news
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE December 9-15, 2009 Page A-4
DPS
From page A-1
resolutions that you most mentioned Detroit’s children. lent games for their children
likely will break in the first six
months of the year, think hard
If you have ever paid some-
while neglecting important
about the test scores revealing
one’s college fees or medical
things like books that will
the academic inadequacies
bills of an indigent family,
actually develop the cognitive
we’ve shamefully accepted as
please let us know because
skills of the kids.
the educational moniker for
we would like to write about If parents are the first tutors
children in Detroit.
it. Because I want you to prove of a child, especially in the
me wrong that no one in the first five years of their develop-
Think about Detroit in the political leadership does that
ment, and the most they can
next 15 years and what that kind of public service.
do is buy them junk food, toys
would mean to children born
in this city.
That is why I find no justifi-
which are sometimes filled
cation in slashing after-school
with lead from China, and
Fifteen years from now programs and other incentives
violent addictive games, what
when my son and other chil- like the Michigan Promise
type of future do we expect
dren born this year turn 16 Scholarship when the future
those kids to have?
they will expect their parents of our children is at stake. I
An unhealthy, playful and
to buy them their first cars. find no reasoning in the mad
violent future?
Will the auto industry in
logic often demonstrated by
Detroit then be on life support
nutty-head politicians who
The year 2010 should call
or would it have reinvented
clamor for educational cuts
for an attitudinal change to-
itself to produce top cars that
first before anything else in
wards our children.
are affordable, eco-friendly,
solving budget issues.
The politicians are not guilt
compact and widely liked? Even when they have op-
free. But we do have an obli-
As the year is coming to
tions to weigh, education is
gation as well, especially if we
an end I’m projecting into the
the first lamb for the slaughter,
love our sons and daughters
future, and worried about the
while their salaries are intact,
enough to ensure a secured
FORD ROLELD OUT the new 2011 Ford Fiesta to a huge fanfare at the auto show.
future my son and other chil-
and then they further engage
and happy future for them.
dren will inherit. And the news
in the double-talk propaganda
The United Nations Interna-
Bad connections
from DPS this week doesn’t
of helping our children.
tional Children’s Emergency
From page A-1
help ease the climate of con- And if you are like Robert
Fund (UNICEF) Convention on
fusion that is forcing parents L. Emerson, the gloating state
the Rights of the Child clearly
est market in the U.S. for new among show-goers that it’ll Mack. “For me to even look
to choose between DPS and budget director who because
stipulates that children de-
cars. It also represents every need to compete when matched at an American car is a lot be-
other districts. of the dire economic crisis
serve the support of us all,
major segment when it comes against luxury brands such as cause I can’t think of the last noting, “Convinced that the
to new automobiles ranging Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.
time I’ve owned an American
What would the Michigan
proposed that Michigan stop
family, as the fundamental
from affordable compacts to
economy be like given that it
paying for a before- and after-
HEY CHRYSLER, WHAT’S
made car.”
group of society and the natu-
premium luxury rides. In ad-
is currently driving away grad-
school program he himself
NEW?
ral environment for the growth
dition, California is the largest
Even more interesting is the
uates to other states because
sponsored as a lawmaker, your
and well-being of all its mem-
market for hybrid and electric
For Chrysler, the question fact that Mack is now consid- they find no greener pastures
tunnel vision offers no vision
bers and particularly children,
vehicles, which clearly seems
at the LA show was when are ering an American vehicle is at home?
for children of the state.
should be afforded the neces-
to be where the future of the
they going to showcase any the fact that she’s cross shop-
The economic situation in
So our problem continues
sary protection and assistance
auto industry is headed.
new vehicles? ping a Mercury and a Lexus.
Detroit and the state places
because we have so-called po-
In short, if you’re a major
Aside from a few new “I went over to GM and
upon us a challenge to go
litical leaders in place who are
so that it can fully assume its
automaker and you can make
Vipers, a customized Chrys-
Chrysler and nothing grabbed beyond policy enactment to
willing to slice and dice the
responsibilities within the
it in California, you can make
ler 300 and a beefed up Mopar
me,” she said. “I see the big- making deliberate choices,
opportunities for children, de-
community. Recognizing that
it anywhere. And after spend-
Jeep Wrangler, the only thing
gest changes are at Ford.” personal sacrifices that will
nying them what is rightfully
the child, for the full and har-
ing some time with some LA
that appeared to be new at secure a future for Michigan’s
theirs.
monious development of his or
her personality, should grow
auto show attendees, it’s clear
the Chrysler display were the
Keriyna Carter, a 19-year-
children. And this trend of abandon-
up in a family environment, in
that GM and Chrysler are still
models who seemed to be get-
old attendee, said she was
I have not seen anybody yet
ing the needs of tomorrow’s
an atmosphere of happiness,
struggling with how to really
ting more attention.
caught by the Ford Fiesta. The
car, targeted at Carter’s demo- make a sacrifice despite the
future leaders will continue
love and understanding.”
connect with some key con-
LA show attendee Raffe
graphic, has been part of an
sweet rhetoric we are buffeted
because we as parents, teach-
sumers.
