In the comments on yesterday’s post concerning Riots in Michigan, Rammer quipped that the state’s female governor (a former Canadian) would launch a “big rush to explore our feelings.” Turns out, he wasn’t entirely wrong:

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.–After two nights of riots followed by one night of relative calm, the talk in this city Thursday was of reconciliation and healing.

“The state must wrap its arms around this community,” said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Today’s gubernatorial schedule includes a granola and tofu breakfast followed by a rousing rendition of Kum By Yah. Yeah, that will solve the problem.

The governor met behind closed doors for more than two hours Thursday with community leaders and residents of this small, economically depressed city that sits in the heart of a southwestern Michigan region that’s a popular vacation spot and weekend getaway for Chicagoans and suburbanites.

“It was a powerful meeting because people got up and told it like it is,” Granholm said. “But it’s the beginning of a healing process. We are going to have to work together–this just can’t be all talk.”

Can’t you just hear it now?

Man at podium: Hello, my name is Andy and I am a rioter.

Group in room: Hi, Andy!

Governor: Congratulations, Andy. The first step in getting over your inclination to violence, property destruction and mayhem is admitting that you have a problem. Isn’t that right, group?

Group: Congratulations, Andy!

She said the people of Benton Harbor can count on state support following rioting Monday and Tuesday nights that left more than a dozen homes charred or burned to the ground and more than 15 people injured.

Granholm promised to appoint a committee of residents and local and state government officials to come up with a plan to help Benton Harbor. She also urged state business leaders to consider relocating there.

See, I just don’t get this. Anarchy reigned for two nights in this little town. Houses were destroyed. Not just houses, mind you, but homes, where memories are made, irreplacable photos, letters and personal treasures are stored, where families look for sanctuary from the rest of the world. Businesses, too. Places where people sink their hard-earned money in the hopes of making a living, of fulfilling The American Dream and providing for their families and their homes. The rioters destroyed these things out of malice and wanton disregard for the property and safety of others.

But the state is responding by giving them more support? Doesn’t that just smack of rewarding bad conduct? And what businessman in their right mind would be in a hurry to open shop in Benton Harbor now, where it’s so painfully clear that not only does a problem exist, but that law enforcement cannot begin to handle it?

People who live in Benton Harbor had plenty of suggestions for the governor. The first thing that needs to be done, some said, is to find ways to give young people hope for the future.

“These kids could be something if they have the chance,” said Alma White, who has lived in Benton Harbor for 60 years. “Don’t shut them out.”

More rewards for bad behavior. Someone tell me, when lawlessness and mayhem erupt, why do so many politicians come up with a “solution” that involves taking yet more tax-payer money to create diversions, distractions and entertainment for kids? Has that solution worked anywhere? Ever?