-
What Those Who Boycott Israel Really Want
May 14, 2013 | 142 comments
-
Mitt on Marriage
May 8, 2013 | 38 comments
-
The One Constant
May 1, 2013 | 118 comments
-
Trudeaus and Terrorism
April 22, 2013 | 15 comments
-
I Was Almost There
April 16, 2013 | 171 comments
The Nation's Pulse
Baseball’s Arizona Strikeout
MLB throws spitballs at new immigration law.
The biggest obstacle facing Arizona’s much maligned new immigration law is not that it could be struck down by the Supreme Court but rather that it could be struck out by Major League Baseball.
Baseball is not only America’s pastime but it also generates billions of dollars in revenue across the country. The economic benefits of baseball are seen not only in cities with major league teams but in smaller communities with minor league franchises. Outside of Florida there is perhaps no other state that derives a greater economic benefit from baseball than Arizona where professional baseball is played nearly year round.
Every March, baseball fans converge on Arizona to watch spring training games under the auspices of the Cactus League. Since 1998, the number of teams in the Cactus League has nearly doubled from eight to fifteen. This season, the Cactus League welcomed the Cincinnati Reds to its ranks. In 2009, the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers joined up. The Dodgers were lured to Glendale from Vero Beach, Florida, which had been their spring training home since 1948.
Of course, there are the Arizona Diamondbacks. Remember Luis Gonzalez in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series? But if the D’Backs aren’t playing post-season in October then baseball fans can satiate their appetites for extra innings through the middle of November with the Arizona Fall League. It is estimated that Arizona generates more than $350 million in revenue from the Cactus League alone. Not surprisingly those who oppose Arizona’s new immigration law are hoping they can persuade MLB to swing into action.
Some want to boycott the D’Backs. This, however, might not be such an effective tactic. Should the D’Backs, who finished in last place in the NL West in 2009, end up playing poorly again this summer, fans will stay away from Chase Field immigration law or no immigration law.
But then there is the 2011 MLB All-Star Game which is set to be held in the aforementioned Chase Field. José Serrano, a Democratic Congressman in New York’s 16th District, has called on MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to move the game from Phoenix. Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has said he will not go west if he is asked to take part in the proceedings.
Late last week, Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner issued a statement (pdf) opposing the law:
We hope that the law is repealed or modified promptly. If the current law goes into effect, the MLBPA will consider additional steps necessary to protect the rights and interests of our members.
The same day Weiner issued his statement, the Arizona legislature modified the legislation and these changes were approved by Governor Jan Brewer.
Naturally, I was curious whether these modifications would mollify the MLBPA. If these changes weren’t satisfactory, then what suggestions did they have to offer? And what “additional steps” would the MLBPA take if their demands were not met? However, when I spoke with MLBPA Communications Director Greg Bouris over the phone he declined to elaborate beyond what was contained in Weiner’s statement.
As of this writing, Commissioner Selig has not issued a statement of his own concerning this matter. However, if Selig were to make a statement concurring with Weiner then all bets are off. While the MLBPA represents the interest of the players the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball represents the owners. If the players and owners are in solidarity in opposition to Senate Bill 1070, this legislation might face an insurmountable obstacle.
If you are a fan of baseball then you will know that Latino players born both within the United States and outside its borders comprise a significant presence in the game. Nearly one out of every four players on major league rosters is Latino. This gives ample room for those who seek to engage in demagoguery. Exhibit A: President Barack Obama. Consider what he said at a town hall meeting in Iowa last week:
But you can imagine, if you are a Hispanic American in Arizona — your great-grandparents may have been there before Arizona was even a state. But now, suddenly, if you don’t have your papers and you took your kid out to get ice cream, you’re going to be harassed. That’s something that could potentially happen.
The idea that law enforcement officials in Arizona are going to stake out every Baskin-Robbins along Interstate 17 laying in wait for Hispanic families is not only preposterous but a poorly conceived notion. But when President Obama speaks people listen. No wonder Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cesar Izturis is freaking out. The Venezuelan born veteran infielder recently commented:
Now they’re going to go after everybody, not just the people behind the wall. Now they’re going to come out on the street. What if you’re walking on the street with your family and kids? They’re going to go after you.
But why would the police come after Izturis if he is merely walking the street with his family? Unless Izturis is engaging some kind of illegal activity, the only reason the police might stop him is to ask for his autograph. While Izturis is trouble on the baseball field he should have nothing to fear while walking Arizona’s straight and narrow streets with his family.
Unfortunately, President Obama and others have taken ownership of the Arizona immigration bill with fallacies and fear instead of facts and figures. If Cesar Izturis honestly believes police are going to go after him, then it is incumbent upon Governor Brewer and State Senator Russell Pearce (the bill’s sponsor) to give reassurance that he and others have nothing to fear from Arizona’s new immigration law. Then perhaps Izturis will be at ease outside the lines.
