What'll We Tell the Kids About … Capitalism??

Displaying an exquisite ignorance of the cut-throat market in children's collectibiles, Rhode Island State Sen. Roger Badeau has introduced a bill forbidding professional athletes from charging money for autographs to kids under 16.

"I used to be a kid, I'd go to the Boston Red Sox, I never paid for a thing in my life," he told The Times. "All of a sudden, these guys here come to the (Convention) Center, (and it's) $125 for a bat—get lost. It doesn't make sense." […]

"It's outrageous, sickening and disgusting, on so many levels," Badeau said in a press release. "Kids look up to these sports stars. Idolizing them and revering them should not come with that kind of price tag. If an adult wants to spend that kind of money, so be it. But no child should be charged that kind of money for a keepsake signature of any athlete, World Champion or otherwise."

Pawtucket Sen. John F. McBurney, a co-sponsor of the bill, agreed.

"I don't think Manny Ramirez' signature on anything is worth $175," McBurney said. "It's price-gouging. They are taking advantage of people who can't afford it."

Seems to me anyone who can afford a $175 Manny Ramirez autograph can, well, afford it; especially when they flip the merchandise for $350 a couple years down the road.