Thursday, February 07, 2008

Bush asks Senate to OK international pact against steroids - Thursday February 7, 2008 2:53PM

When Bush asks the US Senate to act swiftly, I take pause.
SI.com - More Sports - Bush asks Senate to OK international pact against steroids - Thursday February 7, 2008 2:53PMPresident Bush asked the Senate to swiftly approve an agreement ratified by more than 70 nations to fight the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
It is okay to move swiftly against something that allows people to move more swiftly.

It is NOT okay for government to move swiftly into a realm where we play and just want to have fun. Getting government involved has a way of sucking the fun out of things.

How can the US be a leader -- or -- "solidify our nation's place as a leader in the worldwide effort to rid athletics of cheating through chemistry" -- when there are already more than 70 other nations that have approved the agreement.

When the US is 71st -- at best -- it isn't at the front of the pack. Well, to be sure, there are plenty in the US of A -- plenty of US citizens that is -- that have been at the cutting-edge in this battle for fairness, education, exposure -- and sadly, cheating too.

I like the fact that the war on drug use in sports has been a private affair so far. It has been beyond the scope of the US Senate and US Government officials -- mostly.


"The use of performance-enhancing drugs by elite athletes sets a dangerous example for millions of young Americans, encouraging young people to take grave risks with their health and safety," Perino said.
I do worry about the use of performance-enhancing drugs from the sandlots to the scholastic arenas more than at the elite levels.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Bush: OK int'l pact against steroids
Posted: Thursday February 7, 2008 2:53PM; Updated: Thursday February 7, 2008 2:53PM
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush asked the Senate to swiftly approve an agreement ratified by more than 70 nations to fight the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in sports.

In a statement Thursday, the White House said the agreement's principles are already reflected in U.S. law and policy. "Ratifying the convention will solidify our nation's place as a leader in the worldwide effort to rid athletics of cheating through chemistry," White House press secretary Dana Perino said in a written statement.
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U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Jim Scherr said he appreciated Bush's support.

"This convention is emblematic of the commitment our government has made to work in partnership with anti-doping authorities and governments from around the world to further eradicate the use of banned and illegal substances in Olympic sport," Scherr said in a statement.

Known as the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, the agreement was drafted under the auspices of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The convention urges nations to "take actions to promote anti-doping controls for international competition, including the Olympics and Pan American Games. Professional sports are not within the purview of the convention, the White House said, suggesting that "they should look to it as a guide as they seek to strengthen their polices against performance-enhancing drugs among their athletes."

"The use of performance-enhancing drugs by elite athletes sets a dangerous example for millions of young Americans, encouraging young people to take grave risks with their health and safety," Perino said.