I was absolutely dumbfounded when I read Tom Powers' column about Carl Pohlad ("Twins owner put dealmaking ahead of just about everything," Jan. 6).
Powers' words were shocking and disturbing on so many levels, I don't know where to begin. Perhaps the most logical place to start would be the lack of respect shown to Carl's sons by not allowing them to bury their father before writing or publishing such an inflammatory piece. Or perhaps, one should start by pointing out to Powers a basic fact that even my 10-year-old daughter understands: Major League Baseball is, indeed, a business and not a public charity. Or should we point out to Powers that the funding of the stadium was the result of a lengthy debate by Minnesota's elected officials. He may not like the results of democracy, but Powers needs to accept it and stop pointing to a man's net worth as an indictment of the process that led to a vital new social asset for Minnesota. If Tom Powers does not like the new stadium, please inform him that he is not required to visit it, rain or shine. As though it is a crime, Powers points out that Carl Pohlad was a brilliant businessman and an amazing and talented "deal guy." I had the pleasure of knowing him and witnessing his professional talents. However, Carl was first and foremost the extraordinary patriarch of an extraordinary family, he was a compassionate friend to many and he cared dearly for Minnesota and the Minnesota Twins . Further, the various Pohlad charity foundations are among the most well funded and giving organizations in Minnesota.
To describe someone as "ruthless" is to say that he is pitiless, merciless, cruel and devoid of human feelings. Carl was none of these. Please save the adjectives for the likes of Bernie Madoff, Tom Petters, Jeff Skilling and Rod Blagojevich. Or, possibly, Powers may want to look in the mirror. While Powers is quite clear as to who he feels sorry for (the family, but not Carl himself), I feel most sorry for Powers. While the Pohlads lay Carl to rest, Powers already buried his dignity.
Why publish that column now? Or at all? Editorial and opinion journalism should be better than this. Better in its factual content, more basic in fairness and, if not those, better in its timing. Let Tom Powers wallow in his small-mindedness. Let him blog to his heart's content. Please, though, do not deliver it to my doorstep.
James D'Aquila is chairman and CEO of the Mercanti Group, a financial advisory firm with offices in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and New York.
