Diamondbacks game draws immigration protesters

[pampango]

Source: Los Angeles Times

Several hundred people, many from the SEIU, use a three-game series with the Dodgers to voice opposition to Arizona's controversial law.



In addition to the SEIU, the demonstration was put together by a variety of civil rights and grassroots groups to shine a spotlight on the immigration law, which goes into effect soon and compels police to determine the status of people they stop and suspect are in the country illegally.

"The Dodgers have the largest Latino fan base in the league," said Mike Garcia, president of United Service Workers West, part of the Service Employees International Union. "We have historically supported them since their move here in 1958," he said. "Now we're asking them to take a stand for us — take a stand against this mean-spirited bill."

"We're not going to stop them from attending the game," said John Morales, one of the organizers of the protest. "They've already bought their tickets. We're trying to make a connection between sports and politics…. The Diamondback team is not just from Arizona; the ownership has contributed to the Republican Party that has spearheaded the legislation." Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick, a substantial financial backer of Republican politicians, issued a statement in late April saying, "This whole situation is sad and disappointing for all of us who are associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks."

The SEIU and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles bought 100 bleachers seats for Monday night's game, according to SEIU's Hilda Delgado, so they could boo Arizona and turn their backs on the Diamondbacks' first pitch.

Read more: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/31/local/la-me-arizona-law-20100601

[pampango]

1. More information from new Think Progress article.

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/06/01/baseball-sb1070/

This weekend, the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team was in California for some Memorial Day games against the San Francisco Giants and the LA Dodgers, and at each location, they were met by hundreds of protesters speaking out against SB-1070, Arizona’s new harsh anti-immigration law:

– May 29, San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: Approximately 500 protesters gathered outside of AT&T Park, calling for a boycott of Arizona. (The Seminal has images of signs from the protest here.) Also on this day, a crowd estimated at 10,000-20,000 people marched to the Arizona State Capitol as part of a A stand against what? Letting this club into town? Talk to the people higher up.”[br />
On April 30, the Major League Baseball Players Association put out a statement opposing SB-1070. Rep. José Serrano (D-NY), whose district includes Yankee Stadium, has said that the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, scheduled to take place in Phoenix in 2011, should be moved to another location. Several high-profile players and managers have also spoken out and suggested they may boycott the All-Star Game if it’s held in Arizona. The Diamondbacks’ management, however, has been reluctant to criticize the anti-immigration law, saying it would be “unfair and unjust” for them to take a position.

[Imajika]

2. Does the SEIU represent undocumented workers?

If not, why are they spending the union dues paying members money on this?

[HelenWheels]

3. They do represent Hispananic workers

And don't you think documented Hispanic workers are going to be stopped to show their papers?

[Imajika]

4. I don't see how this is a labor issue...

If I am paying union dues, I want those dues going directly to helping workers (me) get a better deal from their employer. I want my union to lobby my company and the government for better workplace safety, more labor friendly rights to organize, etc. I do not want my union dues going to unrelated causes however noble they may be.