Although I am a long-time supporter of Real Change, sometimes I do disagree with the opinions in the paper. An example is the editorial by Rev. Rich Gamble (“In the arena of everyday life, we need to choose heroes who embody our values,” RC, July 11, 2012) arguing against the proposed sports arena because of the high incomes the players would receive.
Other entertainers also receive high remuneration, but I am not aware of the paper expressing criticisms of Seattle Opera singers or local TV personalities. Among certain Seattleites, the highly paid singer Jane Eaglen is as much a “hero” as the highly paid Ichiro is to others. By the way, didn’t the opera house get some public subsidies when it was extensively remodeled and named for a local wealthy person?
Chris Hansen says he is not seeking a $200 million public “subsidy” because the money would be repaid with interest, as required by Seattle law. If Rev. Gamble feels this is a bad deal, he should be analyzing it carefully instead of impugning Hansen’s motives. Perhaps Gamble needs to counter the widely held view that it is commendable for a wealthy person to subsidize a public entertainment.
Phil Bereano | Seattle