To my knowledge, neither Gates or Buffett own a sports team, so on this point at least they get a pass.
One thing I’ve never quite understood is how some people quake in their boots at the mere mention of Socialism, and yet these same people eagerly defend Corporate Welfare in its worst forms.
A classic Tank from decades ago had the owner of the local sports team threatening the city council to move the team: “This will expose your city to the SHAME of not having a major league sports team!” “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Panic sets in among the team’s bigwigs, and then a flunky comes running in: “San Antonio has just announced that if we move the team there they will build a stadium for us and only charge us $1 rent!” The owner mops his sweaty brow, and remarks, “Just when you begin to think one ISN’T born every minute!”
The exact same thing happened with the Houston Oilers. Bud Adams threatened to move the team if Houston didn’t vote to issue millions in bonds to finance the renovation of the Astrodome. Houston panicked and did it. A few years later he pulled the same stunt; demanding a new stadium! Houston basically said; don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. He went to Tennessee and pulled the same thing.
In the mid 1950s the Brooklyn Dodgers were looking for land to build a new stadium. (Mr. O’Malley was a real estate speculator) They found it and found owners willing to sell and relocate their businesses to allow the new stadium to be built. Totally SELF-FINANCED, no outside help at all. Robert Moses told them “No” and to build their new ballpark in Flushing Meadows, in a city built, city controlled ballpark. The Dodgers told Mr Moses where to go and they went to Los Angeles. They have been in LA for 60 years. My uncle, a man from Brooklyn told me that if he were in a room with Hitler, Stalin and Robert Moses and a gun with only two bullets, he would shoot Robert Moses. Twice.
That’s one reason I’ve become a fan of college and prep sports. Ever hear of a high school football team threatening to move to another town if they don’t get a new stadium?
Alabama Al over 6 years ago
To my knowledge, neither Gates or Buffett own a sports team, so on this point at least they get a pass.
One thing I’ve never quite understood is how some people quake in their boots at the mere mention of Socialism, and yet these same people eagerly defend Corporate Welfare in its worst forms.
fusilier over 6 years ago
Not only did Indianapolis build the Colts a new stadium, 10 years ago, but Jimmy Irsay collects most of the rent paid by other events happening there.
fusilier, who doesn’t get to take him as a dependent.
James 2:24
Godfreydaniel over 6 years ago
A classic Tank from decades ago had the owner of the local sports team threatening the city council to move the team: “This will expose your city to the SHAME of not having a major league sports team!” “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Panic sets in among the team’s bigwigs, and then a flunky comes running in: “San Antonio has just announced that if we move the team there they will build a stadium for us and only charge us $1 rent!” The owner mops his sweaty brow, and remarks, “Just when you begin to think one ISN’T born every minute!”
kodj kodjin over 6 years ago
The exact same thing happened with the Houston Oilers. Bud Adams threatened to move the team if Houston didn’t vote to issue millions in bonds to finance the renovation of the Astrodome. Houston panicked and did it. A few years later he pulled the same stunt; demanding a new stadium! Houston basically said; don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. He went to Tennessee and pulled the same thing.
Teto85 Premium Member over 6 years ago
In the mid 1950s the Brooklyn Dodgers were looking for land to build a new stadium. (Mr. O’Malley was a real estate speculator) They found it and found owners willing to sell and relocate their businesses to allow the new stadium to be built. Totally SELF-FINANCED, no outside help at all. Robert Moses told them “No” and to build their new ballpark in Flushing Meadows, in a city built, city controlled ballpark. The Dodgers told Mr Moses where to go and they went to Los Angeles. They have been in LA for 60 years. My uncle, a man from Brooklyn told me that if he were in a room with Hitler, Stalin and Robert Moses and a gun with only two bullets, he would shoot Robert Moses. Twice.
whelan_jj over 6 years ago
Here in San Diego we just said “NO!” Good riddance!
Guilty Bystander over 6 years ago
That’s one reason I’ve become a fan of college and prep sports. Ever hear of a high school football team threatening to move to another town if they don’t get a new stadium?