Yes, I will care, just as much after bankruptcy [[if it happens) and the fate of my pension is decided [[probably more than some Detroiters).
Detroit was my home for 50 of my near 70 years of life, so I call it my hometown to anyone who asks. 30 of those 50 years were spent working for Detroit in the DFD. I had a high school education [[not 8th grade as Orr so aptly put it), when I began my career. When I say "I", remember, I am not only speaking for myself, but for others who did the same thing I did.
I signed paperwork when I began my career stating that I would live in the City for the entire time I worked for Detroit, and I did just that. I stayed, despite no decent services, faulty equipment, poor living conditions, sub-standard schools, high taxes, and crime through the roof.
I went to work for the City because it offered a stable job with little pay though, unlike private industry or even the auto industry. No layoffs, a health plan, and a chance to move up in the ranks; and it offered a retirement pension and health care as part of the package. The pension is a huge concern of mine and all of the other dedicated employees who are now at risk of losing it because of bad management and corrupt politicians. Yes, my pension is driving me to fight with every breath I have left. Fortunately for me, I scrimped and saved and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to live another 10 years or so and pay my bills. Unlike some other retirees who get a very small pension amount and a limited health care plan.
Your badgering me about my pension only inflames me more because you and many others have no concept of what we did, what was promised, and contractural agreements that are now in question. As I said before, I am too old to do anything else and I certainly can't strap on 80 lbs. of equipment and run into places that you have never dreamed of...that's what I and others did for Detroit, so, yes, Detroit owes us this. Sell the art, sell Belle Isle, lease it, I don't give two shits, but to take away what we all worked so hard for is incomprehensible.
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