A Baseball post..sort of.

Carlos Delgado is now a Met. This in and of itself is not a bad thing. What does suck moist butthairs however is what the Mets ownership is pulling on Carlos. Carlos is from a small island which is part of Puerto Rico. This island, Vieques, has been used as a bombing practice site by the US for decades. People live on this island sportsfans. Yet, the US government continues to pummel it with various munitions to the detriment of its inhabitants and the environment. Carlos has spoken out about this and various other things he finds just plain wrong, including the war in Iraq. Carlos has chosen to not stand up during the playing of "God Bless America" during the 7th innning stretch. He has endured the cat calls and harrassement this personal expression has handed him. His former team, the Marlins did not attempt to silence Carlos, they allowed him to express his beliefs and utilize his right to dissent.

The Mets however will not allow Carlos this right. The ownership has made it very clear to Delgado that they will not tolerate any form of dissention and expect him to comply and stand during the playing of the song.Fred and Jeff Wilpon, the owner and CEO of the Mets said, "He's going to have his own personal views, which he's going to keep to himself." Jeffy also said "Fred has asked and I've asked him to respect what the country wants to do." THE COUNTRY IS TIRED OF THIS FUCKING WAR AND THE POLLS SHOW IT. So I have no idea which country Jeffy Wilpon is referring to.

During his press conference to announce his signing Carlos Delgado said "The Mets have a policy that everybody should stand for 'God Bless America' and I will be there. I will not cause any distractions to the ballclub.... Just call me Employee Number 21." Willie Randolph, the first Afro-American baseball manager told a reporter; "I'd rather have a man who's going to stand up and say what he believes. We have a right as Americans to voice that opinion." Omar Minaya, the first Latino GM merely towed the company line by saying "This is from ownership."

Fuck the Wilpons and their pandering to George Bush. I am sad that a voice has been silenced for no other reason than some narrow-minded owner doesn't want any controversy. If Carlos Delgado is willing to take the heat for his stand, they should support his right to say it. I support everyone's right to say what they believe, even if I think they are dead wrong. I might be a leftwing nut job but our democracy allows me to be one without fear of retribution from our government.

The only thing that Carlos can smile about is that he will now be able to wear the number "21" in honor of his hero Roberto Clemente. Its a helluva price to pay though..working for the Wilpons.