The root of our misery in Detroit is leadership. The ruins of Detroit are monuments to ruinous leadership at every level in the corporate, government, and religious communities.

Federal policies, the global economy, poor urban planning, and the disintegration of our social fabric are certainly important factors, but I believe leadership is the big one.

So here is the two-part question:

1) What is the "family tree" of Detroit's leadership culture. Know that when I say "Detroit" I mean all of us across the region. When we look at who is "in charge" around here, can we trace their path to power back to certain institutions or people?

2) What has to happen to plant a new leadership "family tree" in this region? How do we chop down the old tree or at least prune away that bad branches? How do start a new forward momentum with the right people? What is missing from the leadership equation?