Actually, I think that's probably an insult to vampires.

Sorry to go all Godwin's Law and all, but hey, it fits this situation to a tee.

$18 billion right this moment. Where does $18B come from? And if you get that, how do you keep it coming?

Simple question.

At least that's an answer.

.... is mostly what you will hear, if anything.

People have been looking for another solution for decades. Haven't found one yet.

... and privatize everything.

Instead he put it all back on the table clearly showing he's with "the program". I'm guessing Belle Isle is next.

he knew the bankruptcy was going to get thrown out. I personally would rather the Federal Government do it if it has to be done. If I am not mistaken the pensions will get guaranteed up to a percentage under the Government pension rules. Which in my opinion is better than nothing. They will also probably place the Arts under some Historical preservation act. Don't trust Snyder or ORR.

That alone should put a sizeable dent in the deficit.

they will not be prepared for the fight they get.

Orr offered these unsecured creditors a little over twenty cents on the dollar in negotiations while offering Bank of America seventy-five cents.

If the collection is liquidated bondholders are first in line. I would question Orr's motives and I'm not just prepared to believe his assertion that the city cannot afford to pay it's pension obligations.

If Detroit cannot keep it, it needs to become the property of the American people.

If the collection were to be liquidated I'd rather see it stay in the public commons.

Right now it looks like the difference between city assets and obligations is in the neighborhood of 5-10 billion. The fed currently pumps that much every single week into MBS purchases with questionable collateral to support financial institutions.

If the artwork were about to be lost to private purchasers maybe it could be included as part of a federal bailout package and returned to the commons.

Shoot, this area recently passed a millage that entitled people of all three counties to access the museum free of charge. That is saying something given the income disparity, political affiliation and the historical divide that has existed in this area. The fact that the importance of the DIA is so ingrained in such a diverse population gives me hope.

The levy you passed is not a small amount, something like 25 million a year in support of the museum even in the face of economic hardship. The DIA is clearly valued by the community.

Your millage brings up another issue that is almost as disturbing as breaking up the collection piecemeal at an auction. If a foundation were to come in and offer a flat price for the whole collection in exchange for keeping it in place I believe it would be hailed as kind of a happy ending bedtime story. All good right?

The art would stay where it is but you would lose ownership. Secondly, your substantial tax levy might now be directed into the hands of the purchaser. The future returns from that tax could be considered an asset.

your scenario is kind of, well, ridiculous. A flat price for the entire collection?! I am guessing that that would be totally impossible given the legal restraints that were placed on the sale/transfer of some of the donated works (I can't be specific, but I know that this was one of the issues discussed). Also, the patrons of the DIA would raise a shit-storm. The mere fact that the millage passed in this economic climate is a testament to their ability to reach out to the public.