We have an interesting thread on DYes, which focuses on African Americans not being respected in stores throughout the city and maybe the metro area. But let's focus on the city for a minute. Let's imagine that the "Arab" establishments shut down shop and left for the burbs or elsewhere...all of them. What would Detroit do? Who would fill the void?

Some people would say that other ethnic groups would easily fill up the void by running the markets, gas stations and other establishments. Really? Do you really think anyone would actually waltz right into Detroit in its current condition and run a party store as effectively as a Chaldean? Many Detroit boosters [[especially on DYes) would be elated if the "Arab" presence was diminished significantly in Detroit. But would that really benefit the city?

Call it politically incorrect...call it what you want but Lebs, Palis, and Chaldeans all seem to have an uncanny ability to make a buck in the shittiest of situations. The gas stations are run by guys [[many FOB) who work 18 hour days trying to make a few cents for every gallon of gasoline sold.

Put yourself in the shoes of a business owner who sets up shop in a rough area for a minute. He probably deals with habitual line-steppers on a daily basis. He has to worry about all the standard issues that any American business owner would worry about and then some.

Are some of the owners asshattish and crude? Are some of them racist? No doubt, but also look at the services they provide as well.

Focus: How would Detroit fare if the "Arab" establishments packed up and left? Think about this one for a bit. Do you think it would be a great step for the city or would it be a giant loss?