Clint Eastwood is the coolest and Detroit has a special place in my heart. Last year's Superbowl commercial from Chrysler was poignant and resolute with Eminem and "Selected of God Choir" - it seemed to come out of nowhere.

This year, even with Clint, for me, the Chrysler two minute Superbowl spot seemed a bit TOO dramatic. Too teary, heart tugging.

Why?

Detroit is a shell of its former self - there is no way around that - Clint, Eminem, Bob Seger, or even Ted Nugent can't change the fact that the 'dirty D' has been corrupt since the days of Coleman Young and the People Mover.

Again, Detroit is my extended home, I grew up in one of her sheltered suburbs - I know the big tire, worked in the RenCen when Ford resided there.  I watched the colossus that is Chrysler headquarters grow on the ground next to Oakland University - I've been to the Buick Open, and was standing outside Tiger Stadium when that cop car flipped over 'spontaneously'  burst into flames.("time to go").

This is no "west coast" commentary.



Chrysler has the Superbowl, Generous Motors has the US Government - neither are part of the original Big 3 anymore. Sure, the jobs are here, but the money goes back to Canada or some little Italian car maker - oh how the Mighty Have Fallen.

You see, I understand at times we all need keep strange bedfellows for survival's sake.  Unfortunately, your soul is typically held in balance, this is what has happened to 2/3rds of the Big 3 and quite possibly, 2/3rds of the Motor City.

There is another. 

The Ford Family to the US Government - 'go pound sand'.

Detroit Lion fans are fanatical - how else can one justify the team surviving years of losing seasons and Jay Leno jokes?  Sturdy, steadfast, street smart and private.

That's how Ford survived and thrives. Head down.

When Clint brought his Garand out and proclaimed, "get off my lawn..." people from Eight Mile to the PCH felt it - that forgotten, stubborn, not-so-politically correct middle finger.

Unfortunately, it seems that as politically incorrect as Em's 2011 spot appeared, this year's 2 minute, "Half-time in America" seems almost disingenuous and politically correct.

I love Chrysler's retro-throwback Challenger and GM's CTS-V Coupe is to die for...still the throaty roar of a Mustang GT, cruising down Hines Drive, feels bit more profound and heart warming, the day after Superbowl.





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