Congressman Calls For Boycott Of 2011 MLB All-Star Game

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) released the following statement, urging Major League Baseball’s players to boycott the 2011 All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona:

 “I deplore the discriminatory intent of the recently enacted Arizona immigration law, SB 1070.  The Sixth Congressional District of New York is the most ethnically diverse district in the country, and its residents epitomize the rich cultural values that make America unique.   The fabric of our country is one of diversity and open doors; this law shreds that fabric and undermines our fundamental principles of inclusion and acceptance.  As a former prosecutor, I believe there are more constitutional and humane methods of dealing with the pressing issue of illegal immigration.  But a blatantly discriminatory law that targets people of Hispanic descent is beyond the pale. 

“I urge Major League Baseball’s players to boycott the 2011 All-Star game scheduled to be played in Phoenix, Arizona, and have written a letter to Michael Weiner, Executive Director of the Players Association, imploring them to do so.  A boycott will send the unmistakable signal that people should not be arrested based on race or ethnicity.”

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