Enough Already!

Dear Honorable Kwame Kilpatrick:

The great citizens of the city of Detroit deserve better!

Do the right thing and resign today. How much more embarrassment and dishonor will you heap upon the taxpayers? This great city -- which struggles each day to find a new identity in the wake of a dying automotive industry -- loses its respectability each day that you're in office. Formerly a mecca for attracting large companies, the cityscape now serves as a backdrop and sad reminder of a once prosperous metropolis. Oddly enough, somehow it seems to now serve as a metaphor for your life today. Do the honorable thing, Mr. Mayor. Resign.

We had such high hopes for you when you rode into the city as Detroit's youngest mayor. With your beautiful wife by your side and a family name rooted in Detroit politics, the city of Detroit welcomed you as the big, strong, handsome former football captain of Florida A&M University. Armed with a law degree from Detroit College of Law and a resume befitting a black urban political professional, for many of us you represented a new Detroit.

As a young and vibrant do-gooder with a heart for children, your record as a state representative proved that you had political chops. Ten years ago you helped develop the $675 million Clean Michigan Initiative. You managed to designate more than half of the funds to Detroit; both Michigan's largest city and the one most in need. And you weren't shy about helping to secure millions of dollars to fight lead poisoning in the city. At the time, more child-related lead poisoning cases were reported in Detroit then throughout the rest of the state combined.

Thirty-one years old when elected mayor of Detroit, you were the first youngest mayor of Detroit and second youngest mayor of any U.S city. You were just twenty-six years old when elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, and later served as the leader of the Democratic Caucus.The first African American to hold a leadership position in the Michigan Legislator.

And like so many young, political proteges, your career in politics was boundless. You even spoke briefly at the 2004 Democratic convention just like my former congressman, Harold Ford, Jr. (D-TN), who was touted as a future presidential running mate. But also like so many young -- and old -- politicians, once elected the bloom is off the rose. During your first term, Mr. Mayor, you seemed to use the city coffer as your own personal bank account, racking up more than $200,000 on a city-issued credit card for travel, meals, and entertainment. Jet setting from city to city, hobnobbing with the rich and famous, and often seen getting your groove on at celebrity hosted events, all while the taxpayers picked up the bill.

Now in your second term, you're still acting up. With a steadily declining approval rate, did you really think that you could continue your shenanigans and the people would turn a blind eye? Come on. Get real. And did you really think you could end a veteran police officer's career with a few "choice words", have an affair with your long-time friend, lover, and former chief of staff, lie under oath about it, and get away with it? Your poor behavior and misconduct has cost the city over $8 million.

I won't even dwell on your recent foolish behavior: assaulting a police officer, witness tampering, and disrespecting the court. And you have the nerve to want to attend the Democratic National Convention. Get real. As if the Democrats need another side show! We already have The Hillary Show. No More Drama.

Enough is enough, already! Please stop the madness.

Kwame, please do the honorable thing and a step down now. Let the good citizens of Detroit heal and move forward. You have become a distraction and an embarrassment to the city and most definitely for your family. If you won't think about the citizens of Detroit, at least think about how this is affecting your wife and children. What a legacy to leave.

It's time to get off the train, Mr. Mayor. Your ride is up.

Sincerely,

Literate Muse
A Very Disgusted Detroit Sympathizer