The Game Must Go On

Jim Brown has a lot to say. His first book, JUSTICE DENIED, painted a chilling picture of how easy it can be for an individual to be prosecuted and persecuted by the federal judicial system. Since this first publication, he has continued his writings with a weekly column that is widely read in newspapers and internet sites throughout the South. Few southern writers have observed the struggles within Louisiana to "catch up" with other more progressive states throughout the country. That is because Jim Brown not only has witnessed the changes taking place, he was a part of the political process for twenty eight years. His insights bring practical wisdom for the present and a vision of what could be in the future for this deepest of the deep southern states. His observations and conclusions in are not just limited to within Louisiana. And that is the joy of this collection of columns. Jim Brown takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of the world from Bangkok to Paris, from the D Day landing site in France to St Paul's cathedral in London, and a drive across America all with a Louisiana flavor. And yes, he does have an agenda. Whether you read his opinions on political issues and current affairs to personal revelations, there will never be any doubt of Jim Brown's point of view. And that, we hope you will agree, is refreshing in this day and time. But besides being a respected observer of the political scene in Louisiana, Jim Brown's ideas are what really matter. Yes, he entertains, inspires, and informs, and does so by cutting through the fog of confusion as to the future of the Bayou State. His lessons have appeal and application throughout America, and that is why his following continues to grow.

Baseball and the struggle to keep the game going at home during the war; the pivotal role played by President Roosevelt; and the divergent career paths of Detroit Tigers slugger Hank Greenberg and St. Louis Browns outfielder Pete Gray. Greenberg was the top slugger in the game when he joined the Army in 1941 and did not return to the majors until mid-1945. He represented the star player gone to war – players such as Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Bob Feller, Warren Spahn and other legends who sacrificed large parts of their careers for the war effort. Many other lesser-known but courageous ballplayers saw combat on land, sea and air – in fighting against the Germans and the Japanese. Taking their place were replacement players who didn't belong in the majors in the first place, but whose resolve to see the game go on helped push the country to victory. Pete Gray was the most extreme replacement player of them all – a one-armed outfielder who played the 1945 season with the Browns. He overcame the odds to fulfill his dream and in doing so became a shining example of baseball on the home front. Together, everyone pulled together for victory, and Greenberg and Gray played each other in the last pennant race of World War II, because as FDR said before he died...The Game Must Go On.