Approaching Memphis from the I-40 Bridge, one thing stands out-- the city's star piece of architecture -- The Pyramid.
The Pyramid represents what is unique to Memphis. It ties us tothe ancient Egyptian city of Memphis, with the Mississippi Riveracting as our Nile. Along with Beale Street, Sun Studios andGraceland, it is what non-residents think of when they thinkMemphis.
But if some of our "leaders" have their way, The Pyramid willtake its place with the Mall of Memphis as a useless relic and adrain on taxpayers' wallets.
Against many citizens' wishes, the city went ahead with plansfor the Grizzlies' FedExForum, justified with the assumption thatan NBA team should have its own arena. Now, we are told the Tigersare no longer satisfied with The Pyramid, so they should be able tomove to the new arena also at the taxpayers' expense.
This proposed move is being sold to the public as precisely whatit is not -- a fiscally responsible decision that will be good fortaxpayers. Mayor Herenton points to a projection that The Pyramidwill lose $1.3 million a year if the Tigers stay.
But like City Council Member Myron Lowery said, "If (the Tigers)are there, they are going to produce some revenue. If they're notthere, they're not going to produce any revenue."
And if this move will save money for taxpayers, why were thetaxpayers of Memphis and Shelby County being asked to pay acombined $250,000 a year for 20 years to subsidize it?
The U of M may be able to get out of its contract with ThePyramid, but the taxpayers cannot. After taxes, many people won'thave enough money to buy tickets to a Grizzlies or Tigers game.This deal isn't about helping the taxpayers of Memphis. It is aboutlining the pockets of the rich elite.
Like typical elitists, Herenton and other officials arebasically telling the public, "This is our decision, and it willhappen whether you like it or not."
Herenton's predictable arrogance seeps into every aspect of thisdeal. He insists the Tigers move will free The Pyramid for"alternative uses," but he refuses to elaborate on any of hisideas. Like President Nixon's claim to have a secret plan to endthe Vietnam War, Herenton's "plan" is most likely no plan atall.
If the Tigers don't play there, The Pyramid will become a realtomb. The hope by some of turning it into a casino is prohibited bythe laws of this state, which are not likely to change any timesoon.
I applaud the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commissionfor refusing to be a rubber stamp and rejecting the taxpayersubsidy for the Tigers move.
Before the votes, U of M Athletic Director R.C. Johnson said thesubsidy was a "deal breaker." After the votes, he seemed obliviousto reality, saying, "I really don't think it's a dead issue," andThe University needs to "look at other options."
I have an option for you, R.C.: Stay in The Pyramid.
