Although I don't consider myself an "old geezer",Gary; I agree with you on your point. I believe that if a crime is commited, it needs to be punished. A person is charged and tried. That person is innocent until proven guilty. That's it. I also do not see the need for all these congressional hearings on the subject.I don't recall a congressional hearing having taken place because my brother got a speeding ticket last week!

True, but then these players are supposed to be role models for kids. Bats, baseball, and baseball caps worn properly instead of steroids.

Not wanting to revisit our last disagreement on "role models", I'll just ask you: Is this something that really requires congressional oversight, hearings, and all of the costs attendant to blowing this issue out to this proportion?

Congress heard from Mark McGwire earlier about that, and he sidestepped their questions. Maybe more of this can come to light if Bonds should have a trial. We'll see.

That wasmy point: why Congress? Why not just the accused, the accuser, the evidence, a court, a judge, and maybe a jury? Why is this a Congressional matter?
I agree with Gary. Don't they have more important things to keep their attention, such as the war in Iraq, healthcare, unemployment, and such others to worry about?

True. Congress was concerned about the use of steroids in sports, I guess. How they are going to stop the illicit use of it, remains to be seen.

But we know they have to focus on the matters you described in the second line.

Gary and FX were talking about healthcare, and I know Gary is very concerned about it. Whatever works in the UK will not work in the US. I suppose money is the reason for it, and how to govern healthcare.

This is where innefective government stands out like a sore thumb.
They probe and investigate for this individual issue; but tell us that they don't have time time, funds, and manpower to look at drug use as a whole among American youths!
Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds break longstanding records. Now, the whole American government must become involved in this. What's wrong with that picture?

The way the picture looks, it ain't worth a thousand words.

It isn't worth the eleven in your post; but how much did the words you posted cost the taxpayers? Now, toss in the Congressional hearings held on this whole Bonds matter... what do you see as the unecessary waste of money and time?