Anyone else feel congress is wasting Tax payer dollars with this MLB steriod BS?

Question

I'm seething with anger at congress spending their time investigating a business for steroid use. What purpose is this to the taxpayers????? Does this help solve the war, educational deficiencies, hunger, bad tax laws, immigration, skyrocketing health care cost.... MLB is a PRIVATE BUSINESS that can set it own rules regarding the use of legal and illegal substances. If anything maybe a criminal probe on illegal substances BUT THAT'S IT. Get back to your real jobs and stop spotlighting yourself. What next?? Hollywood actors using steriods to fit the part?? where does end congress???????????

Thanks to those pointing out the Mitchell report was paid for by MLB and not done by congress. Congress already held meetings back in March 2005 and we all know they are going to jump at creating another committee since this report as they are already talking about it.

Answer 1

Yes and No, but its not like Congress does anything else other than blame eachother for thier stupid decisions. At least we get to see them in action somewhat.

Answer 2

I think it's good we all have Bush to blame because that seems to mean to so many that there's no problem to solve since Bush is now gone and Obama's aptitude remains intact. However, had Barney Frank and Christopher Dodd not dropped the ball on their watch over the housing industry there may never have been the need to bailout anything. See what I mean? We can all find someone to blame and when we do we dismiss from accountability those who should be held accountable. It really isn't all that important who is or was responsible especially when nothing is done about it. The fact remains that it's Obama's problem now and he's doing a lousy job of trying the fix it.

Answer 3

But why are you so angry with congress when the President of the United States is also failing in his job as Commander-in-Chief.

The economy is in shambles with the dollar at an all time low.
This is the ripe time for foreigners to take over America.
So many house holds face foreclosures and debt ridden families have to find ways to cope with this dismal situation.

Then there's the war in Iraq.

Is the President which YOU voted doing his job?

Answer 4

Edit: Congress is not involved yet, but this report was a preemption by MLB to appease Congress who stands ready to get involved in this issue again (Palmerio claiming to congress in his testimony that he never used steroids...just before he got caught...whooops!

Congress does have an interest in MLB. MLB, and other professional sports are permitted to operate by an exception to general laws (e.g., federal anti-trust laws)... they are a protected monopoly of the industry because of the unique nature of professional sports. There are a myriad of laws to protect the interests of public sports.

Additionally, public funds are used to support professional sports in building stadiums, etc. That hybrid of public and private involvement means there will always be some governmental issue.

Also, because professional sports operate in interstate commerce (virtually all there business requires crossing state lines), the federal government has a right and a duty to regulate activities of the organization. Legal steroids are regulated by the Feds (FDA). Illegal steroids are covered by the FDA as well as federal criminal statutes the same as any interstate drug-related offenses.

Moreover, professional sports are covered by exceptions to federal labor laws for unions. They are allowed to collectively bargain (players associations) but also each player can negotiate through his own agent his personal salary. Ask your local union carpenters/painters/welders if they get the same luxury.

I'm not knocking your question, very legitimate. But I hope you can see why there is some congressional oversight into these matters. Congress is using this oversight pressure to get baseball to clean itself up to avoid greater congressional scrutiny. Keep in mind, that baseball did not cave to actually creating a steroid policy until after the LAST time congress poked around in their business.

In sum....they are not solely a private business who can set their own rules. The federal government provides their parameters in various ways. They can shut them down or bring them to bear for their inability to control the problem.

Also...all private businesses must comply with federal laws/regulations...so they only "set their own rules" within the laws and regulations they are required to comply with

I am not defending congress...I'm a soldier/lawyer who is tired of the shenanigans of both the executive and legislative branches of the gov, but I do see the congressional interest from numerous standpoints.

Answer 5

First off the guy that did the investigation was a RETIRED member of congress. Second congress hasn't got into the mess yet. (They will) So yes they are wasting our money on the steroid stuff, your just too early in saying it.

Answer 6

Major League Baseball paid the entire bill! Congress and taxpayers paid $0 towards it.

Answer 7

so congress should leave tobacco companies alone because their private businesses??? when some kid blows his brains out be cause he's messed up from roids are you going to blame congress or the atheletes you want to make excuses for? what seriously do you think MLB is going to do? NOT A DAMN THING as long as it can keep making money.

Answer 8

Was the Mitchell report paid for by a government entity- I think not- do a little research!- The report was commissioned by MLB- NOT Congress!!! Congress has nothing to do with it !!!
PAY ATTENTION TO SMALL DETAILS- next time you won't look lke an idiot !!!!

Answer 9

yeah, I feel the same way. I think it is a waste of both time and money, because this does not in any way involve the general American population. Baseball might be the American pass time, but no one cares if the players are using steroids. It is a waste of time and money.

Answer 10

I was thinking along the same lines as you.
All I can think of is that either this is a distraction tactic by the congress and media, and/ or it reaches to some rich muckety mucks and they are angry and someone will pay.

I am so tired of hearing this as a news story.