Category: Voters
Posted by Eric Brown on Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 9:53 PMIn A Word, "PATHETIC" and No Longer A Player
Once again, the voters in Detroit showed themselves to be pathetic when it comes to going to the polls to cast a ballot. Yes, there was a crisp bite of coolness in the air accompanied with a brisk breeze today. However, the sun did shine brightly for most of the daylight hours and there was no chance of any rain, sleet or snow to provide an excuse for not voting.
The most fundamental right we have as citizens in this country is the privilege to vote. However, that did not seem to matter to about 89% of the electorate in Detroit. Thus, those folk give up any right that they had to complain, though many from that very group will profess to have participated in the process.
The very city with so many problems and with some real issues on the ballot, one would think that there would have been a turnout hovering around 75% or more. By not voting and with so much apathy in Detroit, the continued low turnouts will continue to make Detroit a non-factor in this state and nationally.
Here is something else for the Detroit electorate to ponder. Last year when the first non-white male was elected as President, Detroit really did not play a role in Barack Obama winning Michigan. As a matter of fact, had not a single person voted in Detroit on November 4, 2008, Barack Obama would still be President. The same can be said about Jennifer Granholm and her 2006 gubernatorial victory. And in 2002, she placed third in Detroit behind Jim Blanchard and David Bonior, but still won the primary election and her parties nomination.
The good news for the 21% in Detroit that did take the time to cast a ballot today is that come 2013, City Council members will be elected by district. Then there is proof that the people have faith in Emergency Financial Manager, Robert Bobb, since the 500 million dollar school bond proposal passed. So, all was not lost with the end result of the votes counted.
Going forward, Detroit is going to have to prove itself to be a player again at the state level and nationally. But it is up to the electorate to make that happen and by not exercising their right to vote does not bode well for a city that needs something to make itself relevant again.
Comments
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real analysis
Mr. Wheeler,
There is lies the problem with black folk. We always want to compare our situation with that of others. Oakland County did not experience the turmoil that Detroit has over the past couple of years. The proposals on the ballot alone should have resulted in a bigger turnout.
Until people begin to accept responsibility for their actions and hold themselves accountable, things will never change. You can protest all you want and do all the comparing that you want, and still, there is no excuse for 21% of an electorate turning out to vote; in Detroit or anywhere else.
Talk about Oakland County all you want, but they do not have the problems that your city has. I stand by my analysis with regard to how PATHETIC the turnout was; specifically in Detroit.
Enough with the excuses, blaming and playing victim!
There should be no excuses for it and to try to cry about what happened elsewhere is just as PATHETIC. If those in Oakland County were to burh their houses down, are you saying that it would be fine if Detroit residents did likewise? Oh wait, that already happens there.
Eric Brown
Canton, MI
"Pathetic" will suffice...
I find it saddening that the citizens of Detroit can't turn out to vote and help determine their own future...
But they can put a lineup of people around Cobo Hall when the government is passing out "free" money...
How's that for commentary on the state of the Detroit electorate?
real analysis
Voter turnout in Oakland County this cycle was 16%. You should do a blog about how PATHETIC that is.
This was the 5th election in a year for Detroiters. What's their excuse?
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