Lazarias, 24, said there wasn’t
aggressive marketing cam-
with daily from slick-talking
ers, administrators and the
Most children around the
anything really appealing
WARNING SIGNS
paign by the Dearborn-based
politicians pretending to care
community have not set better
world are far from realizing the
about the GM and Chrysler
about kids.
examples of being custodians
dreams and aspirations rati-
I guess, last week’s break- booth.
automaker, including giving
of a brighter tomorrow for
fied in this document, but we
100 people Fiesta for a year
ing news on the eve of the LA
I want to see them make per-
children.
in Detroit have an inescapable
“There doesn’t seem
show’s opening that GM’s CE0
as part of the Fiesta Move-
sonal sacrifices by volunteer-
obligation to help in realizing
to be much by the way of
Fritz Henderson was being
ment to document their expe- ing 5 percent of their monthly
We continue to be poor role
these goals for our children.
Jeeps and trucks here,” said
ousted and then his daugh-
riences with the car via social salary to fund a scholarship
models to children who are
Lazarias. “That’s why it’s
Watch senior editor
ter’s reported rampage on
networking platforms such as for children in our neighbor-
begging for mentorship and
dead here (at the Chrysler
Bankole Thompson’s weekly
Facebook (more akin to a real-
Facebook and YouTube. hoods.
guidance. Some par-
booth) and like ‘ten thousand’
ents have chosen the option of
show, “Center Stage,” on
ity show) should have been an
people in the Porsche booth.”
“It’s really nice,” said The Detroit City Council,
putting aside their children’s
WADL TV 38, Saturdays at 1
indication of the troubles still and other elected officials in-
educational demands for a
p.m. This Saturday’s program,
prevalent with GM.
The issue, believes Lazar-
Carter. “It has nice body to
ias, is not with the vehicles,
it, technology. It seems like cluding members of the Detroit week-long wonder vacation in
Dec 12, will feature a roundta-
Much as last week news
but in reaching consumers.
something that fits someone Lansing Delegation, can do the Caribbean islands or to
ble of guests discussing a Yale
that Chrysler’s national dealer
my age.”
this if they are serious about
host the latest award-winning
University study about edu-
network is calling for the com-
“I think the (American car-
the business of the children.
or talk-of-the-town party.
cated Black women not get-
pany to pull ads like the new “I
makers) are doing better,” he
The Ford booth also in-
I’ll bet you none of them would
ting married and bearing chil-
Live. I Ride. I Am” Jeep spots
said. “I think the mid to late
cluded live demonstrations
come forward because some
Our messed up priorities
dren. The panel will include
and Chrysler’s “World With-
nineties was a dead zone, but
with show attendees featuring
of them reminded us already
are only leaving our children
famed actress and Detroit
out Walls” campaign — argu-
now the new Jeeps are looking
some of the Fiesta features
on the campaign trail that
behind and then we wonder
native Lonette McKee, politi-
ing that they fail to help sell
good , the new trucks are look-
such as the hands-free SYNC
because they are working for
why they are coming home
cal science lecturer Kimberly
technology.
vehicles is an indication of the
ing good. I think their engines
the public, they expect to get
with failing grades from DPS.
Hill and Detroit News deputy
troubles still prevalent with
are getting better. But I think
Vincent Nguyen, 25, said he paid. Others were stammering
Then we blame everyone but
metro editor Ebony Reed. All
Chrysler.
in LA it’s going to be hard for
wanted to see the Ford Fiesta like babies ready to say their
ourselves.
three sucessful single Black
those cars to break in. The
first word when asked during At the same time other par- women will discuss the study
A dance routine at the GM
because of the buzz it’s been
culture is so diverse.”
the various candidates’ forum ents are engaging in the thrill indepth on the program. Tune
display booth for the Chevro-
generating in the media.
what they will personally sac- of shopping madness, finding in. E-mail bthompson@mi-
let Volt, which GM announced
Chrysler announced on
“I liked it quite a bit when
rifice. I heard none of them respite in buying toys and vio- chronicle.com.
will roll out in LA, evoked the
Nov. 4 that 75 percent of their
they announced it awhile
same kind of response from
current vehicle offerings will
back,” said Nguyen. “It’s
some attendees. “It’s just so
be modified within the next
gotten a lot of coverage. It’s
random,” said a show-goer.
