Why can't Detroit annex neighbouring cities to regain its population?

[RickBeall]

I have an idea! Let's really lower our crime stats and turn all of Michigan into Detroit! I think this is a great way to fight crime. If it does not work, we will absorb Ohio too. We've had a bone to pick with them since the Toledo war, so hey, they'll never know what hit them.

And I say we leave the upper pennisula out of it for now. We will keep it in reserve in case we need to "fight" crime in the future. It's always good to think ahead.

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In the above, I am just joking. You guys are making some good points concerning a metropolitan wide government. Very interesting arguments. Very thoughtful. [[Maybe unlike my jokes above.)