How to read another MLB.com press release if you must.

With an open mind. A 9/01 MLB.com story today is headlined,

• "Miami Residents Vote for New Stadium"

but that is not borne out in the article. There was a vote last week for mayor and other politicians who among other issues were in favor of a $3 billion urban redevelopment deal that includes a new stadium for MLB and the Marlins.

• The article does not cite any referendum on the stadium having been voted on, just that a general election took place including politicians in favor of the deal. Headlines have now gone out to millions around the world saying voters have approved the stadium.

Norman Bauman has pending lawsuits against the deal and the article suggests he would give up 'if the projects were put to a public vote'-- but they haven't been.

• MLB.com uses the term 'political process' or 'public vote' in place of an actual referendum on the deal (referring to election or re-election of politicians for whom any number of issues could be at stake) which is not the same as voting on the $3 billion plan.

• (MLB.com): "Braman has said he would consider dropping his lawsuit if the projects were put to the public vote.

• The political process did come into play last Tuesday, because the county residents had their chance to have their voices heard in the voting booths.

• "There was a referendum, and it was called
• the Mayoral election," Samson said."

(It would take persons other than myself to stop this kind of coverage from MLB.com). sm

• photo by ap, 9/1/08 game, Atl. @ Marlins.

Tweet Stumbleupon StumbleUpon