Jon Stewart gives Detroit overdue comic relief

Thank you so much for covering the "Rustbelt Midwest Swing State F@#kfest." Lest we take any of this too seriously...

Don't think of an elephant...or looking past mayor Kilpatrick's indictment

Don't think of an elephant. Wise politicians advise Detroiters not to get bogged down and preoccupied with mayor Kilpatrick's indictment. In a culture enamored of celebrity and fascinated by every prurient thing, how likely is that? Folks just can't resist the fall of the high and privileged, especially when it involves sex.

In the city that celebrated the "hip-hop" mayor who brought a sense of danger and fun to political office, a dapper player, a cocky native son, imposing in stature, nattily dressed...who can ignore the tragedy? Hope for economic development rests with this man. Hope for attracting business and generating revenue rests with this man. Kilpatrick is the face of Detroit, its ambassador to the world.

Michigan needs a healthy and thriving Detroit not a distracting spectacle and media circus. Can we all put aside this legal and ethical mess and keep on the task of advancing Detroit? He's pulling together support to pay for his defense and notables are reminding the public that he is innocent until proven guilty.

It takes a special strength to move ahead in the face of adversity. The mayor is a fighter and may succeed in this, but will he be able to serve the best interests of the city that depends on his leadership as he fights the charges? Many think not and fear that this will further harm Detroit.

Hard to see how it won't.

International attention Michigan can do without

The Kwame Kilpatrick indictment has all the world looking at Detroit.

Detroit mayor in sex scandal (Australia): "Mr Kilpatrick, the youngest-ever Mayor of Detroit, said he expected to be cleared. He did not deny wrongdoing and did not address calls for his resignation."

Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick charged with perjury over sex scandal (Times Online, UK): " The 37-year-old Democrat, a former teacher who was dubbed the "Hip-Hop Mayor" because of his youth and energy when he was elected in 2002, last night faced calls to resign from every member of the City Council."

Detroit mayor charged with perjury, says he will be exonerated (International Herald Tribune): "Flanked by a high-octane lawyer and national public relations expert, Kilpatrick said he is 'deeply disappointed' in multiple felony counts lodged against him and former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty."

Another US Democrat involved in sex scandal (Radio Netherlands): "In the US, yet another prominent Democratic politician has become involved in a sex scandal. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been charged with perjury, obstructing justice and abuse of power. He was allegedly involved in a secret relationship with a member of his staff and threw a wild party in his office which included a stripper."

Detroit Mayor will fight charges (OttawaCitizen.com/Canada.com): "Though he has had a rocky two tenures - accused of lavish spending with his city credit card and of publically denying the police department paid for a Lincoln Navigator for his wife - he was considered a rising Democratic star. He is the first Detroit mayor to be charged with a felony while in office."

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's indictment: how much more must Detroit endure?

Mayor Kilpatrick, charged with perjury, obstructing justice and misconduct in office, contends that he will be vindicated. Fine. Let the system do its job.

Does the city have to endure the burden of the case? It is already a spectacle, an embarrassment, a severe impediment to Detroit's progress.

Kilpatrick continues to resist suggestions that he resign. Does he really believe that he can serve Detroit well, even as his energy and resources are drained by a court fight?

Good luck, Mr. Mayor.

Good luck, Ms. Worthy.

Good luck, Detroit.