About the Author
Aaron Goldstein writes from Boston, Massachusetts.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (160) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Aaron Goldstein
More Articles From The Nation's Pulse
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/05/05/baseballs-arizona-strikeout
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 6:36AM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Baseball's Arizona Strikeout [specta links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Robbins Mitchell| 5.5.10 @ 6:43AM
Well,if MLB tries some half assed boycott of AZ and the Diamonbacks and the 2011 All-Star game,I've bought my last Astros ticket
stop2think| 5.5.10 @ 8:24AM
I agree. If MLB pulls the All Star game out of AZ, I will cancel MLB Extra Innings on DirecTV and will not go to spring training and regular games of my MLB team.
Eric Cartman| 5.5.10 @ 9:11AM
Good point on Direct TV, stop2think. I'm doing that, also.
Heck| 5.5.10 @ 1:45PM
I agree. Bought online MLB for part of last year, but I will not spend another dollar on baseball, Internet or otherwise, if MLB pulls the All Star game out of AZ.
Cody| 5.5.10 @ 7:05PM
Stop2think,
I doubt they or anyone will care if you cancel your subscription. For someone who stops to think, I would say that you're cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Here's what conservatives don't understand. They often argue that the police can only ask about immigration of there's lawful contact, which they interpret to mean that someone's doing something illegal.
It's not that simple. You wouldn't believe how much discretionary power the police actually have. I don't live in Arizona and I have done two police ride-alongs in different states. The police can pull you over for ANYTHING- tilted license plate, tire touching the parking lane, the tiny lights about your license plate not working, etc. Mind you, they don't ticket or arrest these people, but it allows them to interview them and see if their suspicious. Under Arizona law, they would then be free to question immigration status.
And who will the cops find a reason to pull over? The white mom driving the minivan? Or the Latino gardeners in the beat up pick up truck? Let's face it- Pulling over a Latino is more likely to net an illegal than pulling over a white person.
I don't think the law is a problem so much as how the police can abuse it without any oversight.
All of you should know better than anyone that when you give the government broad discretion (in this case the police), it often abuses it's power.
Rita Bonita| 5.6.10 @ 8:45AM
Cody - I was in Arizona over ten years ago and was pulled over by the feds (I believe it was ICE), asked my citizenship and asked to show my id, as were the other three people in the vehicle. This was not a stop for a traffic violation, but a check point. I suppose my rights were violated? I just don't see where this law differs other than it would have been local enforcement as opposed to federal, and they would have had to tell us something to the effect of our headlight was out? The whole argument against this law is outrageous.
Sam| 5.6.10 @ 2:30PM
Rita,
Checkpoints are reasonable. They merely check whoever happens to drive through. I am totally fine with checkpoints. But giving the police the power to ask the citizenship of someone they 'reasonably' suspect is asking for trouble. We have a large Latino population of legal immigrants who do not always speak good English. What happens if they forget their papers at home or are asked to produce them? Deportation.
I will never have to worry about carrying my citizenship papers in Arizona because I will never be stopped. The fact that Latinos will have to do so, just to be safe, gives the appearance that they are somehow lesser Americans, second class citizens. That's not what this country is about.
Eric Cartman| 5.6.10 @ 9:04AM
Stop, you're breaking my heart. Asking people for their drivers license. What's next? Asking people for passports at the airport? How Nazish of us!
John| 5.6.10 @ 1:15PM
All citizens must carry drivers licenses as means of identy this outcry is merely a smokescreen for Illegals. Those opposed to the law should spend some time in the shoes of Arizona residents before they decry the motives of the law.
oldwolves| 5.6.10 @ 12:34PM
Yeah, it's the cops who are the bad guys. Not those breaking the law. Welcome to Bizzarro World.
Nick| 5.6.10 @ 1:28PM
Cody,
What an inane argument: The police MIGHT abuse their power, so don't give them power, at all.
Should we also take away their guns?
The way to deal with abuses of power is on a case by case basis, not to take the power away.
Nick| 5.6.10 @ 1:30PM
That should be: don't give them THE power, at all.
Cody| 5.6.10 @ 3:38PM
Thank you for misrepresenting my words. You would make a great liberal.
I didn't say take all the power from the police. I am currently working toward joining either the ATF or FBI. It's about giving them clearly defined limits on their power. I know you believe in that for other agencies of government. Why not the police too?
When you tell a cop to arrest someone who he 'thinks' is an illegal immigrant, he cannot help but start looking closer at Latino residents since Mexicans are the main group of illegals in Arizona. I don't want to see American citizens harassed based on the color of their skin or their accent. Even Tom Tancredo, a man who everyone agrees is all for cracking down on immigration has serious questions about this law.
Nick| 5.7.10 @ 1:27AM
Cody,
"Thank you for misrepresenting my words."
Pot calling kettle.
I didn't write that you were arguing to "take all the power from the police."
My point was, your position that police will abuse their power, to pull over people who look Mexican, is reason enough not to give them the power in the Arizona law.
Based on your rationale, police shouldn't have guns, either. Or, any power. Because they MIGHT abuse it. It is your logic that is flawed.
All the Arizona law does is copy federal law.
