One wonders however just how much money the dead carcass of a golden goose can provide.  The tax base has been driven from the city.  The steady flow of state funds has been squeezed because of city corruption and incompetence.  And creditors, able to read the writing on the wall, aren't likely to lend much money when expected returns are likely to yield a negative 90 percent. Obama has said he will not bail out the city.