Goodbye Suncoast Softball League

Dear EC-TC and members of the Suncoast Softball League:

Many of you know that there are people in this world whose only purpose in life is to start fires for the sole purpose of watching something burn to the ground, leaving nothing but ash and lost hope. In spite of these types of people, you must carry on without them, re-building the structure, in this case, the brand of the Suncoast Softball League. I have every confidence that you all will find a way. Regrettably, it will be without me.

The only emotion I wish to convey is gratitude. It has been a pleasure and an honor serving as league Secretary for the last three years. You initially appointed me to the position when no one wanted to serve. It is my hope you believe that I stepped up to the task and performed my duties with humility and a bit of grace.

Today, just two days after the EC-TC approved my tenure to continue serving as your Secretary, I am being asked to relinquish my post. After 48 hours of furious, personal attacks, largely on Facebook and threats of bodily harm to me, my family and pets, I have no choice but to take the Internet lynch mob at their word.

Perhaps one day, my abrupt departure will stir debate over the fairness of forcing out a highly qualified Executive Council member over his personal views. Although my strongly held beliefs may differ from yours, and I know that they do for some, I have always made room in my heart to accept everyone - despite our differences. I have never let my personal feelings interfere with the business of the league.

Maybe a future EC-TC will question whether this episode has undercut the well-groomed image of SSL as a place of ideas and diversity of thought. And, will you continue to surrender to political correctness enforced through a nasty, public shaming on social media?

I would have loved to have engaged in a debate over what happens when freedoms collide. In America, we have freedom of speech, which I will defend to the end. Instead, I am the target of a vicious character attack by liberal gay activists who have forced me out of the league for which I helped lead these last three years.

I pray that one day soon, you will find a way to understand that equality is necessary for meaningful speech. And you need free speech to fight for equality. Figuring out how to stand for both at the same time is the challenge.

Sincerely,

Lonnie Ledford