Re-arranging the Deck Chairs on the Titanic

That’s what we in Grosse Pointe appear to be doing if we put any credence in an article which appeared in USA Today. The economic situation in Michigan is certainly poor. The automotive industry is in disarray and the “For Sale” signs line the elm-bordered streets. The realtors try to entice prospective buyers with cute boutiques. Forget “specialty shops.” What most of us want is a place to buy a spool of thread or cheap underwear.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. A silver lining, if you will. The author of this article overlooked an earlier article in the Free Press describing the cut rates that are available as a result of Michigan’s financial woes. I was intrigued by the couple from Farmington Hills, who had “set aside” $20,000 to join a country club, but were able to join Plum Hollow for $6,000. If Farmington Hills can offer a bargain, so can Grosse Pointe. The initiation fees at the Lochmoor Country Club here have fallen from $38,000 to $7,500. Is that per person or per family?

No matter, I will practice putting while singing a quick chorus of “Nearer my God to Thee."