Kansas City Playlist: We'll Party Our Way To Bankruptcy

In the coming months and years there are quite a few notable parties on their way to this cowtown. 

Who knows, we could host another Super Bowl party. 

The NFL draft.

The World Cup. 

And even more partying on deck . . . 

The good times require preparation, services and LOTS of cash that might or might not need taxpayer approval. 

Meanwhile . . .

Nobody seems to be keeping their eye on the city's budget that has been "structurally unbalanced" for at least a decade. 

And all of this brings us to  a bit of light reading tonight . . .

The money line and something to consider . . .

Mark Moses is a municipal government expert and author of the recently published book The Municipal Financial Crisis: A Framework for Understanding and Fixing Government Budgeting. He contends that “many local governments are on track for bankruptcy.” And this downward trajectory can be expected to continue as municipalities fail to restrain their spending and overreach, crowding out opportunities for the private sector to work.  

City governments are maxing out their budgets because they are trying to maximize services. Of interest to current and future city council members, regional and state government officials, those covering city government, financial analysts, city management, and individuals and organizations interested in influencing city policy, this book argues that cities won’t thrive until city hall is disrupted.

However . . .

A look at the current election crop shows us that there aren't any serious changes on the horizon. 

In fact . . . 

We can look forward to BILLIONS spent on stadiums, development and possibly even reparations for slavery. 

Legal weed is promising but it's unlikely that it will make up the difference. 

Accordingly, we offer a warning that will be dismissed, ignored and overlooked until it happens:

Kansas City is slouching toward bankruptcy and a federal bailout won't solve the desperate situation. 

Detroit pretty much lost all hope after bankruptcy hit and more towns across the U.S. are confronting the same dire financial situation. 

Meanwhile . . . 

We're watching KCMO offer more handouts, services and programs whilst downtown KCMO still seems abandoned after dark and, really, anytime afternoon.

What's the plan to prevent financial ruin???

Please tell us if anybody knows . . .

From what we've seen there's merely a constant repeat of taxpayer subsidized development to extend the streetcar and offer more party districts that only seem to work when government freebies are flowing. 

Still . . .

It's Saturday night and we don't want to be a drag or ruin any good times on the horizon.

Accordingly . . . 

We'll share some of our favorite tunes in this TKC playlist and realize that NOBODY is talking about KC's finances amid another election season.

Let's start with experimental Brit New Wave pop from the 80s that covers a rock classic regarding money . . .

Here's somewhat recent hip-hop song on the sordid topic of coin . . .

One of our favorite selections covers of a rock anthem for those sitting around the house getting high and watching Youtube . . .

A country classic seems apropos given our cowtown roots and not so long ago memories of dust bowl hard times.

Finally, a very young Steve Winwood sings a blues standard with the Spencer Davis group which reminds us about the high price and person distress of harsh times.

As always, thanks for reading this week and have a safe & fun Saturday night.