I'm sure the world of economics has a word for the way I feel about economic development.

Basically speaking I am in favor of letting market forces determine which boats swim and which boats sink. I think there are moments in time when government or somebody needs to kick in a little extra to help survival.

Like when the auto industry is about to collapse or someone wants to build a giant apartment building on an eyesore empty lot or when a major league sports team needs help to build a new arena.

That's when government or someone needs to step up and lend a helping hand.

This brings us to the latest chapter in the mysterious story that is the Milwaukee Wave.

I'm sure a lot of people who have read along this far are saying, "here we go again with another rip on soccer."

Well, you're kind of right. There are things I like about soccer but what I'm looking for now is a little perspective. I feel about soccer just like I feel about anchovies.

Occasionally I really like anchovies. But not every day.

Most days I anchovies don't even make it onto my meal planning radar screen. Occasionally I like soccer, like during the World Cup or the Olympics. The rest of the time the only time I think about soccer is when I go watch one of my grandchildren play.

Just like anchovies.

So I was struck by the recent news that Jim Lindenberg, the rich guy who rescued the Wave from near extinction in 2009, is pleading for help. The team was without employees, a league or opponents when he pulled this rabbit out of his hat three years ago.

Now Lindenberg is talking about how he needs some new investors. He also says he'd be open to discussing selling the whole kit and caboodle to someone who has the cash. You've got to be kidding.

The guy who should have bought the Wave in 2009 should have been Jack Kevorkian. He would have known what to do with this franchise.

Euthanasia is defined as intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. With the stroke of a pen or the toss of a hat out of the ring, the Wave and everyone else would have been relieved of pain and suffering.

If you work for or are married to anyone who is seriously contemplating investing in the Wave I'd head to court to petition to gain control over all of their assets. Any judge would rule that the money person has become incompetent.

I don't have anything against the Wave, nice guys and charity work.

But this plea is another sign that soccer is really a small niche sport and growing smaller. The ladies' professional league has folded. In the last 10 years only three professional soccer league teams have seen an increase in attendance, Los Angeles, San Jose and Kansas City.

In an article wonderfully reported by Steve Jagler, executive editor of the Biz Times, he quoted Lindenberg as saying that potential investors should "have a philanthropist's spirit, love good family entertainment, be committed to keeping the Milwaukee Wave in Milwaukee and want to help support and grow this great tradition."

I would add that foolishness and a healthy touch of madness could be added to that list.