Opinion: Citigroup and the Mets
In the New York Times, George Vecsey criticizes the Mets and Citigroup for continuing on with ‘the Citi Field deal,’ despite a $300 billion loan to the banking giant from the Federal Government.
Vecsey uses typical buzzwords like ‘socialism,’ while writing, “My rage gave way to pride, however, knowing that we are all, in a broad sense, shareholders in the Mets.”
I look forward to reading George’s next few columns, during which I am sure he will express an equal amount of rage in also being a shareholder of AIG, Chrysler, Bear Stearns, the airline industry, countless other banks, the police department, the fire department, my nephew’s public school, my grandparents prescription drug plan, and the countless 
other organizations our taxdollars help to support and finance. I mean, the entire city of New York was bailed out in 1975 for Pete’s sake.
Anyway, I, too, am confused by the Mets, who are continuing their relationship with Citigroup. But, I have kept quiet on this issue, because, frankly, at this point, what is there to say?
Whether it’s Citigroup, the Government, Tiger Woods and GM, the insurance companies, the auto manufacturers, ‘the bridge to nowhere,’ the credit industry or the Mets, it’s the same-old, tired, complicated story, all of which beat around the bush. To me, it would be a waste of time to criticize one, and not criticize the other, all while never addressing the real, macro problem at hand.
That said, I am surprised the Mets have continued their partnership with Citigroup, strictly from a public relations point of view. I mean, whether you are for it, against it, whether you’re ignorant like me, or you’re a financial expert, the partnership does look a bit gluttonous, which is never good. Typically, the team is so paranoid of what other people think, so I am surprised this has yet to impact their thinking.
Frankly, I feel like the Mets should keep the name, take the money and give the cash to people who were laid off by the bank, or something to that affect – but what do I know. I mean, I’m still hoping Apple steps in and names it The Big Apple.
By the way, I’ll be at Citi Failed today, I mean Field, taking pictures and video with SNY’s Ted Berg, which I hope to have uploaded before the end of the day.
