Several observations worth noting

Elias Bureau Ratings:
For the few who were questioning the value of some of the Dominican baseball players because most did not play in the "invisible" World Series, take today's Bureau ratings, which are used by agents and teams to negotiate salaries and establish the best objective value of players: The best player in baseball in 2002 was Manny Ramirez with a perfect 100. We also had Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, Soriano, Sammy Sosa, Vlad Guerrero, and others among the top all around and in their categories. So much for World Series value. With the exception of Barry Bonds, none of the WS players will get close to these guys.

Haitian Boat Situation in Miami:
It was only a matter of time before the Haitian problem exploded in the face of the US government. After years of accusing DR of discrimination against Haitians, the big powers are now getting a taste of Haitian parasitism. The funny thing is that this whole event was plotted by the Haitian community leaders in Miami in conjunction with boat smugglers as a lucrative business and was strategically planned to coincide with the elections to pressure Jeb Bush into submission. Now Jeb is face to face with his brother George over the policy of rightfully jailing this criminal element being smuggled into Miami. Hopefully Jeb will be smart enough not to let his election become an issue. Let the Haitians scream all they want. They have no vote anyway that can change anything. Besides, Cubans will take this as a reason to vote for Bush, since Haitians are using Cubans as a shield. The Dominicans that were caught should also be jailed and deported.

TW

Tony

You are stretching a little bit here. Cubans under Fidel are doing much better than Haitians and while it is true that the system in Cuba allows for an understanding of US policy towards Cubans, Haitians are also under much political an ideological pressure from their dictator. Yet, I must agree with common sense, that Haitian boat people are just treasure seekers, not political refugees and should be treated the way they are by US authorities.

While I quite dislike Cuban Americans because of their arrogance and hypocrisy towards Fidel, they have been a positive addition to the culture,social and economic stability of South Florida and other areas where they accumulate. Haitians on the other hand have nothing to offer.

Cuban Americans for their recent history are the most progressive Latin inmigrant group in the US far surpassing Mexicans, who are better entrenched because of their tenure.

On the negative side, Cuban Americans do not wish any good for Cuba. Their whole intent is based on vengeance, greed, and a nostalgic passion for a past that will not come soon. This malicious intent has only aggravated life for their compatriots and delayed democratic changes.

TW

suarezn

I agree with you, Alex Rodriguez was born of Dominican parents in the U.S.A....but perhaps you're missing the boat. This guy has claimed all over that he is Dominican. It is just that the U.S. press and the U.S. sporting world wants to keep this very quiet for obvious reasons. He even said that if baseball stays for the Olympics he would play for the Dominican team. That....says it all.

I want to bring about the hypocrisy of birthright in this case. Americans who live abroad and bear children abroad always, and I mean always will say, state, declare and swear that their children are American. But they cannot stand when people who immigrate to the States claim their own nationality for their children who are born there.

My son, a pure bred American, who was born in New York out of two Dominican parents will always be a Dominican by bloodright. His citizenship will never shadow his origins and nature.

Some great talent born outside of the U.S. is also stolen by this hypocrisy. Take for instance Patrick Ewing. 99% of the people in the U.S. think he is a black american who attended Georgetown U. But he is as Jamaican as can be. Sports authorities always kept this very quietly and always will for their convenience. There are hundreds like this.

TW