Garvey's Ghost: Black Talk

Corporate Welfare

Those who know me know that I'm all for playing the corporate game for community needs. There are things I won't do and handing out 600Mil to a very profitable organization is one of them. I haven't commented on the proposal for NYC and NYS to give the Jets $600 Mil. and the nets $400 Mil. because it is obvious to me that it should not happen. over at the Black Commentator Margertte Kimberly breaks it down lovely. To see how foolish the claims of "many jobs created" are. Simply look at how a stadium works. The management jobs in any organization are few and far between. So there aren't any jobs at the top. The Jets and Nets already have mid level workers in place in their current locations so those jobs are not going to be opening up. Next down are concession stands, janitorial, ticket sale booths, security and parking lot attendants. These are not high paying jobs and they have a high rate of turnover. What about businesses? Well if you already have a business in Midtown or downtown Brooklyn then you're set. But since the stadium will no doubt increase the property values of the surrounding area ( amybe not seeing what is around Yankee Stadium), who among the "job seekers' will be able to rent property and start a business? The people who are going to benefit in the short term are contractors. Black men have a difficult time getting work on contruction in Harlem. What says they are going to get work at the Javits? In the long term, Union contractors will see a windfall when conventions come to town ( I know I got vicked by a few myself. $75 for an electrical outlet for a booth?) The Nets and Jets will make a killing while passing off minimum wage to the 'support staff." The city will make a killing on the parking tickets and taxes. the people who sell confectionary to the stadiums will continue to make large amounts of money and of course the cable operators who broadcast the games will make thier dough. And all they want from you is $600 million to make all this dough.

Links:
http://www.blackcommentator.com/99/99_freedom_rider_corporate_welfare.html