Two major stories gripped not only our area but also points distant this week; both predicated on unknown individuals doing something grave and lives either hanging in the balance or lost.
On Capital Hill GM CEO Mary Barra appeared before the House and Senate for hearings investigating faulty ignition switches and, quite possibly, an internal cover-up of same. As Tanner Friedman opined on WWJ, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and others, what will be important for the embattled automaker moving forward is do everything possible to demonstrate transparency, accept responsibility and take permanent corrective action. Most likely, that will mean those acting to keep the problem under wraps will be determined and terminated and families of those who lost loved ones compensated. GM must do everything in its power to regain trust and credibility worldwide.
On the streets of Detroit, meanwhile, tree trimmer Steve Utash, while checking on the status of a 10-year old boy who had run into the street in front of Ultash’s truck and was struck, was severely beaten and robbed at the scene by a a mob of thugs. At this writing, Utash is fighting for his life at a Detroit hospital. It is a senseless act of violence that is thankfully being decried publicly on many fronts.
Perhaps more important and meaningful than Mayor Mike Duggan’s call for calm and healing, the Rev. David Alexander Bullock, pastor of the Greater St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Highland Park, is working to raise funds to help Utash’s family with mounting medical bills. His efforts will include, according to Reporter Katrease Stafford’s story in today’s Detroit Free Press, reaching out to a group of area churches to hold a benefit concert. In turn, rather than expressing a disdain for the city or wish for vigilante justice, Utash’s family has been taken with community sympathy and support.
Doing the right thing. Sometimes it happens of its own volition. All too often, however, the road best travelled is taken only in the aftermath of watchdogs and whistleblowers. One must have faith in the general and inherent good of our fellow man/womankind. This week, however, one is also left to wonder.