LIV Proves Money can Buy Anything - or Anyone

Money Makes the World Go Round

If you have ever watched the movie Cabaret, you have to remember the number performed by Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey with the above title. It is a classic. Treat yourself here if you have not seen it: Cabaret - Money makes the world go round - YouTube. The expression has been around for a long time. It has always been true and probably always will be.

Money has always driven wars and battles, or at least the riches and resources that belong to others, which selfish and ruthless people want for themselves. It is the foundation of dynasties, religion, dictators, and extremists.

It finds a home and flourishes under all forms of government. This includes central so-called democratic free enterprise systems; left leaning socialistic ones; and extreme right totalitarian regimes. It drives all corporations and small businesses. Money in various forms provides the basis for international business and trade.

You get the picture. What it brings out most in humans is greed - pure and simple greed. People with money - lots of it - always want more and are capable of doing horrible things to get it and keep it.

I have written before that I believe it is behind racism and white supremacists, which is still behind many of the world's problems, especially in America.

We seem to accept this when it comes to providing us with entertainment. Look at the obscene incomes doled out in sports events, movies/videos, and music.

Now to the topic of the day - this newly formed LIV Golf league. Here is a good summary of golf movements historically: The LIV Golf series: What we know, what we don’t, and the massive ramifications of the Saudi-backed league | Golf News and Tour Information | Golf Digest. More specifically, this one explains more the new undertaking: What is LIV Golf? A simple primer on the controversial new golf league.

Greg Norman is saying it his attempt to expand competitive golf throughout the world. Some of the players who have jumped ship are trying to justify their moves the same way. Mickelson is worse - he initially called out the backers of the league ("They're scary motherf—ers to get involved with"). This is Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund worth some $600 billion. Then he justified it as a way to pay off his gambling debts. Most of the winnings in the PGA Tour are provided by sponsors, not national leaders.

You might accept some pro golf foreign nationals not feeling as loyal to the PGA Tour because many of them already play in leagues all over the world. However for those who became famous and very wealthy through the PGA Tour, the motive is greed. Phil is reported to have been paid $200 million just to play there in the events. For DJ it is said to be $120 million. Winnings would be on top of that.

The PGA Tour and many of its stars like Arnold, Jack, and Tiger to name a few, have a proven record of paying back in the form of charitable and educational foundations, and hospitals. I doubt you will see the same from this Arab league.

I also predict that if it succeeds it is just the beginning. The effort has become known as Sportswashing. What will be next? How will America react when top athletes from baseball, football, basketball and others move to a more financially lucrative league elsewhere? Would they play in a new Russian League today if there were one - just for the money?

America has few friends in the Middle East. It is sad to see so many ignore their ethics for the almighty dollar. It is heartening to see others like Rory (who is not American), Tiger, and Justin demonstrate their loyalties.

#thebrewsterblock