A building “collapsed to rubble” in downtown Asheville. An investigation determined unpermitted work had been underway in the abandoned building. I speculate the owners’ goal was to demolish the building expeditiously, and they did not want the tie-ups and extra expenses of going through the permitting process. I further speculate the city’s goal was collecting fees and creating jobs for inspectors, and thus the rubble will be held up as a poster child of what disasters may befall if one tries to circumvent all the municipal red tape taxpayers are buying.