I'm so proud of the Seahawks that I've forgiven Howard Schultz for threatening to leave Seattle with the Sonics. Before, I was mad at HoSchu for putting a gun to my head like that, but after the Seahawks season of glory, I've changed my tune. I know the Washington State Legislature is planning on directing my money to the needy Sonics this session anyway (House Bill 3233 and Senate Bill 6849), but even if they weren't, I'd give it away myself, thanks to those Seahawks.

The sense of pride I get from seeing a bunch of millionaires and their billionaire team owner hoist a conference championship trophy and thank the fans (that's us, dog!) for our support, especially our financial support, makes me realize just how important the Sonics are.

You're probably thinking 'Steve, what are you worrying about? Don't you know that's what legislators are for? Remember how our elected leaders rescued the stupid herd from itself when we wanted to say no thanks to Qwest Field?'

And you're right, I know. But believe it or not, back in the day, I was part of that stupid herd, wanting to give up on the honor of paying for the football stadium.

I guess it was because of all the complicated algebra they used to explain why we needed it. Like how a $1 investment in a football stadium would return X dollars to the local economy, where X is a really complicated variable to understand. What we didn't know then, but do now, is that when it comes to stadiums, X is always greater than 1.

I guess it doesn't take that much imagination to figure out that rivers of cash would come from all those family wage jobs making t-shirts and selling hot dogs outside of Qwest Field on game day, but for a long time, I just didn't get it.

And where would we be now if there was no Qwest field? I'll tell you where - sitting at home, crying our eyes out, and wishing like hell that we could trade places with the Tulsa Seahawks, or the Midlothian Seahawks, or the Tuscaloosa Seahawks, and their great public works and educational systems and affordable housing built with the Power of Seahawk Pride. Pride, and a whole lot of tax revenue from local businesses selling foam "we're # 1" gloves.

So don't wait for Greg Nickels and the Washington State Legislature to rescue you from drowning in your own pleb ignorance. Run down to Starbucks Coffee - you can run in any direction - and leave a check for more than you can afford, payable to Howard Schultz and the Needy Sonics Foundation. If they ask, tell 'em Paul Allen sent you.