with all the serious problems in the usa why is congress getting involved in the baseball steroid issue?

Question

i don`t recall anything in my history class about congress being in charge of sports. don`t they have anything else to worry about?

Answer 1

Because they have your best interests at heart (note sarcasm).

Answer 2

If the owners and players can't solve the problems, Congress or any part of the USG certainly can't correct the failures. Baseball does have a anti-trust protection due to Congress. MLB would not exist without the protection it provides. A serious threat to review, suspend, or even remove the license is enough incentive. Congress can, again, request MLB and the Players Union to put a serious drug testing program in place--or else. The sorry truth is, as bad as Congressional meddling would be, the major parties are utter fools, clowns, traitors to the game's heritage.

Answer 3

Because Congress wants to shy away from the pressing needs of our military in Iraq, and has nothing else better to do.
BTW, how could the commissioner, the news media, and the fans possibly be clueless during the McGwire/Sosa home run chase during the 1998 season? (I personally didn't care--the good will that both players showed for each other and for the fans did more to save the game of baseball than anyone else).
But, then, one wonders if it's the same type of cluelessness that this country showed before 9/11, with all the warnings out there beforehand.

Answer 4

Because whether they should be or not, whether technically they're even supposed to be as part of their job or not, athletes (and all celebrities) are "role models" for children. The kids are going to emulate them in what they do. Even a good parent can't protect their kids from everything (without locking them out of the world entirely). If the pros do it, the minor leaguers will do it. If the minor leaguers do it, the college and high school kids will do it. (With an "everyone who 'makes it' has to do it" attitude) And it's not only bad for people's health, but it is illegal to use steroids.

Probably not entirely, but many future users can be stopped before their first injection or tab by taking away from the prevalence of steroids in Major League Baseball.

Answer 5

If they didn't get involved, the baseball players union and ownership would have done NOTHING about it. Also, many high school athletes across the country take their cue from pro athletes. Steroid use among American high school athletes is a problem in this country.

Answer 6

Because they have nothing better to do and because they make legislation. And mostly because baseball didnt do anything about it themselves. Even the commissioner is guilty and admitted ignoring the problem. ANd he is supposed to be the sheriff in baseball. He has ultimate say.

Dont forget congress regulated tv's with the V chip and video games with the rating system.

Answer 7

Here's the reason. Baseball is seen as America's great pasttime. What message is being put into our children's minds if our "nation's pasttime" is so full of cheaters that it's getting close to a 50-50 split. (Exaggerating for a point). It is Congress's job to lead the country, and I suppose that means the country's national sport too. Unless we change it to soccer, ey? ey? Just kidding.

Answer 8

Because baseball (MLB) has been granted an anti-trust exemption by Congress.

Answer 9

They are being irresponsible, no other way to describe it. We have soldiers fighting a war and they refuse to support them by funding them, especially at a point in the war where they are making so much progress. Just baffles the mind!

Answer 10

Congress represents those who lend support monetarily...interest groups that give loads of cash to their senators like anti drug groups have massive input on bills and laws that are brought before congress

Answer 11

Because it is safe. Everyone thinks drug use is bad, so by getting involved and telling everyone they are going to fix the problem they think they can garner favor without alienating anyone.