Leading the way: Senate president John Valentine, R-Orem, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan. Valentine even uttered that tired old phrase that public funding of stadiums produces economic development, one of the biggest lies ever sold to the American public.

But of course I'm not writing about that today, because it's futile. The politicos are determined to ram this thing through, no matter what.

But if I were going to write about it, I would marvel further at some of the nonsense pouring out of the politicians' mouths lately.

"This is going to be a black eye for our community for a long time if we aren't able to bail it out," Anderson said.

To listen to this man, you'd think people in cities around the nation are wringing their hands over this. Get Re-AL. Nobody outside of Utah knows or cares. A little perspective, please: We're talking about soccer in America.

Gov. Huntsman and Valentine say the use of hotel-room tax is paid for by out-of-state visitors, so the money would not be coming out of Utahns' pockets. Follow this logic: If that money is used for things that otherwise would have to be paid for by Utah taxpayers, or if it could be used for other things we pay for now, then it is coming out of their pockets.

For his part, Dave Checketts, the Real owner with his hand out, said he wasn't bitter about last week's rejection. Of course this was right before he accused Corroon of blocking the stadium project to advance his political career.

But, surprise! the stadium project isn't dead. It never is. Meanwhile, haven't you had enough of the whole subject? Good thing I'm not writing about it today.

---

E-mail: drob@desnews.com