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By Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony!
The following is part one of a press release about comments made by Detroit’s Emergency Manger.
DETROIT, MI — The recent comments made by Detroit’s Emergency Manager, Kevyn Orr, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal strike at the very heart and soul of that which clearly demonstrates two different world views of the same condition. Mr. Orr’s comments were callous, insensitive, disrespectful, stereotypical, and most disdainful of not only the African American citizens in the City of Detroit, but in particular thousands of blue collar workers who have given their sweat and blood in building this city. He said to one of America’s foremost conservative and socially indifferent news outlets, “Much of Detroit’s dysfunction is also due to simple complacency. For a long time the city was dumb, lazy, happy and rich.” Mr. Orr, neither the citizens of Detroit nor its leaders are dumb, lazy, happy with current circumstances and very few, if any, are rich.
Further, Mr. Orr’s attempt to explain his characterizations of the City of Detroit and its people is even more arrogant and callous. It is without apology, possessing no sensitivity or a concern for the very people he has been “selected” to so-called manage. One has to wonder if these comments are also the sentiments of the man who appointed Mr. Orr in the first place, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who said he accepts Mr. Orr’s comments and the intent behind them.
The question must be asked, how can one effectively restructure Detroit when he does not respect Detroit? How can the Emergency Manager effectively manage the City of Detroit and its image around the world when he tears it down, disrespects the people and uses language couched in the appearance of concern that is really what one expects from the likes of a Rush Limbaugh or George Will. Shame on you Mr. Orr! Many of us have attempted to avoid name-calling and personal denigration of you and your office. We find that you have now crossed the line reflecting a historical demonization while demonstrating the most base and vile contempt for citizens in the City of Detroit.
Lest we forget, Detroit workers have built the nation’s middle class. Detroiters have taxed themselves to build schools, stadiums, to hire police officers and fire fighters, and to improve city services for the past 50 years. Can Mr. Orr say the same thing about his friends on Wall Street?
Our leaders have unfortunately been given the task to raise cities and communities up from the ashes after years of neglect and economic disenfranchisement from previous leaders who occupied public office. Detroit’s economic downturn did not begin with Mayor Coleman Young. Further it has not increased absent the negative economic depression within our nation.
Mr. Orr, as a so-called turn around expert brought in to carry the City of Detroit through the process of bankruptcy, did not use the terms “dumb, lazy, happy and rich” when he was working to restructure Chrysler or GM. Mr. Orr has not used those terms to describe the cities of New York, Pittsburgh or Miami. Moody’s investors services has even downgraded the State of Illinois’ credit quality. Moody’s stated that Illinois’ fragile finances could translate into less money for cities, villages and towns.