14 months, and 100 percent
nice.”
“That’s not going to help sell
of their product portfolio will
Briefs
From page A-1
Clearly, the fact that Ford
cars.
be renewed in some fasion
by 2012. But clearly that plan
didn’t receive government Earley; and Mayor Dave Bing. For more information, visit Murray will provide leader-
It seems to be an ongoing
hasn’t been conveyed to some
funds for a bailout has put the
struggle for GM — exactly what
This year’s gala is being
www.michbar.org. ship and oversight to MNA’s
people.
automaker in a much better
can they do to break through
sponsored by St. John Health
work in Metro Detroit to
position in the minds of con-
to consumers.
Not the case with Ford. System, MGM Grand Detroit,
‘No Child without ensure the strength and ef-
sumers than its Detroit coun-
Good People Popcorn, Bank
a Christmas’
fectiveness of nonprofits in
There are also questions
MERCURY OR LEXUS?
terparts.
of America, Jackets for Jobs,
the region; and Melton will
about whether some of the Robin Mack, 56, said she
Marygrove College and DTE.
On Dec. 14, the Wayne be responsible for creating a
GM product unveilings at the came to the show to cross shop
Still, if Chrysler and GM
The event will take place at
County Sheriff’s Office, local sustainable, comprehensive
LA show, like the Buick Regal the Mercury Milan Hybrid with
don’t find their own formulas
the Book Cadillac hotel.
3317, and the Wayne County fundraising structure within
and Chevrolet Cruse, can help the new Lexus HS Hybrid and
for exciting consumers quick-
Sheriff’s Deputy Association, MNA and increasing the level
the company regain market because of all the excitement
ly, the future survival of the For tickets or additional
P.O.A.M., will sponsor the of funding support from indi-
share. around Ford now.
carmakers could be in serious information, call (313) 963-
Goodfellows’ 2009 fundraiser, viduals as well as from govern-
jeopardy. 8100.
Even the new Cadillac CTS “Since I live here in LA,
“No Child Without a Christ- ment, corporate and founda-
Coupe, one of my personal fa- look for the cars with the Marcus Amick is a na-
mas.” tion funders.
Michigan’s public
vorite unveilings, didn’t seem best gas mileage so I’m really tional automotive writer and The event will take place
Murray most recently
to generate the response focusing on hybrids,” said product analyst. defense system from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Key
served as the vice president
Leaders from Washington,
Club Restaurant (Steve’s Soul and Community Reinvestment
Food), 1440 E. Franklin, and Act State director for Charter
Detroit Chassis
D.C., and Lansing are set to
One Bank. In her work with
From page A-1
converge at Wayne State Uni-
will feature a live auction and
versity on Monday, Dec. 14, for
raffle prizes. One hundred per- Charter One Bank and Fifth
our size in the country,” said tract assemblers of completed Automotive Suppliers Trade
two events focused on examin-
cent of the proceeds will be Third Bank prior to that, she
Michael Guthrie, co-chairman, vehicles such as the Think Association and Scholarship
ing failures within Michigan’s
used to purchase toys for less worked with a number of De-
president and CEO. Neighbor electric car world- Board, Concerned Christian
public defense system. It will
fortunate children for Christ- troit area nonprofit partners
also seek out ways of provid-
mas. including Community Legal
Brothers Michael and Carl-
wide. Detroit Chassis is Men, The Joyce Foundation,
ing adequate representation For more information, call
Resources and Detroit LISC.
ton Guthrie started manu-
the only minority owned firm United Way, Junior Achieve-
for people unable to afford an Sheila Rhodes at (313) 224-
She is a graduate of Central
facturing chassis in 1999
capable of manufacturing ment of Southeast Michigan,
attorney. 2266 or Francis R. Davis at
State University and is cur-
after years in the automotive
“green” vehicles. Davis Aerospace, Technical
rently pursuing her Masters
business and owning a metal
The 218,000 square foot
High School and the Tuskegee
At 9 a.m., the U.S. House
(313) 205-0472 or Sheila Mul-
of Community Development
stamping business in Lansing,
Detroit Chassis facility is lo-
Airmen.
