Detroit residents get 3 minutes apiece to tell judge why they oppose the city's bankruptcy

DETROIT – Dozens of Detroit residents have told a judge why they oppose Detroit's bankruptcy, but they had to do it in three minutes or less.

The city says it can't afford $18 billion in long-term liabilities, but opponents argue that the city has no business reorganizing in bankruptcy court for many reasons.

Retirees say the Michigan Constitution bars any changes to pensions. They also object to how the city is run by an emergency manager appointed by the governor but not accountable to voters.

Sylvester Davis urged the judge Thursday to "disallow this mess." Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes urged Gov. Rick Snyder and emergency manager Kevyn Orr to listen to a recording. There's no indication that the protests will stop the case, the largest public bankruptcy in U.S. history.