DETROIT (WJBK) -- Detroit has been through a lot over the past decade from a failing economy to series of political and sex scandals. It's enough to make you want to pull a George Bailey.
Bedford Falls has a lot in common with Detroit. We have a river. They have a river.
They have a leading citizen who felt his life didn't quite reach its full potential and we have Kwame Kilpatrick.
The difference, the good people of Bedford Falls know what life would have been like if George Bailey had never been born. Not so for the people of Detroit... until now.
The Fox 2 Problem Solvers proudly present "It's a Kwonderful Life".
There's no question Kwame Kilpatrick has left his mark on Detroit and a few satin sheets, but what would our fair city be like if he had never been born and how would the lives of some of our leading citizens be different?
Without Kwame Kilpatrick we'd still have a foul-mouthed guy helping run the city, but it would be Gil Hill, who ran against Kilpatrick in 2001, and not Bobby Ferguson, who got his key to city hall after his pal became mayor.
Without Kilpatrick, Ferguson would still be in business knocking down houses and digging holes. He might not have done as well, but the feds wouldn't have seized all of his equipment, either.
Kilpatrick's father, Bernard, might still be working for Wayne County or even working as a greeter at the Greektown Casino where we've heard he spends a lot of time -- a whole lotta time.
Life would be a lot simpler for Christine Beatty, too. For starters, no one would know who she is.
And strawberries, well they'd still be known mainly for their work on shortcakes.
But some of us might not be better off at all. Without Kilpatrick, I might still be selling newspapers.
Most folks would have never heard of Judge David Groner. He sent the mayor to jail -- and then to prison.
Fox 2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton might still be hosting "Meet the Mayor" on Macomb County public access.
And defense attorney Mike Rataj, well he'd probably be at home yelling at squirrels and telling kids to stay off the lawn.
Then there are the things that would have happened regardless of whether Kilpatrick was born like the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and Super Bowl. Kilpatrick sure likes to take credit for them, but it was really Mayor Dennis Archer and the team owners that brought them to town.
But Detroit isn't Hollywood, despite Governor Granholm's best effort, and we can't turn back the clock, so in the spirit of Detroit we'll pick up the pieces and rebuild. And, remember, whenever a government witness sings, a defense attorney gets his wings.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
