Shikha Dalmia on Detroit's Refusal to Help Itself

Most people who are drowning would gratefully grab a lifeline tossed their way. But the elected leaders of the (formerly) great city of Detroit might actually prefer to drown. How else to interpret their response to a proposal—or a "consent agreement"—crafted by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to help the city avoid bankruptcy when it runs out of operating cash in less than 60 days? Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, a former guard for the Pistons and a businessman who can barely raise his voice to a whisper when dealing with the city's public unions, writes Shikha Dalmia, would rather drown in red ink than take a lifeline from the Republican governor.