Why does it take the NFL draft to spruce up Detroit? | Letters to the Editor

Student protesters shouldn't be arrested or expelled

I am appalled by the response of some our universities to expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people now taking place on campuses nationwide. ("University of Michigan students set up tent encampment, demand divestment from Israel," Detroit Free Press, April 25, 2024.)

These young people are demonstrating their commitment to justice and human rights. The students should be commended and thanked, not sanctioned, arrested or expelled.

It seems that university administrators are conflating any criticism of the state of Israel and its policies (anti-Zionism) with hatred for the Jewish faith tradition and culture (antisemitism). No country is above criticism.

For millennia the Jewish people have been in the forefront of the struggle for justice and human rights. Millions of Jews are deeply troubled by what is being done in their name.

I hope that academic leaders resist political pressure and stand up for justice, human rights and the rule of law. At least young people are leading the way.

Karen Donahue

Detroit

Pro-Palestinian protests will disrupt graduation ceremony

My son is a senior at the University of Michigan, and he will be attending the graduation commencement.

Until recently, we anticipated a joyous weekend. However, disruptive (pro) Palestinian protests at the University of Michigan and other universities have led to concerns, especially after the weak response from university administration. I am forwarding my concerns to the Free Press in the hopes that publicity will pressure the university into addressing the concerns of graduating students and their families.

Glenn Schwartz

Northbrook, Illinois

Biden doesn't understand our passion

With the rise of student protest across the country about the war in Gaza, President Joe Biden needs to listen or he is handing the election to Trump. Young people show the largest block of discontent with 57 percent of younger voters who disapprove Biden’s handling of the war.

We don’t care that he’s air-dropping food when he still sends more bombs that Israel is using on innocent Palestinians.

We don’t believe that he understands our passion when he erroneously calls the protest against his actions in Gaza antisemitic, instead of hearing the message that students are trying to send: divest and stop using our money to bomb innocents.

It’s hard to imagine the situation being worse under another president when we see the daily horrors of what’s happening in Gaza on our screens and yet, Biden’s support for Israel is still ironclad.

Unless Biden listens to students, he is going to lose this election.

Nicholas Jansen

Rives Junction, Michigan

Young people, Trump will be much worse

Young people justifiably upset with President Joe Biden’s support of Israel who are planning to not vote, to vote for a third-party candidate, or to vote for Trump are making it much more likely that Trump will be elected. Such a result would be much worse for young people than a second Biden term.

Trump, the judges he would appoint, and the legislation he would support would likely restrict women’s reproductive freedom, stop any forgiveness of student loans, end any movement towards confronting climate change and prevent any movement toward reasonable gun control.

In short, young people abandoning Biden because of his policy with regard to Israel and Palestinians will be much worse off with Trump!

John E. Colbert

Arroyo Seco, New Mexico

Why does it take the NFL draft to spruce up Detroit?

As Detroit geared up to host the 2024 NFL draft, the excitement forced many to ask the uncomfortable question: Why can we mobilize vast resources for a week-long spectacle, yet struggle to address the chronic challenges that affect our daily lives?

Detroit, historically celebrated for its robust auto industry, now finds itself at a crossroads. Cities like Columbus, Indianapolis and Memphis, who once stood in our shadow, are now larger than Detroit by population. This isn’t just about economics or demographics; it's about priorities. These cities have embraced the fact that to thrive, they must be great places to live, not just places to visit.

Our city’s investment in high-profile events is not misplaced, but it highlights a chronic failing of decades of administrations who are either too blind or too disconnected to confront the problems staring us in the face. Imagine Detroit with accessible local amenities — a city where daily conveniences and vibrant public spaces are a short walk away, instead of a 20-minute drive. This vision is achievable, but it requires a shift in focus from our leaders. They must prioritize making Detroit a great place to live every day, not just when the spotlight of the world shines upon us. Somehow, our neighbors with smaller populations and budgets have figured out how “pocket downtowns” can enrich the quality of life in existing neighborhoods. You only need to look to Plymouth, Dearborn, Farmington, Ferndale, Royal Oak and a handful of others for examples.

Instead, Detroit neighborhoods are encircled by commercial corridors dotted with deteriorating buildings that will never regain economic viability.

I'll give credit where its due. Streetscaping projects like E. Warren and Livernois are steps in the right direction, but ultimately fall short without addressing the root issues like zoning and density. Cities smaller than Detroit, like Ferndale with just 19,000 residents, have successfully supported their downtowns by building parking structures and off-street parking, facilitating a vibrant, accessible commercial environment. Yet, in areas like the Avenue of Fashion, businesses are struggling to serve a trickle of customers due to inadequate infrastructure.

It’s not that Detroit lacks the resources to transform; rather, it's a matter of how those resources are being spent. As demonstrated by Dearborn and Royal Oak, even smaller populations can foster mixed-use, dense environments where businesses, jobs and social lives flourish. Detroit could surpass such successes with comprehensive urban planning and rezoning that focuses on creating the amenities residents need.

And very little of this needs to be on the city's dime. We've handed sweetheart deals to billionaires who make a hobby out of breaking promises, yet we'll practically allow startup developers to self-sabotage by putting new construction on a block of vacant lots. Why not do land-swap deals with those smaller developers and build a smaller "District Detroit" at Grand River and Greenfield? Or Warren and Conner? Or any other of the places a "pocket downtown" could serve the needs of that area? Why are Detroiters being asked to be happy with strip malls hosting overflowing trash bins and dilapidated commercial buildings owned by speculators? Downtown is doing much better, I can't deny that. But our neighborhoods can hardly be said to have changed for the better, and since most of the people live in … neighborhoods, they're dreaming of a better places to live.

The NFL draft will soon pass, and the decorations will come down, but Detroit and her residents will remain — hopefully. Its time we take a real look at what we’re going to do so that average Detroiters feel as positive about our neighborhoods as we do our downtown. Its time to think about why our “norm” is to leave the city for dining and entertainment, while any other major metropolitan area does the opposite. And its time to think about when we’re going to finally think of how to make Detroit a great place to live, and not just a great place to visit.

Robert Lawson

Detroit

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NFL draft, pro-Palestinian protests, 2024 election | Letters