As part of a series of investigative reports on the social crisis in Detroit, the World Socialist Web Site interviewed workers and professionals in the city about the worsening conditions as gas prices and food prices soar through the roof. The WSWS spoke with Lon Rubenstein, who is living on a disability payment of just $600.00 per month. He cannot afford to put gas in his car.

Part one of the accompanying report, "The spiraling cost of food," was published June 20, 2008; part two, "The impact of gas prices," followed on June 21; and part three, "Collapse of an American city," concluded the series on June 23.