PLAYERS UNION GOING POLITICAL?

          I was truly going to stay away from the blogs as it was painfully obvious that my Dodgers were going to stink up the league and the pending McCourts’ divorce was going to stink up my Dodgers.  I truly had nothing to write about that inspired me so.

 

That was until I read this little tidbit about the MLB players union opposing the Arizona Illegal Immigration Law SB-1020.

 

The following is an open letter to Michael Weiner and everyone on the MLBPU board.

 

Dear Mr. Weiner,

 

Your office issued a statement on Friday opposing the SB-1020 law written in Arizona regarding illegal immigrants.  In your statement, you’ve expressed concern that MLB players (as well as their families) from foreign countries “must be ready to prove, at any time, his identity and the legality of his being in Arizona to any state or local official with suspicion of his immigration status.”

Please understand that the state of Arizona acted in the best interest of its citizens given the increase of violent activity originating from Mexico and the lack of activity from the federal government to resolve these matters.  It is in the best interest of the state of Arizona to ensure that those roaming the streets and taking residence in Arizona are doing so lawfully.

That said, I fail to see, providing that the players and their families are abiding by the laws of our country, where the inconvenience is of carrying the proper identification as mandated by US law.  In addition, the Arizona statute is clear mirror of federal law regarding those who are legal alien residents.

Curiously, you also add that “If the current law goes into effect, the MLBPA will consider additional steps necessary to protect the rights and interests of our members“.  It would be most responsible of you to remind your foreign born players (and their families) that playing professional baseball in the US is a privilege and not a right.  An excellent “additional step” would be to also remind them to abide by ALL US laws and to maintain all appropriate paperwork readily available to any and all US law enforcement officers upon demand.  Lastly, remind them act as responsible and mature adults at all times.  These “additional steps” would suffice given the generous salaries these players draw.

Lastly, Mr. Weiner, I would respectfully ask that you reconsider your opposition to this law.  This is truly a just law and a law that is to be respected.   It is only those who have no respect for US law or our sovereignty who vehemently protest.

 

 

Sincerely,

Albert Moreno