Monday, March 24, 2008, will be remembered as one of the most hurtful and damaging days in the history of Detroit.

Hearts pounded, tears flowed and, in some cases, tempers flared as Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy read off a shocking 12-count complaint against Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty.

Among the charges were perjury, misconduct in office and obstruction of justice. It was also an ethics lesson by Prosecutor Worthy, who was obviously fully prepared for her highly anticipated presentation. She made it clear that “oaths mean something” and that lying could not and would not be tolerated.

When it was all over, some stunned viewers expressed fear for Detroit. They wondered what the future would now hold.

Well, Detroit will move on, no matter what has happened or will happen — and, be certain, this complex matter is nowhere near over. Yes, the city will carry on, badly bruised but determined. It’s called the spirit of Detroit.
The fate of the city of Detroit does not hinge on one man or woman, or group of men or women, and that is as it should be.

Detroit will survive.