Scott, do you want to explain to me how housing discrimination comes into play in Detroit?? Detroit has been under black control (Democrat) since I was a child, and I’m quickly approaching 40.

In addition, family “wealth” may be a predictor, but another MAJOR factor is family strength. Heck, no family wealth here (my student loans are finally gonna be paid off this year- YEA!) … but I did come from a family where not going to college, NOT doing what I was supposed to do, was NOT an option. I live in a community in Detroit where in-tact families are the norm, not the exception. Not a lot of pregnant teens here … people go to school, get a job, get married, keep their houses nice, and do what they gotta do. THAT is the key to success.

Scott – Just because we think Africa Town is stupid doesn’t mean we don’t understand the dynamics of race, wealth and discrimination. You’re correct in a sense – family wealth may be a determiner of success, but there are many others. Don’t undercut the individual here. Race-based government schemes to remedy past discrimination are still wrong despite any rationalizations. The question becomes, do we want to rationalize it? I say no, at least not for me as a black person. It stinks.

Detroit needs to find some other way – legally – to solve the problems.

I assume you do know that until recently housing discrimination was the law of the land. I also assume you know that family wealth is one of the biggest determiners of success. And that schools are funded based on local taxes.

I live in nyc where have an rent controlled apt is better than owning an apt. “For an apartment to be under rent control, the tenant must have been living in that apartment continuously since before July 1, 1971.” Well pre – 1971 housing descrimination was rampant in nyc. So guess who gets the advantage of this tax free subsidy in the better neighborhoods with the better schools and social services. (Not black people)

The intersection of race and wealth is ignored by liberal and conservatives alike. I advise you and your readers to learn more on these issues.

I look at the situation in Detroit as well as numerous other locations throughout our Nation, and recognize there is a serious need for service within these communities. However, the charitable efforts by the local and national governmental agencies and parties so often seem hollow and self serving.

Neal A. Maxwell, who recently passed away, wrote, “Frequently, we busily search for group service projects, which are surely needed and commendable, when quiet, personal service is also urgently needed. Sometimes the completing of an occasional group service project ironically salves our own conscience when, in fact, we are constantly surrounded by a multitude of opportunities for individual service.” He goes on to say, “We lose ourselves in righteous service and in wise and good causes through a thousand deeds rather than one single spectacular act.”

From my perspective, Africa Town is a selfish attempt at a spectacular Act.

There are direct, obvious, and traditional needs to be met, such as providing food, clothing, shelter and physical care. But there are also more subtle needs to be met. There are people, of all races, with wounded and bruised egos who need to be wrapped in the blanket of belonging. I see the encouagement and support of Faith based activities, by President Bush, as subtle means to meet subtle needs.

Detroit is already Africa Town with a non-willingness to pool resources. So the city suffers. No more government money so it can be misused, misrouted, and misplaced.

Detroit isn’t alone.

I can’t wait to vote tomorrow. And I especially can’t wait to comment tomorrow night.

Are you ready to RRRRRUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEE!!!!