Is Baghdad in Detroit?

I just watched this documentary on how the war has affected Baghdad, Iraq. It was basically from the medical viewpoint.

The bombings are daily and the injuries reach beyond the hospital's abilities to accommodate. The medical supplies are deficient and extremely hard to come by.

The operating rooms were the most sterile room in the hospital. However, if you were to compare hospitals in the United States to those in Baghdad, you would definitely question if their process is legal or ethical.

As I watched the documentary, I was sometimes appalled and shocked by what I saw. But I am also surprised by the fact that Baghdad reminds me of Detroit, Michigan.

When I look around my city of residence, I wonder am I in a war zone. I see with my eyes dilapidated buildings, vacant houses, drug houses, and no signs of life.

If I had a time machine that took me back to the year 1976, I would see an entirely different environment. Back then I saw diversity, children playing, adults working hard to maintain their homes, and a neighborhood filled with people that care.

Detroit also reminds me of the story in the Bible of Abraham pleading with God not to destroy the city. He asked God to spare the city if he could find righteous people there. Abraham convinced God to do just that, however he came into a problem. He couldn't find any righteous. Unfortunately, God continued with His plan to destroy the place.

I see us like the people of that city. The difference is we're doing the destruction. There is no greater power than what we possess. We destroy our own surroundings. Arsonists, street pharmacists, thieves, prostitutes, sex offenders, and various other criminals jump start their careers here.

Their educational resume is put to halt by the fact that schools have changed agenda. Academics are placed behind financial priorities, creating an environment for a struggling child to give up the hope of ever becoming successful.

The sampling of a siren perpetually floods my ear. Gunshots no longer cause an alarm, but create an atmosphere residents have grown immunosuppressive to.

Block clubs are a misnomer because we've failed to realize unity brings about strength. We offer nothing to our children but the opportunity to experience incarceration or embalming before reaching adulthood.

The irony of it all is that churches permeate our city. There is a powerful presence every first day of the week, but the majority of the members reside outside its city limits. Prayers and praises can be heard throughout the city that day, but as soon as the preacher and his parishioners shout, "Amen" the show leaves town for the suburban safety.

I am trying to desperately make a point. I don't want to ruin your dreams of whatever fills your head. I want you to wake up. Take the steps needed to realize that dream.

Start caring about where you live. Be a positive example. People won't readily admit to you that you've helped them change, however you will see it in their actions.

Elevate your mind. If you stopped your educational career for whatever reason, jump start it again today. Search for a GED program today in your neighborhood.

Go to your local library. There are thousands of resources available.

Visit your community college to see if what you've dreamed of becoming is offered there. Take the first step and the rest will be a cake walk.

When we begin to take pride in ourselves, others will begin to take notice. All we have to do is be willing to change. The use of this word has probably brought on a nauseating affect, but it is so important in this day and time.

Please make a decision today. Will you be one of the righteous in your city today? We are waiting on you to join us in turning this city around.

Don't be the last one to leave and turn the lights out, but be the one to stand and protect that light from dimming.