Should the Lakers Hold a Parade?
By now everyone knows the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals to capture their 15th franchise title. The question I posed on Twitter late last week and have been asking during the finals is — with unemployment hovering around 11% in California, the State in deep financial trouble and more city employees facing layoffs, should the Lakers hold a parade?
Media reports estimate the cost of the celebration to be at least $1 million dollars.
The question is not just for Los Angeles. Congrats to the Pittsburgh Penguins who waited 17 years to recapture the Stanley Cup. Should they hold a parade to celebrate?
By Sunday night, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was being quoted in Los Angeles news media that the Lakers should have a victory parade and expects it will happen, even if it is funded by private groups.
Some media began reporting that the cost for the parade was too much and that it might cause some city workers to be laid off or fired for lack of funds.
Here are my thoughts about the subject. A team belongs to a city and its fans. The organization creates jobs, revenue and certainly civic pride. During down times, like a severe recession, after terror has struck a city or a nation or even during war, the business of sport has always been a welcome distraction. Fans need something to cheer for, to believe in and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Sports allows us the chance to feel a part of this community. On the other hand, you also have to consider that the media is reporting city employees might lose jobs because the city coffers are already empty in the first place and the situation will be made worse by another million dollar commitment. Shouldn’t we think twice about the deeper cost of a one day event. Its like having a great wedding and then no money to live on after the spectacular one day event.
Since we are getting used to hearing about billions of dollars being paid to keep companies afloat, does spending one million dollars seem like something out of the petty cash drawer?
The case for a parade was not helped last night when, after game five ended, Los Angeles residents took to the streets in and around the Staples Center and local media began reporting that some local residents got out of hand by damaging cars and buses while throwing flares into the air and into trash bin. A few arrests were made.
The media is reporting that the parade will go no as planned Wednesday in Los Angeles. As J.W. Cannon, from Atlanta, said it best on a Tweet back to me over the weekend: ”Anything to celebrate in these troubling times is a good thing. Let people have their fun and smile a bit.”
I just hope no one gets fired over it. Congrats to the Lakers.
