Low blow?

Even though I sometimes disagree with Jack Lessenberry's views, I always turn to his column first when I pick up the Metro Times because it's consistently clear, informative and thought-provoking.

 However, when I got to the last paragraph of "More of Matty's Lies" (Nov. 9), I was surprised and dismayed to read the final two sentences which I found to be mean-spirited and completely unnecessary. Not only did they taint the rest of an otherwise very worthwhile column, they succeeded in dropping Mr. Lessenberry to the rock-bottom level of the opposition.

 As far as I'm concerned, these two sentences manage to transform this column from "insightful" to "inciteful," which I thought was a big disappointment. —Marilyn Dreyer, Oak Park

Dear John

Just wanted to let you know how much I've appreciated the work of Detroitblogger John in Metro Times. I just read his story on Stephanie Teamer and her work writing obituaries. Thank you for this enjoyable, well-written article, and for the glimpse it gives into black culture in Detroit. John's story on homeless people and how they navigate their world was another recent, memorable piece with rare insight into a culture most really know nothing about. He covers things you see nowhere else, and does it well. We readers are fortunate to have access to his work. Thank you, MT. —Ilene Wolff, Royal Oak

Been down 

so long

I read with great interest the article, "Emergency: Take 3" (Nov. 23) and must say it "makes me wanna holla, throw up both my hands.". I've lived in Detroit for 58 years, having come here with my family at the age of 6. Detroit was a thriving city with a population of 1.8 million-plus people. Detroit was known as the "Arsenal of Democracy." Neighborhoods, the vast majority, were pristine and well-kept. There were major grocery stores, mom-and-pop stores and movie theaters in the neighborhood. The transportation system was dependable and ran on time. 

But sadly, Detroit is a mere shell of its former self. And this is where Detroit finds itself today: facing the very good likelihood of an emergency manager, due to possibly running out of money. If an EM is appointed there is going to be a lot of carnage, as workers — policemen and firemen included, and possibly the mayor and councilmembers — can be eliminated due to emergency managers' unlimited power to render contracts null and void. Detroit's not well, and needs something to get it out of the financial quagmire it's in. Detroit didn't get to this point overnight and it's going to take some time to get out of its doldrums. However, despite the ominous gloom it faces, Detroit has better days ahead and a brighter future. —Thomas A. Wilson Jr., Detroit

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