World's stupidest newspaper decision

I work in a declining industry -- newspaper journalism -- that makes some stupid decisions. But I can't think of any that tops this: the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has ended James Lileks' column, and assigned him to write straight news stories. Lileks gives us the scoop on his blog. Lileks is one of the liveliest and most compulsively readable voices in American journalism. Most American newspapers are hard to read because they're so flavorless and masticated down into bland mush. We need more Lilekses -- that is, more distinct, intelligent, witty voices. More journalists who can write, for pity's sake.

What on earth could the Strib be thinking? Are they thinking? Why do you put your star prose stylist, the only writer for your newspaper that any non-journalist outside of Minneapolis has ever heard of, into the chorus? Is this one of those Maoist things, where they send the glasses-wearing intellectuals out of the cities and into the fields with a hoe to teach them a lesson?

UPDATE: Here's Dave Barry on the Strib's call:

"This is like the Miami Heat deciding to relieve Dwyane Wade of his basketball-playing obligations so he can keep stats. Sometimes I don't understand the newspaper business. What's left of it."

Lileks fans -- and I know you are legion -- let's have a contest to find the best possible simile to characterize the Strib's decision. Here's a start: Like cancelling "The Simpsons" to revive "Joanie Loves Chachi".