It's not a criticism, it's an observation.
A romantic day
Mike Cox

February 14 is a special day for guys. The romance comes alive in many of us and thoughts of new beginnings and dreams coming true take over. It's the day pitchers and catchers report; the official start of professional baseball season.

Unfortunately, our nation's lawmakers line up in front of TV cameras and act outraged and intelligent at the same time. There is a congressional hearing to determine if Roger Clemens, the greatest pitcher of this era, took steroids to enhance his abilities.

Our elected officials try to pronounce names correctly and not make some bone- head reference that proves they are hopelessly out of touch with the rest of America. Why they are doing this instead of solving health care problems or trying to get us out of Iraq is anybody's guess.

Clemens and his former trainer will steadfastly stand by their stories. Each one's high- paid attorney will claim victory. Every member of Congress lucky enough to get on camera will have a statement appropriate for the next election campaign. Nothing of any substance will be revealed. These statements are as certain as a redneck honking as he drives by a golf course.

There is something horribly wrong when a governing body with a history of lying to get elected, kickbacks and lavish gifts, sexual impropriety, refusing to punish wrongdoers within its group, and a disconnect with the American people of epic proportions, spends time and money to resolve an internal issue in sports. One congressman said all they were trying to do is find the truth. They need to start in their own house.

All this began when Washington insider George Mitchell launched an investigation into alleged steroid use by players a few years ago. He had no authority, no co- operation from players, and a multi- million dollar budget.

He spent all the money and came up with a gossip sheet filled with mostly second tier former players linked to steroids by innuendo. Roger Clemens was the only superstar named.

Rather than allowing the story to quietly disappear as sportswriters found another quarterback dating a starlet to report on, Clemens fought the allegations. He has never tested positive for drugs, never been formerly accused, and will never be completely exonerated. No matter what happens, the Rocket will always be considered by some as tainted.

But he is fighting for his honor. To many, visions of Rafael Palmero and Marion Jones denying drug use made Clemens' campaign seem false. Too bad. Whether he is or isn't lying, we will never really know.

Even if the truth accidentally comes out, nothing will change. Oversized players will not automatically shrink to normal size, statistics will not revert to pre- steroid levels, and hundreds of unanswered questions will not magically find answers. This is an exercise in futility equal to trying to get Rush Limbaugh to say nice things about Hillary.

But it is easier than trying to find an alternate fuel source or a way to bring the troops home.