LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Democrats, riots hurt Detroit

7/30/2013

Your July 23 editorial “Rebirth of Detroit” blamed the exodus from Detroit on the interstate highway system and federal policies that encouraged migration to the suburbs. How could you not even mention the 1967 riots, which did more than anything else to cause flight from the city?

And why didn’t you identify the political party that for the past 50 years has run Detroit into the ground? Maybe it’s because the elephant in the room looks so much like a donkey.

MARGARET PROULX
Defiance

 

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To rebound, Detroit needs help
I lived in Detroit 40 years ago. I left after eight months, when a neighbor was raped in her driveway across the street and two bodies were found in a basement two doors down.

The city hasn’t changed much, though officials tried to make improvements with the convention center, arenas, and casinos. But where did all the tax money from those ventures go?

Reputable companies should be hired to clear lands of abandoned buildings. This cleared land should be offered to serious developers at no charge or tax-free for five years. And the city should try to attract young people to help with trying to find a way to reduce the number of homeless people.

LISA BARRETT
Lambert Drive

 

Racial bias needs to be eliminated
If the shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman had involved two persons of the same race, this incident never would have received national attention ("A voice from the past finds change, but not enough, in race relations," op-ed column, July 23).

How can America overcome racial discrimination if news media continue to practice racial profiling? Let’s get over it.

ERNEST FRYE
Temperance

 

Accept verdict in Zimmerman case
Thank God we have a judicial system, because otherwise many Americans would have lynched Mr. Zimmerman, before or after the trial.

The verdict had nothing to do with race or age. It had to do with whether the prosecution could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Zimmerman did not act in self-defense. That could not be proven.

I am astounded that so many people refuse to accept the verdict.

JoANNE VanSPARRENTAK
Grand Rapids, Ohio

 

Person with gun gets the last word
With the acquittal of Mr. Zimmerman in the death of Mr. Martin, Florida has legalized murder. The “stand your ground” law gives the person with the gun the last word. Using a bullet ensures that the victim will not be testifying.

MELVIN LANE
Napoleon