It's freezing over...

[markyj987]

Guess where it's freezing over?

I never thought I'd see the day where proposed rule changes (by high school sports officials) in California made more sense than proposed federal legislation by Republicans in Congress.

In the interest of brevity, I'm posting portions of these stories, both found on foxnews.com

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Pols Prepare Steroid Legislation

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers grilled Mark McGwire and baseball officials about steroids, then asked the National Football League why its testing isn't tougher. They heard from doctors about the perils of performance-enhancing drugs and from parents of high schoolers who committed suicide.

Now they are ready to act.

Members of a House subcommittee have written a bill to govern drug testing across American pro sports, aiming to bring them in line with the Olympics. The leaders of another panel planned to join Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in introducing their own legislation soon.

The commissioners for the four major U.S. sports leagues were summoned to Capitol Hill for hearings Wednesday and Thursday to explain their drug testing policies and discuss the proposed law. The heads of the leagues' player unions also were invited.

"It would be easier for the sports if they would work with us, instead of against us," said Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee holding Wednesday's hearing.

"One purpose is to ask these commissioners and the union people why they should not be subject to the same standards that are used in the Olympics," Stearns said. "The burden is on them to explain why. The second purpose is to get their views on the bill and ask them for suggestions to make it more palatable to their way of thinking so we can just get an understanding of what they would accept."

Last month, the Florida Republican introduced the Drug Free Sports Act, which would have the commerce secretary oversee drug-testing rules for pro sports. It calls for a two-year suspension for a first offense and a lifetime ban for a second; leagues that don't comply would be fined at least $5 million...
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California Schools Adopt Anti-Steroid Rules

Monday, May 09, 2005

IRVINE, Calif. — California high school sports officials have approved three new regulations aimed at curbing steroid (search) use among teen athletes, making it the first state in the nation to take such action.

The California Interscholastic Federation (search) voted Friday to require parents, players and school officials to sign contracts promising that athletes won't use steroids; regulate what dietary supplements (search) coaches can distribute to athletes; and require coaches to earn a certification that includes steroids-abuse education.

The new rules take effect this fall, though coaches have until 2008 to earn the certificate. The council, which oversees high school sports in California, decided against requiring mandatory drug testing...
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Maybe my views are changing...maybe I'm more of a Libertarian than a conservative these days. I don't know, but I find the idea of the feds controlling steroids in sports ridiculous. What's next? Cracking down on drug use by actors and musicians? Not that I wouldn't find that amusing--because I would--but it's an absolute waste of government spending.

Doesn't government already regulate business enough? If they wanted to do something about it, they'd have the DEA, FBI, and local law enforcement investigate and bust users of illegal steroids on an individual basis. Why should government even CARE about suspensions? Are they looking out for the good of the atheletes? I would hope NOT--because professional athletes are adults and if they become ill, crazy, or kill themselves using steroids--TOUGH! Really, the public should "vote" for steroid policy with their checkbooks. Don't like the steroid policy in baseball or hockey? Don't go to games. Don't watch them. Don't buy merchandise. Don't run to Congress and ask them to fix it. Shouldn't they have more important things to do?

It really seems to me that the Republican party is moving left at a terrifying rate. We should really watch out for this as individuals and take back our party. This legislation is "nanny state" legislation and really flies in the face of what true conservatism is--a political belief system based on individual responsibility and local governance--not blanket legislation from Washington.

Now, look at that California rule changes. They make sense. These are KIDS...they're minors playing in amateur sports. Look where the rules are coming from--not some broad-based legislation, but from sports officials--people who specialize in high school athletics. The measures make sense and is an appropriate use of the California Interscholastic Federation's authority.

To make it really work, California should additionally find and prosecute coaches or anybody else who provides illegal steroids to kids.

The Republicans in Congress need to get their act together. What are they going to want to regulate next? This is nothing more than politicians trying to make themselves look good with mid-term elections coming up next year--it's truly a waste of time and OUR money. You know, I woulnd't be surprised if the Democrats proposed legislation like this--but from the right? It's absolutely ridiculous.

[carbonhunter]

Maybe my views are changing...maybe I'm more of a Libertarian than a conservative these days. I don't know, but I find the idea of the feds controlling steroids in sports ridiculous. What's next? Cracking down on drug use by actors and musicians? Not that I wouldn't find that amusing--because I would--but it's an absolute waste of government spending.

------------------------------------------------------------------------Ditto...the same thing i said when they started the hearings.....a complete waste of tax payer money.