Here it is, without any highlights or bold added. I'll leave comments to others for now, although I particularly like the part about protecting the A-Rod's of tomorrow.
"WHO IS PUBLIC ENEMY NO. 1 IN BASEBALL?
Talk to the mothers and fathers of young kids who have been used and abused by unscrupulous individuals selling them a dream of baseball riches while Major League Baseball does little to address the problem, and you will get a much different answer to that question than you see in the media today.
For years, Hispanics Across America (HAA) has been fighting for better treatment of our children here at home, as well as in places like the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela where our families still live and where their children are being poorly treated by Major League Baseball. The treatment of these young players would never be tolerated in small towns across America where young people pursue their dreams.
HAA has led the fight against double standards that baseball applies to young players here and young players in Latin America and Carribean countries. We visited the small villages where these players come from and saw first-hand the impact of MLB's hands-off policy has had on their lives. We fought for higher standards, including more testing, better education and additional health care and other support for these young players and their families. We acknowledge that MLB, however grudgingly, did respond once we shined a spotlight on their responsibility for solving the problem.
But it's still not enough. The double-standards, in our view, still apply to players of Hispanic heritage. Bud Selig is a disgrace to the game, to the players and our children. He turned a blind eye on issues involving HGH and steroids until Hispanics Across America delivered three caskets to his door steps with a name and date of birth in 2004. Willful blindness should be punishable and Bud Selig and his executives have not been punished. Why?
That's why we are fighting for justice for Alex Rodriguez. We do not suggest that he should be excused for anything he has done wrong IF he has done something wrong. In fact, IF he has, he should be held accountable, but fairly and consistent with the treatment of other first-time offenders. But just as we oppose the double standards for young people, we oppose the double standard MLB is applying to A-Rod. And if they can do it to him, no Hispanic player is safe from unfair treatment.
HAA will continue to fight for the rights of Hispanics wherever we see injustice. We invite you to join with us to send a powerful message to MLB that they can no longer treat Hispanic players like second-class citizens. Please visit xxxxx//supporta-rod13.com to sign our petition, or visit xxxxxxx to learn more about Hispanics Across America.
Baseball fans all over the world must ask themselves why Bud Selig has not been fired despite presiding over the "STEROID ERA." We remember Selig sitting in the front rows watching Slamming Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire hitting crazy home runs and both have been accused of using performance enhancing drugs. Mark McGwire is still allowed to coach in the Major Leagues. I hope you understand that there are two and sometimes three sides to a story and I welcome the opportunity to tell you our side.
It's easy to expose and discredit Latin American countries and their people when there is no one to defend or at least give you the other side of the story. Well, Mr. Selig, my name is Fernando Mateo and I have and will continue to protest Alex Rodriguez's suspension in front of MLB.
Join us! Together we can restore the integrity of baseball, promote fair play for everyone regardless of race and send a message to Bud Selig that it's time that he gets out of his Ivory Tower and embrace the reforms that are needed to protect the A-Rod's of tomorrow, wherever they call home."
