Here's the thing. The Democrats lost bad in Michigan, and any serious consideration regarding regrouping after the incredible a$! whupping that occurred must involve retooling everything.

The Republicans won, and unlike the Democrats (particularly on the federal level), they have no inhibition concerning executing their agenda. The idea of trampling the dreams and aspirations of U.S. citizens is not the least bit nauseating to them, as they unabashedly serve the interests of their wealthy benefactors.

What the aforementioned circumstances mean for citizens nationwide and here in Michigan is the gap between the have and have nots will only become more exacerbated. As the provincial prejudices and whimsical identification with people who could really care less about their well-being are stoked, we will watch the middle-class be vaporized.

What does it mean for Detroit? Well, consider the absence of any semblance of leadership (with a few exceptions) from elected representatives, a black Church that seems to be paralyzed for some reason (I'm going to come back to this), and a host of civic organizations that threw in the town long ago or are simply hanging on for dear life. And yes, I meant town. The writing is literally on the wall, and via vitriolic legislation is being introduced in Lansing. Know this Detroit...the Republicans will not relent. It's simply not in them.

The only thing that may stem the tide temporarily is a mass movement of Detroit's citizenry socio-politically at the polls, as the economic base has been crippled and really has been a mirage for quite some time anyway. A series of aggressive voter registration drives, coupled with some successful recall efforts will definitely get the attention of those who mean to strip Detroit to its bones.

However, it really is a done deal. It is the consequence of unrequited corruption, anti-intellectualism, greed, and unabashed arrogance on the part of those stunting off their past accomplishments; those who were unwilling to step out of the way, and let those who have solutions exercise a little agency.

Regionalism is here, not on Detroit's terms, and it isn't considering asking for permission. The only thing that Detroit's citizenry can do at this point is make some intelligent moves and slide into position to benefit from what is to come.

Unless, the only institutions that have the capacity, but alas lacks the will, intellectual temerity, and the spirit of sacrifice necessary to inspire and organize (with only very, very few exceptions) gets involved.

JuJuan Buford