Judiciary Committee, chaired
hern at (313) 224-0631.
at the University of Detroit
Michigan since 1985.
cated on 33 acres which has
Detroit Chassis started an
by Rep. John Conyers (D- Mercy.
housed automotive related
Mich.), will hold a Briefing
Michigan Nonprofit
A successful contract with
innovative program in 2004
manufacturers for over 100
on Solutions to the Indigent
Association welcomes
Melton previously worked
Ford Motor Company in 1999
called Business Application in
years beginning in 1903 when
Defense Crisis. The event
with Lutheran Child & Family
established the company as a
Manufacturing Management
the Dodge brothers sold the
will feature a diverse panel of
new director
Service of Michigan (LCFS)
leading chassis manufactur-
(BAMM). This 12 week mentor-
property to the Dodge Corpo-
national and state experts on
where he served as director of
Michigan Nonprofit Asso-
ing company for niche vehi-
ing program gives high school
ration.
the issue of public defense,
Development. Prior to LCFS,
ciation (MNA) has announced
cles and RVs.
seniors a chance to partici-
Today, Detroit Chassis pate in learning modules that
including: Barry Scheck, In-
he was with CCS Fund Raising
the appointment of Donna
The Guthrie brothers were
has assembled in access of expose students what it takes
nocence Project; Dennis W.
and worked in major gifts and
Murray as MNA’s new director
awarded the Ford Class A
100,000 Class A motor home to run an entrepreneurial en-
Archer, Dickinson-Wright,
grants with Starfish Family
of Metro Detroit Partnership
motor home assembly busi-
PLLC; David Carroll, National
Services. Melton is a graduate
chassis and shipped to 13 terprise. The students job
and Marc Melton as the new
ness then located in Mexico
Legal Aid and Defender Asso-
of the University of Michigan-
recreational vehicle manufac- shadow the company execu-
director of Development.
and brought the business to
ciation and author of a recent
Dearborn and University of
turers across North America tives and work for a period of
Detroit to a brand new facility
study on Michigan’s public
Memphis.
including Canada. time in each area of business.
built specifically to manufac-
defense system; Chief Justice
The 2009 Quality Leader-
Students complete a project
ture chassis in 1998-1999.
Marilyn J. Kelly, Michigan Su-
ship 100 ranked Detroit Chas-
during the internship and
Detroiter’s play, ‘Shades
preme Court; Hon. Cynthia D.
Detroit Chassis targets
sis No. 39 nationally. More
receive regular performance
Stephens, Michigan Court of
niche and hybrid vehicle mar-
than 800 manufacturers were
feedback. Parents are invited
Appeals; and Hon. Fred Bor-
of War,’ coming to
kets because of their added
reviewed from small private
to attend the student’s project
chard, Chief Judge Pro Tem-
complexity which enables
companies to large multi-loca-
presentation. Outstanding
pore, Michigan 10th Circuit
1515 Broadway Theater
the manufacturer to maxi- tion manufacturers.
students qualify to compete
Court.
mize engineering and process
This Michigan Minor-
for college scholarships. Detroit native Dara Harper’s Holliday, Thomas Menge-
strengths.
Following the morning’s
ity Business, ISO 9001, and
The Guthrie brothers re-
play, “Shades of War,” which sha, Vanessa Grayson, Yancy
federal panel, at 1:30 p.m.,
A 2001 Ford Motor Compa- QS9000 certified business ceived undergraduate and
was originally produced off-
chairman of the State House
Fuqua, Jonathan West and
ny audit showed that Detroit strategic plan calls for busi- graduate degrees from Harvard
Judiciary Committee, State
Broadway at the Roy Aris The-
Kyle Pontello, and is directed
Chassis saved the automaker ness expansion in Detroit. University. Rep. Mark Meadows (D-East
atre in Manhattan, is coming
by Harper’s husband, David
$19 million dollars in the en- Lansing), will convene a com-
to the 1515 Broadway Theater
Michael and Carlton Guth-
These African American
Allen Harper.
gineering and building of the mittee hearing to discuss pro-
in downtown Detroit, Dec. 10-
rie, Detroit Chassis’ owners,
business owners have been
Think vehicle- a hybrid elec- posed legislation to reform
13.
Performances are Dec. 10
are committed to community.
recognized by On Wheels
and 11 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 12 at 3
tric environmentally green
Detroit Chassis collectively magazine and the National Mi-
Michigan’s public defense
The play is based on the
model. “We did the engineer- system.
and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 13 at 3
participates in more than 20 nority Business Development
true story of Samuel Fraun-
ing, design, built the assembly
p.m.
community initiatives includ- Council as Supplier of the Both events will take place
ces, a Haitian immigrant, and
line and had the product roll-
ing board presence at the Year. Ernst & Young named on the campus of Wayne State his sacrifice for the Ameri-
For more information, call
ing in only four months,” says
governance level with the the brothers Entrepreneurs of University, in the Student can Revolution. It stars local
(866) 811-4111 or (313) 965-
Michael Guthrie.
Children’s Aid Society, the the Year for Southeast Michi- Center Ballroom, located at actors Alex Alexander, Lulu 1515 or visit www.mlbenter-
There are only a few con- National Association of Black gan. 5221 Gullen Mall, in Detroit. Dahl, Arthur Cartwright, Pat tainmentgroup.com.
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