Trash Can Fiasco!

The neighborhood of Brightmoor is in trouble...But never fear! *doo-doo-doo!* Here comes "The Next Detroit initiative" to the rescue!

...or not.

Stephen Henderson uses examples to show the irony of the actions that the "Next Detroit initiative" is taking in Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood. His main example is the ridiculous situation the Quades are undergoing. This tax-paying, elderly couple has to pay a $100 fine because they left the trash can out on the wrong day. Seriously? If that example is not enough to make the reader cringe, Stephen gives even another example: "Just south of the Quades on West Parkway near McNichols, squatters roam from one empty house to another, destroying their innards and setting fires. I counted no fewer than 10 burned-out heaps between Fenkell and McNichols, many with garbage piled high on their porches and behind their wide-open doorways." At this point, the reader must pause and reflect...'What?' And all for good reason!
How can this "initiative" claim "some real victories in its Brightmoor efforts, including reduced violent crime and some major trash cleanups"? Just what the "initiative" is doing to help the good, taxpaying citizens of Brightmoor? Apparently, trimming bushes;"...the neighborhood was crawling with city workers: tree trimmers, cutting back branches all over the place, even around the burned-out houses and garbage-strewn lots." Trash heaps, havoc reeking squatters and abandoned homes are being ignored but "at least the trees will be nicely pruned."

These examples are effective because they show the reader how completely illogical this plan to "clean up the city" is if the only help being given is in the botany area. It shows the author's point that ironically, the "Next Detroit initiative" needs to do step up to the plate and provide some real assistance.