There is a dark side to Michigan that most will never see.  Michigan is commonly referred to as the mitten surrounding the Great Lakes.  As children we are taught that Michigan is a strong state, diversified and unique.  As we grow older we realize the sad truth that Michigan is an unfortunate state.Once held in high regard thanks to the automotive industry, Michigan has been reduced to nothing but poverty.  Small businesses can't afford to stay in the once beautiful apple blossom state.  While businesses have the autonomy and ability to leave this once great state, the residents are less fortunate.  Encased in a tomb of unemployment, failure, and hardship Michigan is nearing the bottom.  Less noticeable than the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina, but nevertheless equally important is the economic state of being Michigan is currently experiencing.

No longer do tourists come to Michigan to escape harsh summers of the south and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Presently the only visitors seen throughout Michigan are the ones helping family members pack their bags.  Michigan was once a place that people were proud to live.  Motor city was perhaps once the most impressive and commonly known city in the U.S.  Now when people hear the words "Motor City" they only think of crime, poverty, and cringe out of disgust.

All too often are the words, "next in line" heard at the unemployment office and welfare agency.  Michigan has lost its pride and ability to function on its own.  The state government is currently made up of politicians that feed off of the misfortune of the state and do nothing to change the state of being.  There seems to be no hope for Michigan to climb out of the hell which it was pushed into.

General Motors was once a great beacon of light in the city of Flint.  Many considered General Motors the hero that built up Flint, and brought hope and jobs to thousands of families.  Those times are long gone, and the ruins left behind are devastating.  The morale in Michigan is lower than any other state in the U.S. and no end to that devastation is in sight.

Lifelong residents have fled to adjacent states to gain employment and start over.  It is a sad fact that more and more residents of Michigan are throwing in the towel every day.  Who can blame those that leave and attempt to escape the unfortunate state of Michigan?  It is certainly not their fault that General Motors has packed up and left nothing more than abandoned warehouses everywhere.  It is certainly not their fault that the children are suffering from lack of education and employment.  It is not even their fault that people are resorting to violence and crime out of desperation to survive.

Those to blame for the crumble of society are the politicians, state representatives, and elected government officials who have failed to do their duty.  While everyone leapt into action in order to rebuild the crushed homes and families that resulted from Hurricane Katrina, they neglected to help their close and distant neighbors in Michigan suffering from government persecution and poverty.

While all of the "hippies" are marching all over the nation uniting against their twice elected President of the United States, they are failing to face the music.  Holding picket signs will not change the actions of congress any more than it will restore Michigan's majesty.  Admitting there is a problem is the first step in working toward a solution.  Action must be taken to restore Michigan to its previously admired state.

Michigan is continually suffering the highest economic blows the Nation has to throw at it.  Without assistance from our elected officials, concerned residents, and even our neighboring "united states," Michigan will see little hope in the future.  It is time for a change in Michigan.  It is time for the state to fight back against the poverty and to fight back against the dissonance of the government and its people.  The time has come for Michigan to fight to restore its title of splendor and retreat from being known as the unfortunate state.