And, actually, Mr. Tancredo doesn't have any problem with this law: "I like the law," said Tancredo, adding that "the fact is that it's a good law. I think that Arizona needed to do it."
http://videocafe.crooksandliar.....sm-arizona
Eric Cartman| 5.5.10 @ 9:09AM
I say we start calling the MLB and let them know how many of us old white guys follow baseball. Same with every other sport, show, company, etc. Call 'em. I'm calling the Astros and Tigers front offices today.
Eric Cartman| 5.5.10 @ 9:45AM
I emailed MLB under contact us (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/help/contact_us.jsp) choose fan feedback. I politely let them know I will have no use for them if they support this national threat. Lets face it, if they boycott AZ then I guess they support the deputy getting shot in the stomach, the human exploitation and the drug cartels over America and us "old white guys". I guess they don't need my money. Let them get it from the drug cartels.
Miss Alabama| 5.5.10 @ 11:42AM
Here's something you Christianist right-wing Am Spec readers won't bring up in the immigration debate (although you often refer to it when it comes to marriage equality). Leviticus:
Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)
When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt.
All you Am Spec readers, time for you to follow God's Word as it is expressed in your beloved Levitcus!
In God's name. Amen
GW| 5.5.10 @ 12:03PM
And how is enforcing the law "mistreating" someone? The US has some of the most compassionate laws regarding immigration. But, the Bible doesn't say to allow law-breakers free reign over your land now does it?
Cpm| 5.5.10 @ 12:27PM
Weren't they slaves in Egypt?
Eric Cartman| 5.5.10 @ 1:18PM
Go brush your tooth, Miss Alabama. They weren't shooting deputies with AK -47s, but you Lefty aholes support that so its no surprise you support hordes of illegals escaping the Lefty countries you aholes help develop.
For all you regular people, MBL's number is 212-931-7800. They weren't happy with my polite call - and I was polite. Keep your $$$ this baseball season - go to the local softball game.
Forever Marine| 5.5.10 @ 2:04PM
I think Leviticus would understand that something conservative would have to be done to avoid going bankrupt and enforce the law. Either we have laws or we don't. If we don't we are nothing. Illegal "aliens" are not tourists we would love. They are thieves.
James Sprunt| 5.5.10 @ 4:35PM
I think MISS ALABAMA's point is to make fun of conservatives always trotting out Leviticus when it comes to gays, but they will ignore Leviticus--recognizing its absurdity--when it comments on other issues, such as. . . well . . . clams, oyster, crabs, lobsters are an abomination unto God, etc. And so on and so on and so on . . .
Doorgunner| 5.5.10 @ 3:00PM
If I am to love the alien as I love myself, I must then demand of him adherence to the laws of our society and a respect for the property and rights of others. Without these qualities I would have no self-respect and no self-love.
For Pete's sake, you're an a**.
Alan Brooks| 5.5.10 @ 4:44PM
"I must then demand of him adherence to the laws of our society and a respect for the property and rights of others. "
I've been to Mexico; the govt. there is corrupt as hell and will mistreat foreigners if they can shakedown the relatives-- meaning they will eye you to see if they can sense what pull you have back in the States... if you are a Lucky Luciano you are left alone.
Tim*| 5.5.10 @ 4:34PM
Is that like a Buddhist ?
Are there Judists ?
Alan Brooks| 5.5.10 @ 4:38PM
Ms. Alabama,
If Mexico can't climb out from being a third world cesspool, we can't do anything to remedy the situation.
Petronius| 5.6.10 @ 1:00AM
The Mexican populace is up against the same type of despotic political establishment we have except theirs is worse. It's called "el mordido"; deadly bite. The ruling party shakes down established businesses before taxes up to 20% of their revenues. It has a similar effect of over taxation here. Ordinary citizens can't possibly accumulate any wealth. All governments like it that way. Lefties call this "fairness".
Nolan Jones| 5.5.10 @ 5:11PM
Miss Alabama, you are taking a verse out of its biblical context and misapplying it to make your point. The alien of ancient Israel is not an illegal one , but one who wishes to attach himself to the true G-d of Israel. He will abide by the laws of Israel and is to be accepted as a native- born Israelite. He will adapt himself to the Israeli culture and way of doing things. However, America is not Israel and the illegals need to beome citizens in the same way all immigrants are required to by American law. Have a good day!
AlmondRoco| 5.5.10 @ 5:42PM
Leviticus and so much of the bible is totally irrelevant to contemporary times.
With the exception of the more humane teachings of Jesus Christ, most of the bible is immoral and barbaric--horrific in its violence and superstition.
Alan Brooks| 5.5.10 @ 7:25PM
"With the exception of the more humane teachings of Jesus Christ, most of the bible is immoral and barbaric--horrific in its violence and superstition."
But if you say that about the Koran, or do a cartoon including Mohammad, you get ballistic guys protesting little Denmark.
Denmark is an imperialist nation?? Golly, we didn't realize Denmark had so many WMDs targeted at Mecca.
AlmondRoco| 5.5.10 @ 9:06PM
Ditto, Mr. Brooks.
Nick| 5.5.10 @ 5:25PM
Miss Alambama,
Are you advocating a "literal" interpretation of the Bible?
