Quote:
Originally Posted by threefootputt
Paul Samuelson, U of Chicago economist, coined the phrase “dollar votes”. People vote with their dollars. Athletes would not be paid these amounts unless there was revenue to support it. It is what people perceive as value. The same people who balk at paying an additional two millage increase in taxes in order to pay teachers more don’t hesitate to spend $15-$20 for beers at the stadium. The same people who object to assistance for mental health continue to buy their favorite player’s $150 jersey. They are exercising their votes on their priorities by using their dollars.
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Is it really THEIR priorities or are they falling prey to massive propaganda created by massive ad campaigns? Up north people are often practically mesmerized by devotion to their city's pro football team. There are fewer activities available up north in the winter (football season). Often many people approach near insanity levels of devotion to THEIR pro football team. They act like they THEMSELVES win or lose depending on THEIR team's outcome on Sunday. They MUST have the clothing and other paraphernalia of THEIR chosen team. Then, on Monday at work, most conversations are about that near-holy team.
In the South, where there is more to do in the winter, pro Football teams like the Tampa Bay Bucs have less of an avidly insane following. Personally, I have always found spectator sports to be greatly lacking compared to participation sports. I actually feel that if Tom Brady came to watch me play softball, I MIGHT go to watch him play football. And incidentally, I find pro baseball to be so s-l-o-w that it becomes boring. They need to record the game and cut out the slow parts, then it might be interesting. I stopped watching pro baseball on TV in the 70s. So, naturally, pro athletes do NOT get their HIGH salaries from me. Sorry, Tom !