Reviews & Comments
Grand Rapids, MI
re: A gem in a troubled state - 10/4/2009 -
10/14/2009While David's analysis does fail to paint a correct picture of GR, he does have the famous "west Michigan" mindset, the idea that it is a shielded vibrant utopia not connected with the rest of Michigan...quite laughable. To say that any city in Michigan is exempt from the crumbling economy on a macro level is nothing short of ignorance. For anyone that has traveled extensively across the US, visiting GR for the first time would be a disappointment, like many other cities it is a shell of its former self. Furthermore, many other cities of similar size across the US beat GR on every level of quality of living, not to mention that one all important thing: JOBS. As someone who has traveled extensively, it matters not where you say in Michigan you are from, it always brings a shriek to the person's face your talking to. In reality, Michigan has become a specter of ignorance for the rest of the country to laugh at...sadly.
Jackson, MI
re: Horrible Horrble Nightmare - 6/15/2009 -
8/13/2009James has nailed the reality of Jackson in all aspects, as I noted it isn't the residents fault that the city is rotting, it is failed leadership. Complete and utter denial that the time has come and past to turn Jackson around, and now they can do nothing but watch its decomposition. I know of many people that wouldn't hesitate to sign a petition to get Jackson turned into a state park and finally end the misery. Hey, it would be one hell of a mountain bike trail!
Jackson, MI
The city that failed its people: a dive into thrid -
8/13/2009Jackson is a true model of failed leadership in all aspects, and is beginning to resemble a third world town. Sadly, as reality has shifted our national economy away from labor intensive work towards intellectual enterprise, Jackson's leaders have beaten the drum of insanity and chose to stay in the past. Although the saddest thing (and I'm not a resident, I do business here), is the blatant denial of current conditions...which are nothing short of shocking to see in any city in the US. As noted by the previous post (James) it is absolutely shocking to drive into downtown from I-94 and witness what should not be seen: rotting homes, garbaged piled in front lawns, and pre-teens as mothers and fathers. In short, it is struggle, pure and painful struggle, a cycle of poverty that has blasted out of control in the last decade. These people are trapped, with constant job loss, and only poverty wage jobs to choose from. Also as the previous poster noted, Forbes listed Jackson as dead last in the country to find a job (not to mention, Jackson's household income is less than the average PER CAPITA income in America).
Its sickening to me that people should be allowed to live in such conditions, yet still be expected to pay taxes and live productive lives. I've had the unpleasant experience of driving through east Detroit, and Jackson is equal, if not more in dire straits. The people haven't failed in this town, it was their city government, and now it is simply to late to turn the ship around and they are well aware of that fact.