If so, are you in favor of stoning homos? If not, why are you trying to use the Bible to make an argument?
Either way, you are obviously ignorant of Scriptures and their meaning.
James Sprunt| 5.5.10 @ 5:39PM
Nick,
See my comment above. Miss Alabama is tongue in cheek.
Bill Maher| 5.5.10 @ 5:45PM
I'm go on the wingnuts' websites and quote scripture to them ! I'm so edgy I make me LOL !
GavInTucson| 5.5.10 @ 11:23PM
No problem, Miss Alabama. We here have no problem putting the "aliens" in your land, so you can enjoy the wonderful experience of treating these new guests as "native-born."
Better brush off that red carpet. It's about to get a lot of traffic.
oldwolves| 5.6.10 @ 12:37PM
Whats your address please? I'd like to send some illegals over to your home so they could live off you directly. That would be the christian thing to do.
John| 5.6.10 @ 12:58PM
It refers to an alien who is passing through your land as a welcome visitor. Also, you might take into consideration that these people are here illegally. It means they broke the law to get here. What part of illegal don't you understand? These people are criminals, not merely aliens.
gisela| 5.6.10 @ 10:13PM
Someone needs to ask our government if they know what the word ILLEGAL means and why they choose to ignore it,but on the other hand we are to blame also for printing anything in their language. make them speake english and then don't buy anything from anyone who hires illegals.If we wouldn't dole out welfare ,healthcare and all the other freebees they get maby they would go home. they have a nerve to protest in the streets and demand and why don't we demand to get rid of the crimminals that they are and their supporters the la razza and churches who sympathise with the cheaters that they are.We need to band together and get our country back.If they can't come legally we don't want them.
Ole Sarge| 5.6.10 @ 6:56PM
Miss A,
You need to get a brain for a warm up, then try common sense on for size. Don't be dumb enough to come up with so quote from the bible that does not address any of the issue and then call it solved.
Trolls need to retire to the closet.
Charles Martel| 5.6.10 @ 1:31PM
A couple of dozen clowns from LULAC were protesting outside the juice box yesterday before the game. There's not much motivation to buy an Astros ticket this year anyway (last night's win over Arizona notwithstanding, it looks like they're getting so comfy in the cellar, they're feng-shui'ing it), so for the duration of the season, I'm transferring my loyalty to the Diamondbacks.
+++
curtis| 5.5.10 @ 7:25AM
How in the hell did immigration issues become racial issues? Considering that immigrants both legal and illegal come from all across the world and belong to all ethnic groups?
For that matter, how did Mexican nationality become a racial based issue? Considering there are people in Mexico and the rest of South America who have white European ancestry and are just as white as me?
Now we're wanting to frame "immigrants' as a race and 'Mexican' specifically as a race. This is nuts. When do I get to check "Kentuckian" as my race? I'm feeling oppressed, and I'm sick of all the Deliverance jokes that come my way. I want to be specifically IDed as "Western Kentuckian" too, the ones' on the east side of the state really are backwards hillbillies.
I want my race to also be IDed as "Pentecostal" and I want the word "Pew Jumper" defined as a racial slur. It works for the muslims, it can work for me too.
SpiralArchitect| 5.5.10 @ 1:41PM
Amen.
I brought up this same point speaking with some lady online a few days back. Unfortunately, I realized only after her reply that she was quite the racist ( the oh, I hate Mexicans was the clincher) and a tried and true Liberal. She went on and on how this was all (only) about race. Futher proclaiming they were not illegal.
She went as far as to say that this country would be nowhere without illegal immigrants ( now all of a sudden they are illegal, I was perplexed!). Using the agricultural stance for her 'reasoning' she was sure that noone would do the jobs the people in the 'fields' would do - obviously only illegal aliens work in fields. Sharply refusing my offering that perhaps there are people that are legal immagrants and that is generally not an issue with most America she would only hear what she already " knew". Pity.
Today I had a work associate tell me it was unconstitutional for local authorities to enguage in the new law as defined ( of which he knew nothing of). When I put forth relevant parts of the Constitution he was even more enraged - I know a lot more than jsut the 10th amnd. :)
Well, back to work, have a good day folks!
Forever Marine| 5.5.10 @ 2:09PM
I would rather pay $5 for a head of lettuce picked by starving college students and not have our schools and emergency rooms jammed with illegals having "anchor babies"
Gisela| 5.6.10 @ 10:24PM
If the Illegals come over here to work then why are they collecting welfare and go to the emergency room and cost our government an arm and a leg.They know just how to go about it but don't pay any taxes and our taxes keep going up. I am getting very upset at these Freeloaders.We have enough poor Americans who could use a little help from our Government so why don't we stop supporting ILLEGALS.They say racial profiling? they bring it on themselfs.They have broken the law by sneaking across the border it makes me wonder what other laws they are breaking.
GavInTucson| 5.5.10 @ 11:31PM
Immigration has become a racial issue because liberals have simply deemed it so. It's much easier for them to pull the race-card than actually debate the issue (much less actually read the damned bill).
