I Truly Hope That You Do Not Really Believe What You Wrote.

You know it is very interesting to me how people can claim to not condone Rocker’s comments, yet defend him saying them all the same.

I agree with your statement “What scares me about John Rocker is not what he says, but what he thinks.” But I do not agree with when you say that he should not be punished for what he has said. A good parent, who truly wants to prepare their child for the future complications he/she will face, will guide their thought and speech. When respect was a virtue in society…people were taught to do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Before one can even get to a action there exist a thought, and then comes a word and finally the actions began to flow. By punishing Rocker the MLB is sending a message of respect to society at large. The MLB nor any one else for that matter, can curtail a persons thoughts, however disrespectful, fearful and demoralizing speech that leads to actions eventually, can be dealt with.

Punishing kids by taking some of their allowance away is typically not that effective, because money is not that big of a communicator to them at such a young age. However, taking money from materially-driven adults is a good way to send a message. I coach a little league baseball team, and I can tell you that it is really hard to teach kids about sportsmanship and respect for your competitor, teammates and fans. My kids love John Rocker, and the fire he brings to the mound. If he were not punished for what he had said what would that have communicated to them…that they could call their black teammates monkeys just because the thought it.

I am sure that you have thought of some very ignorant things in you life time but did not say them…my friend that is not fear, that is called respect… one of the highest virtues one can lay claim to.

I truly hope that you do not really believe what you wrote. I admire bravety as well…I just think that respect is more important.”