If you thought that's what you thought this thread was about, with friends like you I don't need enemies. As usual, you express your agreement with me by your silence.

To be honest, the comparison between Kobe and the U.S. Soldier really doesn't hit home with me. I am generally not in favor of government subsidies for stadiums, but I am comforted by the fact that they are usually implemented at the local or state level and with a stronger level of voter participation. It's pretty common to see a state referendum on the matter. Citizens also have significantly more access to the politicians who would promote this policy.

That's not the case for military pay. The average U.S. citizen has no power or influence on this matter. I think most citizens would support military pay raises, even if a tax raise were possible.

What really grinds me is the fact that a military contractor can send their employees to Iraq and perform work that could reasonably fall under the responsibility of the military. These contractors get paid significantly more than the U.S. soldier. In some cases it's up to five or six times the amount. That is much more disturbing to me than the professional athlete who plays in a locally subsidized stadium.

No response. Then it's settled. SU agrees that the overruse and pay of military contractors is much more outragous than a professional athlete that plays in locally subsidized arenas.

Apparently, everyone agrees with you.

As they do with most of your posts...

Thanks everybody!