Detroit a good starting place to make America great again

One block off 6 Mile Road / McNichols Avenue toward Detroit Mercy University, where Wright State played a men’s college basketball game on Dec. 31, 2016. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

One block off 6 Mile Road / McNichols Avenue toward Detroit Mercy University, where Wright State played a men’s college basketball game on Dec. 31, 2016. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

Whatever you’ve heard or read about the deteriorating state of inner-city and much of suburban Detroit is worse in person.

Think of the most neglected areas in Dayton, Springfield, Middletown or Hamilton and super-size it by 1,000 times or more.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

That’s not a mocking indictment on this nation’s onetime industrial might. It’s more a nod to the evolution of a mighty city that couldn’t keep up with changing technology or overcome unchecked political corruption from within.

This video is a snippet of what pervades much of Detroit. It's 6 Mile Road, also known as McNichols Avenue. Taking this exit off Interstate 75, this is the way to Detroit Mercy University, where Wright State played a men's college basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016.

The gated campus is about two miles from I-75. Scores of abandoned and burned-out homes line the way. This also is about 15 miles north of downtown Detroit, where much has been revitalized but the rest wastes away in disarray.

PARKER ERNSTHAUSEN: Comes up big for Raiders

We have a new incoming president who’s fond of saying let’s make America great again. Detroit would be a great place to start.

FACEBOOK: For more sports you should like Marc Pendleton

About the Author