I just had a little chuckle to myself.... it just seems like another scheme to profit on our work.... seems like you will get your cake and eat it too... entertainment all around... but you make an excellent point.  Revenue is lost everyday but it isn't just your one example it is taking place with side jobs in almost every industry, food industry, construction... my only thought is that sometimes the underground economy is keeping things afloat.. because if it was all reported then the government and MEN would continue to find more things to spend it on... hence not lower taxes only larger spending.  Now if you would have put it in the context of free health care or child care. These services benefit almost the entire population.  Then you would have my backing.... but not just to PLAY BALL...

Think globally here - not just for a Stadium, but for better housing, education and health care for all that need it. I am not trying to be a Bleeding Heart Liberal - but start from the obvious - Legalize gambling, we already half way there with the lottery - why can't we just go all the way and make state owned and operated casino's legal. They will generate more then enough to pay for mulitple pro stadiums over the course of 30 years. They would also generate enough to make sure the healthcare and schools would not suffer. The reason we can not get casino's approved is a couple - strong Native American Lobby as well as too many vocal opponents to gambling. I don't think they are in the majority but they are vocal and organized.

By using this money on a prorated basis for education, healthcare, stadiums our taxes would be reduced, there would be more money spent in the state and cities that would be bold enough to move forward. Goods and services of all kinds would be more in demand.

It is the same people that scream about using tax dollars to finance a stadium (for the most part) that are screaming about not having enough revenue. In the end - it is our fault - for either we did not vote, or we elected wimps. We can only get the mild mannered guys that can look good on TV and polls. After they are elected, they stay the middle ground, because that's who thier constiuents (us) are (wish there was spell check!!!) and we don't want to spend more money.


It is tough for someone to run for an office with "New" Ideas. To get new ideas,  you need to ruffel feathers and go against the norm. The typicall candidate will have deep pockets as well as be connected. (Jesse is the exception that proves the rule). To be connected and have the deep pockets typically means you play the game and don't rock the boat.

Even if we were lucky enough to get that person through the primary, that person will have to have a thick skin, The (media) will dig into the past and find something to write about, be it finacial or social skeletons. There are excellent people that are afraid to run for any office for this very reason.

Sorry for the ramble here folks - but until we can get organized and have a voice - legalization of anything in Minnesota is a long way away. There are strong lobbies to work against - the Native Americans, MADD, GA.

There are answers and solutions. We can have it all. The question is, do we want to work for it?

my thoughts on this twins stadium?  i think the owners and players should finance there own stadium.  i look at the salaries of professional sports figures  and i look at the bottom of my tax form and i ask why me..why not them. they are a lot better off then me. but they will never pay for there own stadium because its to much of a gamble. they would rather take a chance with tax payers money instead. and for some small chance that it does turn a profit they will want there cut.