I grew up in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Mostly, I just wanted to get out and eventually did that. But in the last few years, I've really enjoyed being a KC Chiefs fan. Mahomes is a blast to watch and it was nice seeing the "home team" - which never could quite break through, even with some pretty good teams in the nineties - build a "dynasty".
But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.
This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.
I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.
But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.
This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.
I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.
