A True American Dream

There is a great article in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated about the Major League Baseball player Carlos Peña (the first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays). His parents moved him and his brother, Pedro, from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts in order to provide a better opportunity for their sons. Carlos' dad and mom gave up their jobs as an engineer and a teacher, respectively, for a new life of labor: a custodian and a house maid. It was quite a sacrifice. As one can observe, Carlos has succeeded in his baseball endeavors as he flourishes in the league. Sadly, his brother's baseball career was terminated when he suffered a broken hand. Though, his story does not turn out tragically, as he went on the achieve a PhD in Biochemistry. Now that is impressive! I greatly admire the drive and determination of the Peña family, and especially the desire of the parents to seek a better life for their sons. I always love a great sports story where an athlete has not been handed success upon a silver plate, but has instead risen to the top as a result of hard work and natural skill. Along with the deserved respect towards Carlos, there should be included reverence towards Pedro, his brother. I'm sure it was a devastating realization that his career was over with that detrimental injury. But despite this setback, he continued forward and became successful in another field-sans grass.

I don't intend to get all political, but this wonderful story makes me think of the bill currently being debated in Arizona. And frankly, it is a nationwide issue. Look at this family and what they have given up. They moved here and worked hard to accomplish something great. Immigration does not yield a lazy sack of potatoes that is a drain on our country. Most immigrants in our country work very hard-harder than a lot of Americans. Everyone deserves a chance to make his or her mark on the world, and a shot at his or her dream. Batter's up, so give him your best pitch and see how far he can hit it.