Zirin wrong on stadium subsidies.

• Position: Letters to the Editor - Letter to the editor

Although a San Francisco Giants fan, I've been to many games in Yankee Stadium over the years, and I found Dave Zirin's "House That Greed Built" (November issue) very interesting. I passed it on to my brother in New York, who had this to say:

"He doesn't know what he's talking about. Every modern player dislikes the old Yankee Stadium. In addition, they did such a great job designing the new Yankee Stadium that fans are OK with it. We in New York are progressive and understand the need to give way to the new when circumstances dictate. As for the city's financial contribution, it consists of things like roads, a MetroNorth stop, and parking garages."

Dave Troup

San Anselmo, California

Zirin's story on the Paulsons in Portland ("Minor League Paulsons," December issue) probably seemed like an easy one to write, but it was lazy, if not irresponsible. It is actually the more conservative crowd in Portland that doesn't like the proposed subsidy plan, a superficial reaction because it has to do with soccer, not considered a red-blooded American sport.

We progressives who understand what's going on are on board because it is an intelligent quality-of-life investment. The great thing is that the proposed scheme is backed by bonds that are to be paid back by stadium revenues. So, this is very far from a handout to a millionaire. The plan would squeeze more revenue out of existing, often blighted infrastructure and actually help us pay for more social programs.

Coburg

via e-mail

The author responds:

Wow. In a time of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, two Progressive readers are defending the public subsidizing of stadiums. That's sort of like preaching about the gospel of disco in 1983. And like disco, it's a hustle.

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