Of course, people have always been interested in Detroit. They wanted to know about crime and the miserable winter and about Motown. Not anymore. Today they want to know three things: Which of Detroit's auto companies will fail first? Why should General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. or Chrysler LLC get any sort of help from the government? And what is wrong with Detroit's mayor? Good questions all around, even if a bit tiring to answer for the zillionth time. Big 3 in the poor houseWhen, or if, one of the Detroit's automakers files for bankruptcy is a question that can only be answered by a few individuals in this area. And they're swearing it won't happen. Let's hope that's the case because a bankruptcy by any one of the Big Three would be disastrous and ripple through the national economy faster than any politician could even say 'bailout.' All three companies are in danger of failing and though they're working furiously to fix their issues, they're a long way from any substantive turnaround. Their credit is so low they wouldn't even qualify for a loan to buy one of their own cars. To be sure, they've created much of the mess they're in and a federal government bailout isn't the answer. But that doesn't mean some help from the feds isn't in order. What with all the unfunded mandates that have been forced upon them and the charity that's been given to the housing industry and others, there's certainly a case to be made for help. Don't get me wrong, it has to have some serious strings attached, but 1 in 7 jobs in America is reliant on the auto industry and that shouldn't be overlooked lightly. Avoiding the mayorAnd then there's the mayor. He's simply delusional, and he's hurting the city significantly. Think it's any coincidence that Chrysler announced in Traverse City -- some 240 miles away -- a $1.8 billion investment involving its Detroit plant? That's what outsiders see and that's why they ask such direct and depressing questions. Those questions need to change -- fast. Auto Editor Manny Lopez's column runs Thursday. Reach him at (313) 222-2536 or [email protected].