When I hear someone tell me they grew up in a tough town, I smile.

When I hear a buddy from Chicago talk about "the rackets" or the corruption, I smile.

When an old friend tells me about the gangster kids down the street, I smile.

I'll defer from someone from Baghdad, Kosovo, or Beirut.

The rest ? No so tough. Coming to Detroit ? Better be a pro. This is not a place for amateur hour.

I don't live in Detroit. I live near - but not in. I'm not tough enough anymore.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/secret-service-truck-stolen-downtown-detroit-joe-biden-visit-article-1.1150392

The mayor's own protection detail had the wheels stolen off it's car two years ago.

http://jalopnik.com/5628619/wheels-stolen-off-detroit-mayors-security-car


Of course,, the city had its dreams stolen a little before that :

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/us/26detroit.html
and
http://articles.cnn.com/2008-10-28/justice/detroit.mayor.sentenced_1_kilpatrick-and-beatty-justice-and-misconduct-judge-david-groner?_s=PM:CRIME
and
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/indictments-in-public-corruption-probe-could-be-announced-as-soon-as-tomorrow,-sources-say