AS A LIFELONG MICHIGAN RESIDENT, I have lived through this state’s trials and tribulations [Aug.II]. We are a hardworking group of citizens who epitomize what it means to be American. This presidential election offers Michiganders an opportunity to seek the change that it so desperately needs. However,given the shenanigans of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the ineffective leadership of current Governor Jennifer Granholm, their support of Obama might make him guilty by association. I know I would not want the endorsement of any politician who represents regression in a state that needs all the forward-looking help it can get.