Soccer field mania: Pretend journalism continues to run amok

If there were ever a doubt that the Advocate is out of touch with the principles of reportage, particularly in the question of whether or not Newark taxpayers should pay for a place where a Columbus soccer team can practice, a reading of the most recent article is recommended.

Entitled "Fields of dreams? - Anticipation for possible Columbus Crew practice facility in Newark is running high for some, not so much for others," the reporter keyed in on four parents whose kids participate in Newark Area Soccer Association events.

Positive comments occupy the first 17 paragraphs. Then there are three paragraphs focused on traffic problems the project might create.

Then there are three paragraphs saying, in effect, that there will be no traffic problems.

Then three paragraphs praising the idea for the facility as "a real energizer for our students" by a school principal.

And finally, the last paragraph, the 27th paragraph, mentions that the city - meaning taxpayers - might pay $15-$20 million for this facility.