Mets Invite Dubya To Shea, Put Hundreds At Risk



Today's Star-Ledger reports that the Mets have invited Emperor Bush to throw out the first pitch on April 15, bringing back memories of then-President Clinton's mind-numbingly dull speech in '97 to commemorate the anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first Major League appearance.

I was in attendance at Shea that evening, and aside from riding in the same Diamond Club elevator as Spike Lee and Mr. Met (the latter is much taller in real life) this wasn't a fun night. A heavy Secret Service presence ensured that the standard, everyday items one hopes to bring to the ballpark (blowgun, plastic explosives, rocket launcher) were confiscated and not returned 'til after the game. Other than Butch Huskey's number being retired, this was a massive non--event.

Still, I hate to rain on the parade. If Bush does attend the April 15 game against the Braves, it should be a edifying experience for the Commander-In-Chief and players alike. Al Leiter can get in some more Republican ass-kissing. Mike Piazza can ask for clarification on that same-sex marriage issue. Scott Strickland can talk about his first-hand experience ingesting mysterious drugs. Bobby Cox will have a chance to speak on behalf of victims of domestic abuse.

I won't be there myself --- but don't let the sharp-shooters on the upper deck scare you. They can't watch everyone.

Posted: Sun - April 4, 2004 at 07:13 PM      

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