And, remember, every time you hear a liberal cry about "racism" on this issue, what they're really doing is projecting.
Gisela| 5.6.10 @ 10:28PM
If every staate would adapt Arizona's law I wonder how fast these freeloaders would leave.
Curly Smith| 5.5.10 @ 7:38AM
Today, Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner issued a statement saying "We will help fund social services in border states most impacted by illegal immigration by immediately instituting a 90% tax on all player, manager and executive salaries. All clubs will become non-profits and will concentrate on charitable outreach instead of building monuments to the owner's ego."
It's not about race... it's about the illegals bankrupting the States.
TennesseeVolunteer| 5.5.10 @ 7:53AM
My hunch is that 70% of the american people are for some kind of law enforcement that AZ is doing. If MLB takes this path, they will incur a distatste for their prouduct with the very people that comprise 80% (my guess) of the people who buy tickets, pay parking and have a beer and a dog. America is voting for ford instead of GM. MLB does not want to incur these peoples's wrath for exercising common sense and protection of their homes and families.
The players of pro sports are not the customer, the fans are.
I grew up in Cincinnati and am a Big Red Machine fan but my support is not blind.
Jim O'Brien| 5.5.10 @ 8:05AM
Baseball is an old man's game. Boring. Who watches this crap anyway?
Richard| 5.5.10 @ 11:16AM
I do. Baseball and the watching of it requires intelligence. The statement "this is boring" is a statement of the speaker's mind and indicates an inability of the speaker to appreciate his surroundings.
Tim*| 5.5.10 @ 11:47AM
Let Rivera stick a 95 MPH cutter in your ear & get back to us.
Forever marine| 5.5.10 @ 2:11PM
I have enjoyed it each and every year from age 8 to 63. If you think it is boring, you're not paying attention.
Raoul Ortega| 5.5.10 @ 8:15AM
MLBPA: you guys aren't paid to voice opinions. So just shut up and play.
Dan| 5.5.10 @ 8:34AM
Does no one within the MLBPA have a brain cell of their own? Have they even READ the law?
I swear, this nation is populated by lemmings.
Derek Leaberry| 5.5.10 @ 8:46AM
Let the Dominicans stomp their feet and go back to the good old DR and cut sugar cane and serve as bellhops at the resorts. Let the Venezuelans stomp their feet and go back to the motherland and worship at the feet of Comrade Chavez, the dear provider. Let the Puerto Ricans stomp their feet and go back to PR and pack pills into plastic bottles. Let the Mexicans stomp their feet and go back and serve in one of the many drug armies.
GW| 5.5.10 @ 12:11PM
Exactly. However, I'm worried the white males in charge will wring their hands in worry if Latinos start to make noise. Like many white males in post-modern America, baseball management is full of pussies who value "diversity" over facts. They also like cheap Latin players who are signed at a fraction of the cost of American born players and can be developed at a much better cost ratio. This is why most rookie league players are Latin. Teams sign 20 with the hope 1 or 2 make it to the bigs. Signing 20 Latin players at the same price it would be to sign a few American born players.
If the union boycotts the All-Star game, I have a hard time seeing MLB owners standing firm and they might actually move the game! However, Arizona needs to know this. The costs of losing the All-Star game are a mere pittance to the costs illegals have wrecked on the state. If the state law is effective in reducing illegal immigration, then to lose out on an All-Star game is worth it. Tourism won't decline. Those boycotting Arizona are merely being replaced by many in the silent majority who agree with the law.
Forever Marine| 5.5.10 @ 2:16PM
GW,
Nicely put. The Arizona Governor should gladly trade the All Star game to get rid of the 500 thousand illegals costing the state billions.
Gr0w1er| 5.5.10 @ 6:23PM
Great idea! More opportunity for US!! Let 'em all go home crying. We'll just keep on playing America's pastime.
oldwolves| 5.6.10 @ 12:41PM
Hmmmm. If the all star game gets cancelled Arizona stands to losea couple of million. If they keep the Allstar game and stop the law from taking effect they stand to lose billions.... And the problem is what...
oldwolves| 5.6.10 @ 12:41PM
Hmmmm. If the all star game gets cancelled Arizona stands to losea couple of million. If they keep the Allstar game and stop the law from taking effect they stand to lose billions.... And the problem is what...
Yosemeti Sam| 5.5.10 @ 8:59AM
Seriously - my fellow Americans:
An Arizona allegorical reprise:
Is this not the Planet of The Apes?
It's a - madhouse of illogic!
It's a - madhouse of PC!
It's a - madhouse of Liberalism!
It's a - madhouse animal farm!
cuban pete| 5.5.10 @ 9:04AM
Major league baseball is the only professional sport I watch. I stopped watching the NBA after MJ left the Bulls. What they play isn't basketball anyway.
When the NFL denied Rush a chance to have a small percentage of a team while allowing pissant Olbermann to remain a commentator I said good bye.
If MLB pulls the All Star game from Arizona I'll be finished with it.
I watch high school and college sports. Entertaining and most of the players are good young men and women.
PS
I wonder if Ozzie Guillen will refuse to show his "papers" when he visits Venezuela?
