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So there's this story on the wire about Democrats seeking hearings on HGH testing in pro football.

This got me thinking about all the times Congress wants to hold hearings on something in the sports world: baseball steroids, football HGH, the existence of the BCS, and so on. Personally, it annoys the crap out of me. Right now there are dozens of topics that Congress should be focusing on rather than HGH testing in the NFL. I have the same reaction every time a member of Congress tries to grab headlines by examining an issue in sports. Am I the only one? What do you guys think? If they keep doing it that means there are people out there who want Congress to intervene in these issues, right?

No.

Next question.

Dave said:

Next question.

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Why do they keep doing it?

Tress said:

Why do they keep doing it?

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Because it's easier and makes better press than doing things like balancing the budget or running the country.

No.

Sports accounts for a surprisingly large portion of our nation's economy. While a sports nightmare wouldn't depress our economy the way the banking nightmare did, saying that it should be left unregulated without considering the impact it may or may not have on the US economy is folly.

I don't know the details of this particular event, but to the question in general I'd say, "Maybe"

Tress said:

Why do they keep doing it?

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Cause sadly people CARE more about sports than most things. The only reason people worry about jobs NOW (instead of worrying about the economy 10 years ago) cause it didn't effect them directly. With unemployment all time high, jobs issue are on top of the list.

The politicians know that if they dabble in legal issues with sports, there could be more votes in their pockets.

I couldn't figure out from the article why in the hell NFL union negotiations were of national importance, so I poked around on Google and found the press release from the House Energy and Commerce Committee:

"Tougher Drug Testing Policy Sends an Important Message to Nation’s Youth that Performance Enhancing Drugs and Cheating Will Not Be Tolerated"

So this is just more of the same waste of taxpayer money on 'Think of the Children!!!!!' bullshit to get re-elected.

And probably some usage of government resources to make sure their football watching isn't delayed by strikes.

Maybe. I don't like the grandstanding of the commitees and their attempt to ruin Roger Clemens life...

But when Teddy Roosevelt saved College and Pro Football was worth the interference.

Also when a sitting judge became the commissioner of baseball after the Black Sox scandal, he pretty much saved baseball.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennesaw_Mountain_Landis

sixpackshaker said:

Maybe. I don't like the grandstanding of the commitees and their attempt to ruin Roger Clemens life...

But when Teddy Roosevelt saved College and Pro Football was worth the interference.

Also when a sitting judge became the commissioner of baseball after the Black Sox scandal, he pretty much saved baseball.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennesaw_Mountain_Landis

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While those are awesome example, but right now our economy is falling apart, unemployment is all time high, banking issues, mortgage issues, and doesn't seem to be turning around. Government is pumping MILLIONS of dollars into the "wrong system" (I put that in quotes cause I believe putting into bank was a bad idea IMO) and saving a car industry that should have let it go.

In my opinion, these things that would fail, should be left to fail. If the american people still have a demand for it after its delivery system fails, someone else will step in and find a way to profit from providing it.

GasBandit said:

In my opinion, these things that would fail, should be left to fail. If the american people still have a demand for it after its delivery system fails, someone else will step in and find a way to profit from providing it.

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There is some value in preserving forms of entertainment during difficult times in order to project a "keep calm and carry on" message.

stienman said:

There is some value in preserving forms of entertainment during difficult times in order to project a "keep calm and carry on" message.

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Bread and circuses?

Generally no. I make some allowance for Baseball because of the Anti-trust exemption, but more often than not no.
Added at: 08:09

Sara_2814 said:

Bread and circuses?

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Pretty much exactly what Congress does when they "investigate" into sports issues.

For something like drug issues, no. But if there was fixing or something of that nature going on, I do think its goverment's place since that'd be fraud.

Yeah, I think "directly involved" needs some expanding. I agree with the general feeling here, not on drug issues. But labor laws in sports venues (union or otherwise), for example, most certainly yes if necessary.

They can keep their noses out of college sports, too. WVU was about to be confirmed as a member of the Big XII until Sen. McConnell stuck his meddling ass into the proceedings to push for Louisville instead. Sen. Manchin retaliated by publicly demanding an investigation into McConnell's actions. So now senators are involved in the realignment mess.