The history of Alabama could be summarized as the story of shortsighted and stupid politicians. While Mobile has done some good things in the area of economic development, the shortsightedness of politicians is easy to see in the handling of the Senior Bowl.

According to one report, Mobile’s leadership has systematically snubbed the Senior Bowl, while lavishing dollars on the Gulf Coast Classic. “It is inconceivable to me to think the most prestigious event we have that has been here for over 50 years has been overlooked by the mayor and the Ladd-Peebles board,” Nodine told Lagniappe Magazine. … “It was a slap in the face to the Senior Bowl and the NFL that the city turned down the Senior Bowl, especially in light of what they gave the Gulf Coast Classic,” Nodine said. “In no way shape or form are they the same. Now we’ve put in jeopardy the prestigious economic development event we have.”

There are more damning items in the story. But all the issues point to one big problem in politics—Aesop described this best in one of his fables. According to Aesop, “A Dog, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw his own shadow in the water and took it for that of another Dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size. He immediately let go of his own, and fiercely attacked the other Dog to get his larger piece from him. He thus lost both: that which he grasped at in the water, because it was a shadow; and his own, because the stream swept it away.”

Such greed is far too prevalent in politics and business; there is a willingness to spend millions to land new business, while neglecting the business you already have. It costs more to land a new customer than to retain old customers, but we waste time and resources on the wrong battles. Why is it so hard to take care of what you already have?

While the Senior Bowl might stay in Mobile, the fact politicians have insulted and neglected one of the brightest sporting events in this state is a sign Mobile needs leadership change before it winds up like Birmingham.

7 thoughts on “Mobile starting to look like Birmingham”

  1. The senior bowl is an icon. It should be the most important of the postseason allstar games. But Mobile is still mired in the age old southern tradition of kicking back and drinking Mint Julips in a rocking chair on the porche!

  2. Mobile county is one of the fastest growing economies in the country. What the city government lacks in regards to this decision is a blip on the radar. To compare it to Bhams circus sideshow is not a very good comparison. Langford and co. are the equivalent to the WWF.

  3. bp, i would take you back to a decision by richard arrington to let the sec championship game go over a contractual dispute concerning a $300,000 dollar revenue shortfall.

    inept decisions like this one have led to the eventual “sideshow” of which you speak.

    (personally, i think you owe “sideshows” across the world an apology for the unfortunate comparison to birmingham)

    snubbing the senior bowl is a incredibly stupid decision that gives one insight into the political thinking (or lack thereof) and could be a vane indicating future decisions.

    something to watch.

  4. I know finebammer that any step back is a negative. But , Birmingham hasnt had any positive growth since the 70’s. The fact of the matter is that Moblie co. is landin some major industry. Krup will be the biggest steel plant int he country if Im not mistaken. That compared to the senior bowl is like comparing , welllll, that to the senior bowl.

  5. Its the fault of the people running Mobile. Take a look at the Mayor and it will explaine the whole Gulf Coast Classic debacle. He took one for the team…

  6. Is there a worse mayoor in the country than Larry Langford ?

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