Shameless Detroit Red Wings Seek to Fleece the Public - A Familiar Pattern

Those that fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it, a tenet which we see again and again in public affairs, most recently through the stunning proposal to provide what would be primarily public funding of a new $450 million facility for the billionaire owners of the Detroit Red Wings.

The scheme, which is supported by the "conservative" governor Rick Snyder, is a particular affront at a time that Detroit is in the midst of a bankruptcy proceeding and every stop is being pulled out to enable it to become solvent, including attacking the pensions of retired city employees, whose average annual benefit is the "lofty" sum of $19,000.

Former Governor Jennifer Granholm was vilified for being an ineffective liberal Democratic leader that led the once-great state of Michigan down the drain, and the people, in turn, decided that a Republican deserved a chance to lead the state.  What Governor Snyder would propose to do with public money is an abuse of power, an obscene gesture to those that voted for him in good faith with the mistaken belief that he would be a responsible steward of the public purse.  One can also ascribe blame to the shameless owners of the team, who do not need a handout.  All involved in the plot to provide welfare to the rich should be ashamed.  They are a disgrace.

President Obama has often spoken out against corporate greed and claims to be a fighter for the vast middle class, which is falling behind.  Is the corporate greed that is exhibited on a regular basis in the world of sports exempt from his ire?