LAT: Step Up to the Plate--MLB should move all-star game from Arizona

[pinboy3niner]

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-baseball-20100515,0,4746253.story

Step up to the plate
Baseball should move the 2011 All-Star game from Phoenix to protest Arizona's immigration law.


For 141 years, baseball has mirrored and propelled America's evolution. It has bridged class divisions, lifted the country's spirits in dark times and, ultimately, helped break down racial barriers. Today, with American values again under attack in Arizona, baseball needs to act.

*snip*

But baseball is entwined with American life, not above it, and sometimes it suffers along with the nation. Decades of exclusion of black athletes from the major leagues gave the lie to the notion that the American dream could be attained by anyone. When Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson broke the "color line" and Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, it became a metric for American progress. Robinson's rookie year is as sure a precursor of Brown vs. Board of Education as was any decision of the Supreme Court. It was also one of those moments when the right business decision served the cause of social justice.

*snip*

On Thursday, baseball Commissioner Bud Selig hinted that he was not inclined to pull the game. And Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, whose cynical approval of the new law codified Arizona's disgrace, is trying to head off what would be a powerful economic and moral blow to the state. She argued on ESPN.com that "economic boycotts are an inappropriate and misguided response." But no one is obligated to do business with a villain. Yes, Arizona is suffering real consequences from federal inertia on immigration reform, but it has responded with a law that violates this country's ideals.

*snip*

Denying Phoenix the privilege of hosting the All-Star game won't erase the scandals that plague the league, but it would remind the country that even after all these years, baseball can help make America worthy of its game.

[profile this]

1. Make a call

Please place a call to Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, telling him to move the 2011 All Star Game? Call 866-956-3902

[cojoel]

3. Players Association too

The MLB Players Association could announce plans to not attend the game if it were not moved. An "All Star" game is of dubious interest to me, but even less so if none of the stars are actually on the field.

[damntexdem]

2. And if they don't, then ...

MLB should be boycotted in 2011.