Gr0w1er| 5.5.10 @ 6:32PM
Cuban Pete, I totally agree. The best iteration of sport is at the youth and college levels. Most of the kids participating will never even get a whiff of the pro level. They do it for the love of the game.
old white guy| 5.5.10 @ 9:16AM
it is bloody amazing that americans do not want to enforce their laws. your republic is pretty well done by now.
donserge| 5.5.10 @ 9:34AM
How many BB players are illegal immigrants? Zero would be the answer. So, what in the world is the problem?
GW| 5.5.10 @ 12:15PM
The liberal media. Cesar Izturis actually believes he will be rounded up because he is Hispanic. And where did he hear this from? Not from reading the law. Not from Rush/Hannity/Savage/Beck/Levin/etc. Not FoxNews. Not Drudge.
Baseball, of all professional businesses in the US, should be most happy about the easy immigration offered to foreigners by America. Baseball execs hire Latin prospects (potential baseball stars) for a fraction of the cost it would take to get a player of equateable talent who is American. They get easy work visas for the players who enjoy the benefits of living in the US legally.
Eddie | 5.5.10 @ 9:53AM
That's all we need! Pro sports getting into politics. I played ball for many years but the super salaries and lifestyles of pro athletes and their ego trips have turned me off to baseball anyway. Just like Hollywood actors need to stick with acting, baseball players need to stick with playing. I'm sorry if Arizona loses money but as mentioned in another post, when did immigration laws become racial issues? I'd be more than happy to share a seat next to a LEGAL Mexican-American at any ballpark but not an illegal. Play ball and let the political crap be handled by the monkeys in Washington. Hope no Latino pitchers get pulled over in their Ferraris after all this!
Dagny Taggert| 5.5.10 @ 10:21AM
Ozzie Guillen's White Sox don't stand a chance to make it to the post season this year. Therefore Ozzie, shut your piehole--you won't be invited.
Mike M| 5.5.10 @ 10:57AM
It should be obvious to anyone but the most liberal of us that the cost of all these illegals is much more than the paltry $350 million baseball brings in. Even $500 mil won't cover it.
Keep the law- let baseball leave. It still is a net gain.
GW| 5.5.10 @ 12:59PM
The $350 million is a bloated number anyways. Most of the revenue made in the All-Star game is shared among the teams. The 2011 All-Star game will still be played, shown on TV, and make money that is split up 30 ways. So much of the money Arizona would make from hosting the game goes to MLB. Much of the money made by surrounding businesses (hotels/restaurants/shops) has less of a local impact one might think. For instance, most hotels and restaurants are chains...that is, the ownership where much of the revenue ultimately goes does not live in Phoenix. Sports teams are notorious for overhyping their economic impact on cities to leverage sweetheart ballpark and stadium deals with communities. The same principal is at play here too.
Petronius| 5.5.10 @ 10:59AM
I follow sports based on the quality of play. But the business end is and always will be 'pannae et circusum'. Well the circuses follow the bread$ and an ounce of image is worth a pound of substance. Et tu Rush. If I had his money, the last thing I'd spend it on would be the National Felons League.
Marge Shott was railroaded out of her ownership of the Reds because she opened her mail with a Luftwaffe dagger and refused to embrace PC.
My advice to the Sovereign State of Arizona when baseball decamps is to build more retirement communities for people of average means. We quit going to the games when the p a announcer told us the locations of the ATM's in the ballpark every half inning until they quit selling beer.
Galen| 5.5.10 @ 11:07AM
What all star game? There's going to be another lockout anyway. Meanwhile, don't let Latino players repatriate their salaries.
richard| 5.5.10 @ 11:21AM
The Left sees the world through a prism of race, gender and class. Since this law "oppresses" some Latins it is a Latin issue, and all Latins must therefore have the same "correct" view.
MLB must not allow leftist loons to politicize baseball--it would be a disaster.
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 11:22AM
The American Spectator : Baseball's Arizona Strikeout | baseballcn links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Doctor Right| 5.5.10 @ 11:25AM
Baseball sucks.
It used to be a great game, but out-of-control salaries, ridiculous ticket prices, megalomaniacal owners, stadiums funded with tax dollars, steroid scandals, luxury sky-boxes that freeze-out local fans in favor of corporate attendees who have no vested interest in the game, the lack of a salary-cap that prevents small-market teams from competing on a regular basis AND virtually guarantees the regular appearance of the Yankees and the Red Sox in practically every World Series (BOR-ING!) and the horrific Bud Selig have killed the game for me.
Kids today prefer soccer. Japan, South Korea, and the Dominican Republic beat us regularly in international competition.
Baseball in the US is dying.
If Bud Selig and the idiot owners decide to male "a statement" and remove the 2011 All-Star Game from Phoenix, thus proclaiming that Arizona's right to enforce their own laws is somehow illegal itself while simultaneously thumbing their noses at the vast majority of Americans who support protecting our borders (ie, "the fans"), then it is my sincere hope that Major League Baseball simply withers away and dies.
