In the same week that Detroit announced its bankruptcy, a state board unanimously approved plans for a new hockey arena for the Red Wings -- a decision that has raised a few eyebrows among critics.

The new arena will be funded in part with $284 million in tax dollars.

"You've got this city that can't even afford to keep streetlights on, that's talking about selling off its art museum, and here they're talking about giving anywhere between $150 million and $300 million to the Red Wings for a new arena," said "Field of Schemes" author Neil DeMause.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and others defended against criticism that the $650 million project should be financed entirely with private money because the city currently can't provide basic services and retirees are facing cuts in their pensions.

REST

Because bankruptcy was avoided in Detoilet by taxpayer subsidized Comerica Park, and Ford Field.  Yessirree.  Southeast Michigan, and Lansing Nerdpublicans sure do have their priorities in order.  This all reminds me of the expression, like putting a diamond on a goat's ass.