Detroit leads the nation in crime rate, ranking high above other cities. This rank has been attained by Detroit based upon the number of murders, rapes, burglaries, acts of arson, and various other criminal activities that occur here. In fact, when most people think of “Detroit”, an image of danger and wrongdoing comes to mind. However, I don’t think many would classify a "Violation of time limit for container to remain at curb" as one of the dangerous crimes being committed here in our city.

There are so many more important issues that the city of Detroit should be focused on other than the accidental misplacement of a garbage can. In his article, Stephen Henderson argues the unreasonable convictions of the city upon the Quades, the family who so “rampantly” left their garbage can sitting out for over 24-hours. The most effective literary device used by Henderson in his article is logos.

One assertion made by Henderson is the injustice of the case brought against the Quades. Henderson says, “Let's start with the fact that their house and block are an oasis in an area that is just a disaster”. If the Quade residence is situated right in the middle of an area covered in garbage, why is this family suddenly responsible for leaving a simple garbage can in out too long? Henderson’s use of logos in this assertion gives the reader a good understanding of the situation. By seeing the unfairness of the city towards the Quades, it helps the reader to agree with Henderson and understand the point being made by him.

Henderson also states, “Shouldn't the city be working on the real problems in the neighborhood, like taking out the burned-out heaps, rather than hassling responsible home owners with tickets for their garbage cans?” This opinion is highly logical; how can it be disagreed with? It has become clear, especially lately due to the scandals of the mayor, that the city of Detroit has not used its money towards its most sensible needs. Any passerby through the city, observing the dilapidated buildings, homeless people, and boarded up windows, could come to the conclusion that it is falling apart.

This is also what makes Henderson’s appeal to logic so effective.

His use of logos can be easily seen by others. It is common sense to the citizens of Detroit, and only takes the eyes of others to see for themselves. Henderson created an article based simply on facts that supported his opinion. There is a long road ahead of Detroit on its journey towards restoration. Apparently citizens should beware to keep their garbage cans off the curbs of it.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has long been professing his determination not to lose hope in the city of Detroit. He has long been deceiving citizens in his attempts not to lose his job. He is corruptly striving not to lose his battle against the law, and is highly motivated towards preventing the loss of support he seemingly feels is held for him by his family and part of the public.


Maybe the mayor should be more concerned about an essential aspect which he has ultimately lost among many; Respect.


One specific Detroit citizen takes a stand and speaks out against the actions of Kilpatrick on behalf of his city. Darnell Gardner Jr., a junior at Davis Aerospace Technical High in Detroit, voices his opinions in an effective way in which it logically appeals to the reader. Darnell speaks his words with passion; with a hope and desire that each one is being heard.


The point of view used in Darnell’s essay highly contributes to its effectiveness. Darnell crafted this essay based upon firsthand experiences. By exploiting his opinions in first-person point of view, Darnell captures the pain and anguish of being a true Detroit citizen. He states, “In the past 10 years, I have seen every aspect of Detroit decay. My neighborhood, East English Village, once a diverse, safe and clean gem of the city, has crumbled before my eyes. I have forgotten what it feels like to be at peace. Whether it is gunshots, loud and profane music, or dime bags left on my sidewalk, something reminds me every day of how low this city has fallen.” Although it has been portrayed daily on the news, most of us have not been directly exposed to the turmoil of Detroit. Darnell’s account reveals the exact point of view of a teenager struggling to live in the mist of it all. Based upon his experiences and life as a citizen of Detroit, his views on the mayor can presumably be considered correct.


Darnell’s choice of tone used throughout the essay has a great impact in its effectiveness as well. He exhibits a constant tone that is logical, yet is mocking and to the point. Darnell’s opinions are made clear within his writing. The many aspects of this tone can all be summed up in his closing statement: “Kilpatrick should give us a break and please leave office. If he is forced out, it will only make Detroit look that much worse.” Contempt for the Mayor is shown in this line, along with an opinion of logical reasoning to what course of action should be taken by Kwame himself. In this final line of the essay, Darnell’s point is strongly reinstated and attributes to the tone used throughout his work. Darnell’s tone helps to strengthen the essay due to its validity. Some of the description used supports his tone as well. By making statements such as, “Yes, many suburbanites and many whites do not like this city, but how can you blame them? Half the people in this city do not like it, and we are black!” and “Just when I had thought things could not get any worse, as I should have predicted, Kilpatrick managed to somehow dig Detroit's grave even deeper”, Darnell truly voices his opinion, creating an efficient and thoroughly well-written essay.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy shows no sympathy toward Kwame Kilpatrick. Her speech speaks of the various mistakes made by Kilpatrick. She makes a point to inform the citizens of Detroit the exact offenses of their mayor. As a citizen of the United States, as well as Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick, along with everyone else, is obligated to follow the American legal system. He is also obligated to deal with the consequences involved if ignoring to do so. Worthy accuses Kilpatrick of his wrongdoing on many levels. One reason for the persecution of Mayor Kilpatrick is based upon perjury, for the reason that Kilpatrick as well as Beatty lied when they were witnesses, thus violating the fundamental principles of the justice system. Worthy also accuses Kilpatrick of spending the pulbic money unlawfully due to his position in the police officer scandal. Worthy states that “Our investigation has clearly shown that public dollars were used, people’s lives were ruined, the justice system was severely mocked, and the public trust trampled on”. The mayor committed more than one crime, and made more than one mistake. His own selfish actions are what led him to the consequences he currently must face.

Throughout her speech, Worthy mentions the importance of the American legal system as well as the importance of equal justice for all citizens. The position of a person should not be considered when dealing with a legal matter. Worthy uses the rhetorical strategy of logos in supporting her position. She states that “Even children understand that lying is wrong. If a witness lies, innocent people can go to jail or prison, people can literally get away with murder, civil litigants who deserve money may not get it or may get money they don’t deserve. And
lying cannot be tolerated even if a judge or jury sees through it.” If children are supposed to know better, shouldn’t the mayor of a city know right from wrong as well? This assertion made by Kym Worthy logically addresses the fact that the mayor should have known better before choosing to partake in such wrongdoing, and now it is necessary that he deals with the consequences. The effect of his actions can damage a widespread amount of people. Innocent people can so easily become at risk of being convicted by one simple lie. A great amount of people have and could escape their own convictions through the process of lying, and in some cases, no one will ever find out. In some cases. Faced with perjury as one of the main offenses, it is only fair that the punishment imposed on Kwame Kilpatrick should be one and the same with the punishment faced by others under related circumstances.

Kym’s use of logos, as well as other rhetorical strategies such as description and compare and contrast, attributed in her construction of a highly powerful speech. The opinions that she expresses in her comments are strong and well-articulated, providing an apparent logical base of reasoning for the offenses now faced by Kilpatrick.