Letters: Another Dodgers visit to White House

I am a lifetime resident of Los Angeles and my family has always rooted for the Dodgers. Last year we gave them a pass when they went to visit Trump at the White House. This year after Trump’s attack on our community we cannot accept the Dodgers visiting Trump again. Dave Roberts should know that the first obligation of a patriot is to stand up against tyranny. Shame on him and any other Dodger who goes to the White House this year. I will be canceling my Spectrum service. I’m not playing with the future of our democracy.

Felipe Caceres
Los Angeles

If the Dodgers kowtow to Donald Trump yet again, Angelenos should consider boycotting the team for the rest of the season. Yes, they are an exceptional team and might return to the World Series yet again. However, other great athletes, such as the recent U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team, have displayed their courage and integrity in refusing to bow down to that dangerous tyrant.

By serving, as too many others continue to do, to support and enable the thug, they are enabling him in his inhumane and destructive policies and actions. As well, Trump invaded L.A., and the Dodgers did little to support the city they allegedly represent. If they return, it is more than a slap in the face of every sane and thoughtful Angeleno.

Barry Cutler
Palm Desert

I have always paid for the Dodgers’ games on mlb.tv, but this year when the Dodgers did not decline the White House visit, I did not. I was holding out hope they wouldn’t squeeze a visit in on their road trip after the All-Star Game and I’d get half a season. Instead I’m listening to the games on the radio. I’ve heard the players say things like “you never know when this might happen again” or “it’s tradition.” I don’t get either one of those excuses. Is Mookie Betts going to ask Trump why he posted the picture of the Obamas as monkeys? Or any of the players going to stand up for anything?

How about be like the women’s Olympic hockey team and stand up for what is right? Don’t be a pawn for another photo op for this dysfunctional White House. Please?

Marnie Jernagan
Fresno

Columnist Bill Plaschke wants to impose his political beliefs on us and the Dodgers. Let each participant resolve if he desires to go to the White House, and if some gamers don’t need to go, then advantageous — don’t go. But why ought to all the gamers be confined to Plaschke’s view of politics?

David Waldowski
Laguna Woods

I used to be a big Dodgers fan until last yr when they visited the White House. What a completely happy crowd they seemed, even presenting President Trump with his own jersey, No. 47. That wasn’t enough? They’re off again, with Dave Roberts speaking about “respecting the highest office in the land, it doesn’t matter who’s in office” while Clayton Kershaw, who offered the jersey is so “excited to go” again. Roberts had beforehand talked about it being a custom. Nothing about this White House or this president is conventional, and not going is just not making a “political” stand. It can be a stand for decency and normalcy. While visiting the East Wing possibly they’ll current Trump with the inaugural Baseball Peace Prize. Shame on the Dodgers!

Jane Peters
Los Angeles