Astroturfing the Primary

Astroturfing is a political phenomenon where one gives the impression that coordinated support is actually spontaneous, grassroots support. But I think Dennis Callahan took it litererally:

Dennis Callahan, a Democratic candidate for county executive, will promise tomorrow to install high-tech playing turf at all 12 high school athletic fields if elected.

Mr. Callahan, who will step down later this month from his job as county recreation and parks director, plans to announce his proposal between the boys' and girls' lacrosse games at Broadneck High. He estimated the cost at $2.1 million.

"Some of life's most important lessons are learned on the playing field," said Mr. Callahan. "(The turf is) out there for safety and it's out there for community use."

As I said before, I can imagine that the money that Callahan proposes to spend on the FieldTurf would be better spent on teachers, construction, or classroom-related projects instead of this turf. I understand the safety and maintenance concerns, but this expense seems unseemly given that we have other, more crucial issues to deal with in our schools.