05-31-2005, 10:31 PM
I'll reserve comment on any of the other topics that you brought up. Sorry, no time for an 'arch-thread' these days.
However, I will say this...
While I disagree with some of the showboating tactics that have been brought into play in recent publicized interrogations on the subject, I must say that I support legislative activism on steroids.
This is an issue that goes beyond personal/individual choice. With the rise of steroid use among professional athletes comes a cultural shift - steroids become a health, and not a personal choice, issue. There are two principal reasons that this is the case: 1.) by creating a sporting culture where steroid use is necessary in order to succeed, younger and younger people will begin/have begun using steroids in order to 'get that edge'. It would be a shame if people pursuing their dreams (which may, incidentally, include college scholarships) were not merely tempted, but forced into using steroids if they wanted to reach their ultimate goals. 2.) Steroids kill people. The example being set by our athletes is not a good one. When 14 and 15 year old kids are using steroids because they want to follow in the footsteps of their heroes, it is no longer a matter of 'you choose it, you deal with the consequences'. Sports matter to kids. A lot - sometimes more than what they ought to. In an environment permissive to steroids, in which using steroids garners far less of a punishment than does smoking pot, kids WILL use steroids - whether their parents have done their jobs or not - and it will begin to kill more and more people.
On a more sentimental note: sporting culture in North America deserves to be free from this taint. While it is common to hear people argue that 'in the scheme of things, sports aren't that important', I tend to disagree. Sports ARE important to people - they are a massive part of popular culture (if not THE largest contributor). They ought to retain their integrity.
However, I will say this...
Quote:Doesn't congress have better things ot do than oversee steroids?
While I disagree with some of the showboating tactics that have been brought into play in recent publicized interrogations on the subject, I must say that I support legislative activism on steroids.
This is an issue that goes beyond personal/individual choice. With the rise of steroid use among professional athletes comes a cultural shift - steroids become a health, and not a personal choice, issue. There are two principal reasons that this is the case: 1.) by creating a sporting culture where steroid use is necessary in order to succeed, younger and younger people will begin/have begun using steroids in order to 'get that edge'. It would be a shame if people pursuing their dreams (which may, incidentally, include college scholarships) were not merely tempted, but forced into using steroids if they wanted to reach their ultimate goals. 2.) Steroids kill people. The example being set by our athletes is not a good one. When 14 and 15 year old kids are using steroids because they want to follow in the footsteps of their heroes, it is no longer a matter of 'you choose it, you deal with the consequences'. Sports matter to kids. A lot - sometimes more than what they ought to. In an environment permissive to steroids, in which using steroids garners far less of a punishment than does smoking pot, kids WILL use steroids - whether their parents have done their jobs or not - and it will begin to kill more and more people.
On a more sentimental note: sporting culture in North America deserves to be free from this taint. While it is common to hear people argue that 'in the scheme of things, sports aren't that important', I tend to disagree. Sports ARE important to people - they are a massive part of popular culture (if not THE largest contributor). They ought to retain their integrity.
But whate'er I be,
Nor I, nor any man that is,
With nothing shall be pleased till he be eased
With being nothing.
William Shakespeare - Richard II
Nor I, nor any man that is,
With nothing shall be pleased till he be eased
With being nothing.
William Shakespeare - Richard II