Given its considerable financial problems over the years, the words “smart money” and “civil rights museum” don’t normally belong in the same sentence.

Ok that said–Greensboro’s International Civil Rights Center and Museum is doubling down on its claim that tax credits and and a write-off on a loan counts as donations that can offset a $1.5 million “forgivable loan” from the city.

The museum’s attorney, Doug Harris, says the difference of opinion with the city is a legal issue, not an accounting issue. How this will be resolved “legally” is another question.

The “smart money” on how this will be resolved? Rhino Times* editor John Hammer “is betting that the museum doesn’t repay a penny of the loan, however the details are worked out.”

*Note the Rhino’s transition from a traditional website to an e-edition. Gboro’s other alt-weekly, Triad City Beat, addresses in part that transition while promising big things for its online presence.