Thread: Detroit....

I guess I don't understand what yall are getting at, then. Lots of dark hints, but not much straight talk, so sorry if I misinterpret what you're saying. I mean, what's the argument here? Detroit's in trouble - fine, we've seen that coming - and we can look at the factors which led to it, and wonder about the correct solution - okay - but I just don't know what socialism has to do with this at all, and it seems like misdirection to even bring it up.

Originally Posted by alexm

Really? Detroit filed for bankruptcy because of socialism? You guys are killing me.

If they want the Socialist perspective on what's been Doing in Detroit, folks can read the past few years'-worth of articles on the World Socialist Web Site.

It began (the "recent" phases) with the UAW (United Auto Workers) union becoming part-owners in the GM/Chrysler bail-outs, while "negotiating" for half-pay, mandatory overtime, and a "4-10" work schedule; then it progressed to the Michigan governor appointing an "emergency manager" to dismantle Detroit. It's all there, to be read -- hopefully, understood.

This isn't about race (or ethnicity, gender, or any other component of "identity politics") -- strictly about class: owners vs. working-class

Go ahead; read. If you're willing to view life through a PRISM, then what you'll see through the Socialist lens might surprise you.

Nothing to get excited about. The usual right wing garbage. Just another opportunity to blame Democrats, Liberals and progressives for every negative thing in this country.

Well, if they weren't responsible for every negative thing there would be no need to blame them!

Originally Posted by bill3152

Eventually all debts will have to be paid. Debt is slavery. Every man woman and child in this country owes about $50k not including fed state and local govt unfunded obligations which are not included in the total debt figure. It is much higher.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Nothing to get excited about. The usual right wing garbage. Just another opportunity to blame Democrats, Liberals and progressives for every negative thing in this country.

Let me guess....It's Bushes Fault

The best idea I have personally heard so far, is some version of the old "Homestead Act" open Detroit up to people to go back in, build and fix the homes and businesses..

The rules of course would have to be worked out, but basically when you have an area that has no value and you want people to move there you have to give them an incentive...

I think Detroit is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other cities that will be facing the same thing too soon. And this is the small stuff. This country is so far behind in debt that anything short of a miracle will not stop the inevitable. 1% of the population controls this country. Left wingers,right wingers, no wings, all allow this to go on. If we don't get control of these clowns we call leaders we will get what we deserve. Nothing. Same thing Detroit is becoming, nothing but a shell of what it once was. And it doesn't look to me like we have much time. What I find amazing is that everyone looks for blame and/or points fingers. Instead of pulling together like we would during any other disaster.

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Let me guess....It's Bushes Fault

That thought never crossed my mind. However every administration has managed to grow the debt and its unsustainable.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

I think Detroit is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other cities that will be facing the same thing too soon. And this is the small stuff. This country is so far behind in debt that anything short of a miracle will not stop the inevitable. 1% of the population controls this country. Left wingers,right wingers, no wings, all allow this to go on. If we don't get control of these clowns we call leaders we will get what we deserve. Nothing. Same thing Detroit is becoming, nothing but a shell of what it once was. And it doesn't look to me like we have much time. What I find amazing is that everyone looks for blame and/or points fingers. Instead of pulling together like we would during any other disaster.

The first rule of war is to identify the enemy and divide them so they are too busy bickering among themselves to realize the threat and that also makes it possible for a much smaller force to defeat a larger one.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The first rule of war is to identify the enemy and divide them so they are too busy bickering among themselves to realize the threat and that also makes it possible for a much smaller force to defeat a larger one.

And THAT is what "identity politics" is all about: dividing people who otherwise have a strong, mutual bond (workers!), on the basis of race, religion, gender, nationality, or sexual preference.