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Daily Show Pokes Fun At Detroit Bridge Debate

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) More bridges, more problems?

Detroit New Black Panthers leader Malik Shabazz wasn't buying it, refusing to laugh along with Comedy Central's "Daily Show" correspondent who was questioning why he opposed the second bridge to Canada.

Michigan is the butt of the joke when a credulous correspondent from the show asked Shabazz, a soccer mom, Tea Party member, and Canadian officials to explain why anyone would oppose a free bridge from Canada.

"Canada is offering a Trojan horse," a Tea Party member explains. "I don't want a Trojan horse delivering China steel and Chinamen."

Norton points out there's no Chinese steel in the project.

The answer behind why anyone would oppose it turns out to be Matty Moroun, the billionaire owner of the Ambassador Bridge, who spent millions opposing the second span during the November election, even pushing a constitutional amendment forcing a public vote on the issue. His initiative failed, and the bridge is moving forward.

"Wait, wait, wait, you're telling me one man owns the Ambassador Bridge ... You think I'm stupid?" the correspondent says.

Roy Norton, consul general of Canada, assures him one man owns the most important trade crossing between the United States and Canada.

The comedy bit ends with a failed effort to track down Moroun at the Ambassador Bridge.

So, what do you think metro Detroit -- Can we take a joke at our expense?

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