As a native Michigander, I have always held our state's biggest city near and dear to my heart. Growing up here in Lansing, I always found it odd that any news and attention from our state never really evolved from the capital city. But, it continues to make more sense, unfortunately, as time progresses. I get older, and wiser, to the ways of the world. Masses attract attention, be it good, bad, or indifferent.

Detroit is a city of great highs, and great lows. From being the heart of the Midwest industrial revolution, to race riots. World championships celebrated with fires and overturned buses, to more than a million gathered united with pride in Hart Plaza.

Artistic, progressive; dangerous, murderous. All, sadly, fit the bill. The city in recent decades has garnered the reputation of a wasteland. A city plagued by internal political corruption, high crime rates, and senseless violence. There have been talks of revitalization, businesses are moving back. But, understandably, people aren't flocking to live in Motown. It still garners one of the nation's highest murder rates, and the tens of thousands of dilapidated properties burned to the ground criminally do nothing to help perception.

And, now the latest story of Motown misery breaks tonight. On the heels of one of the most inspiring stories of American perseverance and gratitude, darkness falls on another sunny story.

Last week, we learned about 56-year -old James Robertson. He's the Detroiter that has spent nearly 10 years walking to and from his job 27 miles from home. Sure, Robertson utilized public transportation when available. But, many nights were spent making the full trek home on foot during hours that buses weren't running. Think about that...walking to the dark world of Detroit during hours even when SMART thought wise to cease service. In my mind, I can't imagine that there were too many comforting strolls to the abode for Robertson. But, now that he's garnered national attention, and financial support to the tune of over $300,000...on top of a new Ford Taurus, Detroit Police and public safety officials have helped Robertson move to a safer location, according to the Detroit Free Press. That's right. Now that the world, and Robertson's neighbors, have seen his story, he no longer feels safe at home.

It seems pretty simple and obvious...greed and envy continue to drive mankind. What kind of world do we live in when man's sadly infrequent generosity ironically kills our sense of comfort, worrying about what the neighbors might do to get "their piece of the pie"? I guess it all really epitomizes the highs and lows of what should be a world class city in a world leading state, and how far we all have to come to truly be great again.

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