registered: 10-2006 |
There is no "bailout". Why do people keep repeating this nonsense? The $700 billion is in high interest loans to a short list of eligible firms who are judged to be key in establishing market liquidity. Based on this standard, WHY on earth would Detroit want to borrow $10 billion in high-interest, short-term loans from the government, and WHY would the government judge Detroit as critical in reestablishing global market liquidity? | ||
Crumbled_pavement Member Username: Crumbled_pavement Post Number: 598 Registered: 08-2007 |
Sean, I don't mind learning how to fish. In fact, with a $1M bail-out I will easily be able to afford an instructor to give me hand's on lessons on how to fish. Sean, please write your senator and congressman - along with Pelosi, and stress the importance of getting Crumbled_pavement a $1M bail-out. Want to rebuild America? Invest in a proven winner! | ||
Leannam1989 Member Username: Leannam1989 Post Number: 105 Registered: 06-2008 |
I'm glad Kwame won't get his paws on $10 billion. | ||
Jonnyfive Member Username: Jonnyfive Post Number: 141 Registered: 03-2007 |
While I think the odds of this actually happening are similar to those proposed in the Empire Strikes back of successfully navigating an asteroid field, I don't think the idea of Federal investment into decaying urban infrastructure is that radical. The cause of our current national economic strife isn't exactly universally agreed upon, but many have suggested that Obama should invest heavily in national infrastructure early on as a means of reversing job loss and improving the state of the country. To suggest that investing a few billion transit into the most populous region without said transit which also happens to be hit hardest by domestic job losses to free trade seems pretty reasonable. I hope President Obama cares more about the state of urban Detroit, Gary, St Louis, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New Orleans, etc. then President Bush does. | ||
Leannam1989 Member Username: Leannam1989 Post Number: 106 Registered: 06-2008 |
A lot of things Obama wants to do also have to approved by Congress, correct? He may want to spend a lot of money on infrastructure, but the Congress has to approve the budget. | ||
Warriorfan Member Username: Warriorfan Post Number: 1044 Registered: 08-2005 |
Yes, let's give $10 billion to a group of people who are under FBI investigation for corruption. Hey, let's give an extra billion to the school board, they need some new furniture for their offices! | ||
Thames Member Username: Thames Post Number: 299 Registered: 02-2007 |
Crumbled_pavement, you're going about this all wrong. I'm going to declare myself as a bank. AMEX did that just the other day and got 3-4 billion. That's way easier than all that letter writing and whatnot. | ||
Retroit Member Username: Retroit Post Number: 465 Registered: 04-2008 |
Detroit is in about as bad a shape as New Orleans was after Hurricane Katrina, so I say we have it declared a Disaster Area and get some FEMA money to tear down all these burnt out homes! | ||
Atwater Member Username: Atwater Post Number: 322 Registered: 09-2007 |
Ok, this is just... ridiculous. The point of these "bailouts" is to shore up necessary financial institutions. Even including the auto industry is a stretch, but ok, they employ so many people and form the backbone of American manufacturing. The idea of the federal government, giving any large sum, let alone 10 BILLION dollars, to the City of Detroit, of all entities, in this current global financial crisis, is laughable and ridiculous. | ||
Leannam1989 Member Username: Leannam1989 Post Number: 107 Registered: 06-2008 |
"Detroit is in about as bad a shape as New Orleans was after Hurricane Katrina, so I say we have it declared a Disaster Area and get some FEMA money to tear down all these burnt out homes!" I was browsing Google Maps and Live Maps. On Live Maps, one street had 4 houses standing on McGraw, and Streetview there was one house left, and it was just a shell. It's a shame. Maybe 3 years saw 4 houses down to 1 shell of a house you could see the sunshine through. Of course, every city, especially those considered "rustbelt" seem to have some disaster areas. Cleveland and St. Louis to some extent have urban decay. Just curious, if the city asked for a bailout, how about they use some of that money to tear down the dangerous, rotting buildings that seem to have no hope for revitalization (not so much the big Downtown buildings. Those could probably feasibly be used again for apartments or office space). | ||
Diehard Member Username: Diehard Post Number: 648 Registered: 03-2005 |
Oh look. Phoenix, Philadelphia and Atlanta want $$$ from the feds too. | ||
Trainman Member Username: Trainman Post Number: 812 Registered: 04-2006 |
The Transportation Riders United TRU supports a one half percent sales tax to replace $70 Million dollars per year for DDOT from state CTF funds. That's why the DARTA was illegal. That's why Livonia lost SMART. That's why Michigan is losing jobs. That's why Detroit wants more money. So, lets raise taxes and bail out Ford, GM, Chrysler, SMART, DDOT, Detroit and Livonia and also the railroads who will soon go broke if the car companies fail. In addition, let's be generous with tax increases by voting YES for every good cause so we can build a NEW COBO Hall and make sure that it is at least twice the size of the next largest one in the World. SEMCOG always plans big for mass transit and roads and freeways. So, why not make everything big. Does size always matter? |
