Thursday, August 28, 2008

45 years ago

The arena was Dodger Stadium. The Reds suited up with Frank Robinson batting cleanup. A very young Pete lead off the game.

P Rose 2B 5 1 1 1 0 1 .273 .703 18 1 2
T Harper RF 4 1 0 0 1 1 .274 .739 21 4 0
V Pinson CF 5 1 2 2 0 0 .321 .868 10 2 0 2B
F Robinson LF 3 2 2 1 2 0 .264 .834 25 3 0 3B,IW
G Freese 3B 3 1 1 1 1 2 .238 .682 20 2 1 SF
D Pavletich 1B 4 2 1 1 0 0 .211 .611 9 6 0 HR,SH,GDP
L Cardenas SS 4 1 1 0 0 1 .228 .570 13 0 1
J Edwards C 4 0 3 1 0 0 .264 .709 14 9 0
J Maloney P 3 0 0 0 0 2 .141 .314 9 0 2 GDP
G Coleman PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .687 6 0 0
J Jay P 0 0 0 0 0 0 .136 .315 0 0
Totals 36 9 11 7 4 7 145 27 6


The Reds beat the Dodgers 9-5.

But who cares? Something more historic happened on August 28, 1963.

My god, how appropriate. Today, we have the opportunity to witness history 45 years from the day of that speech that has become as important a part of America as the flag itself.

I have seen a lot in my young life. What stands out more than anything are the machine guns held by soldiers on every corner of the streets of Cairo that protected their dictator from his people who have suffered so greatly under that authoritarian regime. In much of the world, this is not uncommon. I am glad I saw it with my own eyes, for America means much more to me because of it. The greatest thing about America is that Average Joe or Jane can rise up and lead a nation, and we are allowed to criticize our leaders in the process. Don't ever take that for granted.

What an amazing place! Skip the game tonight. Watch something that will be written about in American history books.

My god, are we lucky to be Americans.

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