JP| 5.5.10 @ 11:41AM
So, what we have is a entertainment union made up of extremely wealthy athletes protesting a legitimate law that 70% of the voters in Arizona want.
Baseball, I game I used to love is about gone. This kind of moral preening by a bunch of underachieving multi-millionaires is sickening. Perhaps the MLBPA should visit the cemetaries of fallen Border Patrolmen or sherrif deputies. Perhaps they could spend an evening out on the ranches that border Mexico, and see how the "wild west" has returned -complete with automatic weapons, LAWS rockets, and high powered shot guns.
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 11:59AM
Latest Arizona Immigration Law Sb1070 Auctions | Knowledge to share with the world links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Tim*| 5.5.10 @ 12:30PM
Let Em Come To The Phightin' Phillies' Citizen's Bank Park .
We'll Taser Their Keisters !
DTCOFAZ| 5.5.10 @ 12:32PM
What a unpatriotic/unAmerican group of MLB!
Why they don't go boycotting the drug cartels, human smugglers, kidnappers and murders groups out there?
Why they go boycotting the law that protect the citizens of the US?
Perhaps the cowards know that the law won't hurt them, but the illegal criminals will! And the MLB crawl on their knees in the name of illegal immigrants.
Perhaps they are addicted to drugs that they're afraid there won't be plenty of supply for them!
Go ahead and boycott and show the American people which side of the fence the MLB is on. Such a disgusting and disgrace organization!!!!!
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 1:00PM
Current News Trends » Arizona links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 1:35PM
The American Spectator : Baseball's Arizona Strikeout capital university links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Northern Rebel| 5.5.10 @ 1:49PM
It's another example of being so wealthy, these athletes are able to insulate themselves from reality.
I listened to Charles Barkley, who has trouble muttering a cogent thought about basketball, Flailing away at this subject, attempting to bluff his way into some sort of point.
He wants to be governor of Alabama!
DTCOFAZ| 5.5.10 @ 1:55PM
Good luck to that airhead c barkley on the road to governor of AL. Only dumb people that do not see his level of IQ that go cast a vote for him.
Go back and monkey around with the basketball commentator and just shup up on politic - barkley!
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 2:00PM
Latest Arizona Immigration Law Sb1070 Auctions | Knowledge to share with the world links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Joe| 5.5.10 @ 2:32PM
Miss Alabama - As usual you leftist/religious bigots misinterpret the Bible all the time as in this case. It did not mean that we should occomodate the the illegal or did you forget Rom 13:1-7 and others.
Al Adab| 5.5.10 @ 3:42PM
So is it true then that all those who want to punish Arizona for enforcing Federal Law are, in fact, in favor of any and all illegal entry into the US?
That must be the case since no other position makes any sense at all. This isn't about immigration which we all favor, this is about Law and proper process. Where could any of our citizens move in the world without the proper papers?
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 3:44PM
New York Yankees Baby Boys White Pinstripe Infant Baseball Romper » Baby Romper links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 3:59PM
Fix That Glove!!! | Salvage Car Sale links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 4:02PM
Solar Led Lantern » Rechargeable batteries? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Matt| 5.5.10 @ 4:35PM
Miss Alabama: Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)??
All scripture can be mis-applied to most situations. Should we 'turn the other cheek' whenever someone strikes the US. "Love thy neighbor, as thyself" after the Japanese after they bomb Pearl Harbor? Please don't apply scripture to US Law, they are not interchangeable. We (freedom-loving Americans) believe in rule of law, applying religion as per your own conscience.
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 4:41PM
Arizona links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
xcon| 5.5.10 @ 4:52PM
Ditto to all who said they will stop patronizing anything to do with MLB if MLB does the stupid.
dnha14| 5.5.10 @ 5:28PM
Like I need one more reason to stop spending my money on the Orioles. Just hand it to me on a silver platter. You go MLB.
societyis2blame| 5.5.10 @ 5:41PM
As if the serial perjury about roids wasn't enough, now these moral paragons are going to tell a sovereign state how to conduct its business ?
If MLB wants to keep its antitrust exemption, how about it keeps its nose out of politics ?
GENE HAUBER| 5.5.10 @ 5:56PM
THREE CHEERS FOR WHITE SOX MGR, OZZIE GUILLEM.....
"HIM" "HIM" ..."F**K HIM"
BE AN AMERICAN YOU ASSHOLE
Richard Baker| 5.5.10 @ 7:16PM
Jim O'Brien:
If baseball is an old man's game, as you say, then why are the young Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans, and kids from the Dominican Republic, among many other Latinos, in love with the game? How many kids in the US are involved at all levels up through college? Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the Japanese. Must be all those old men, I guess.
Al Adab| 5.5.10 @ 7:49PM
And every team has a guy in the front office responsible for keeping the green cards nd immigration status in order for the players employment. Duh.
Pingback| 5.5.10 @ 8:03PM
Community Calendar | Infant Car Seat Reviews links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
bobmontgomery| 5.5.10 @ 8:16PM
Thousands of dead bodies littering the ground just south of the border, and the Social Democrat Party and Major League Baseball could care less, not to mention the Phoenix Sols, or whatever cute name they have given themselves these days.
