Self-destructive pathology vs. personal transformation

My name was drawn, after which the baseball strike loomed as it is looming now. This prompted me to write to the president of the Diamondbacks organization and ask: "If there is a strike and substitute players are used to play the game, will I be entitled to a refund for every game not played by the regular players who will be on strike?" The reply I received was that a guarantee as such could not be granted but it would be a shame to speculate on something that might not happen (the strike).

I tore up the notice I received saying my name had been drawn in the "lottery" as well as the reply I received to my letter and I have not attended nor will I ever again attend a game. Definition: Greed — "Acquisitive desire beyond reason." Certainly an apt description of both players and owners.

John Parker
Phoenix

Don't take me out to the ball game: Perhaps I don't get it. I understand and fully agree with the reasons and the need for the boycott of the baseball game July 4. But why would we buy a ticket to tear it up? If we are going to do it right and strike a financial blow, then not one ticket outside of the season tickets and box seats that are already paid for should be sold.

And while we're talking sports, will some city or state or country please give the Cardinals an offer they can't refuse so we can be rid of this sorry excuse for an NFL team and end this ridiculous stadium fiasco for good?

Name withheld by request