When the rich are cronies of government: Louisiana Sugar Bowl

Why is there a Tea Party? Why do people clamor for fewer government perks, often to no avail? Chad Rogers, publisher of a news website in Louisiana (TheDeadPelican.com) cut right to the chase in a radio interview this week, and I wanted to share the clip—one which I have to agree with and merits repeating (one minute).

In the lead up to an eagerly-awaited match between Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama, 141 Louisiana legislators received first dibs on discounted tickets. It also became public that the committee overseeing the Sugar Bowl match had been receiving an annual $1 million dollar subsidy, while having more than $34 million saved away and paying the committee chief a salary of $600,000. Rogers had this to say:

“The people who have money in this country, more and more, the wealthy, are people who have connections to government somehow… That bothers me… more than food stamps, more than welfare.”

LSU went into bat for the legislators and made sure the tickets were available. Apparently, ticket access for legislators plays “a vital role in the continued success of [LSU],” said a spokesman. Jeff Crouere, the host, translates:

“In effect, because legislators control the purse strings, they are getting this gift…”