Joe Blow| 5.6.10 @ 12:27AM
Liberals love to quote scripture to conservatives.
It's baffling because they worship the "STATE" and could care less about religion or faith. Their so compassionate but care less about ranchers or police officers getting killed or the immigrants stuffed in u-haul trucks to die. All these critics know nothing of what Arizona is experiencing. The Feds have failed them but they don't criticize them either. Go Arizona.
Petronius| 5.6.10 @ 1:10AM
C'mon JB
When a drug mule from s.o.b. kills a white American rancher, that's "Social Justice". Ask the Obamanator. He'll tell you.
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 1:37AM
Phoenix Suns – Los Suns | Arizona Immigration | NBA | Mediaite | Phoenix Suns NBA Ann links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 3:40AM
Reagin: Angels are not to panic | Hot Daily Gossip links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 4:06AM
Fix That Glove!!! | Rebuilder Cars links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 7:07AM
The American Spectator : Baseball's Arizona Strikeout links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 7:15AM
Acrylic Sports › Squawking Baseball: At Bat for iPad Review by … | The Apple Ipad Blo links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 7:49AM
The American Spectator : Baseball's Arizona Strikeout Help links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Dave | 5.6.10 @ 8:24AM
So, Ozzie Guillen refuses to go west for this season's All Star Game in Arizona.
Oh. boo-freekin' hoo! As far as a lot of fans like me are concerned, that snarly, snotty cretin can park his sorry can in the Chicago cheap seats and suck on a taco. At least we wouldn't be forced to deal with his nasty-a-s moods and ill temper.
OK, so I got one, too. But I'm not in charge of running a clubhouse.
Besides, Chicago Ozzie can't carry Joe Torre's fungo bat, anyway. So, who'll miss him? Not me.
TACOS, GET YOUR TACOS, HERE. WHO WANTS A PAIR? TACOS!
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 9:27AM
The American Spectator : Baseball's Arizona Strikeout links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Tim| 5.6.10 @ 10:31AM
I think what should happen after the 2012 election is that the new US conservative goverment should relocate the 12 million illegals to every ultra liberal consetrated area in America incudy the prestine IVY coast. They should be made legal and English should not be required and they should be allowed to attend school with the Leftist snobs despite their poor status.
See how fast those ultra left liberals turn into right wing conservatives when their own are mutilated by the thousands by these unamericans.
Ahhh that would be pure joy to see!
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 1:47PM
Update to the Wrestling Section,I am changing my character? | chinese martial arts links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
JeffT| 5.6.10 @ 1:56PM
If for no other reason than to spare Ozzie Guillen a hated trip to Arizona, the law should stand. This flap mouth who regularly offends with his off-the-wall comments should consider himself lucky he came to this country, I assume legally.
MattZ| 5.6.10 @ 2:16PM
After the disgusting year-long healthcare debate, when unhinged conservative activists said whatever the hell they wanted (death panels, rationing, government takeover, socialism, etc., etc., etc.) to turn public opinion away from comprehensive HCR, it's heart warming to see Republicans having to defend their legislation from ignorant masses who don't understand it. It's fun when the shoe's on the other fun, isn't it?
MZ
Benito| 5.6.10 @ 3:15PM
I hope that every American, regardless of where he lives, will stop and examine his conscience about this and other related incidents. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened. All of us ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated, but this is not the case.
I know the proponents of this law say that the majority approves of this law, but the majority is not always right. Would women or non-whites have the vote if we listen to the majority of the day, would the non-whites have equal rights (and equal access to churches, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, schools, colleges and yes water fountains) if we listen to the majority of the day? We all know the answer, a resounding, NO!
Today we are committed to a worldwide struggle to promote and protect the rights of all who wish to be free. In a time of domestic crisis men of good will and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics and do what is right, not what is just popular with the majority. Some men comprehend discrimination by never have experiencing it in their lives, but the majority will only understand after it happens to them.
Ole Sarge| 5.6.10 @ 6:50PM
I find it amusing that hispanics seem to feel they should not have to meet the same requirements that I a white American have to meet.
If the police stop me, I have to show my drivers license, my CHL, my insurance card for my vehicle. Of course, I can refuse to do that, I can also refuse to sign the the ticket and the officer will cart me off to jail. So, if I have to comply with all these expectations, why don't the illegals/hispanics and so on.
Pingback| 5.6.10 @ 10:59PM
Calif. lawmakers seek temporary ban on metal bats | Domain hosting links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Lisa| 5.7.10 @ 2:01AM
The upshot is that an illegal can buy an ID/driver's license and SS card that look so much like the real thing, they'll fool the cops who stop the illegal and demand that he/she show their "papers"!
Benito| 5.12.10 @ 2:56PM
“All Men are created equal”! The founders had it right, when attempting to form a perfect union and they also knew that they were not there yet but knew we one day would get there. Lincoln moved us forward as did JFK and LBJ. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.
It is my contention that this AZ law is not constitutional and will fail when challenged (unless they add more amendments), pretty funny for this so called perfect law.