In case you missed it during all the Olympia Weekend hype, the U.S. Federal Government has been seriously cracking down on online steroid distribution networks. The Missourian has terrific coverage of the story:
With last week's announcement of the largest underground steroid bust in U.S. history, federal authorities say they have put a dent in what is estimated to be a more than $400 million industry.
But users of the drugs, who live across the country and congregate online on discussion boards, say the government's priorities are misplaced and that they are being persecuted for using substances that simply enhance their appearance.
I mostly agree with Greg Powell, who is quoted later in the article:
Probably 90 percent (of steroid users) are average, everyday Americans who work, pay taxes and raise their families. They're good people. They've got good hearts. What are they guilty of, trying to look better?
Steroid use is usually bad for people, but I don't see where it's the federal government's prerogative to stop people. And established online networks like the ones described in the story are probably a lot safer than local suppliers.
This gets into the debated of "why is the government trying to protect me from myself", which is heard in things like:
* Seatbelt laws (if I crash and kill myself, its my problem)
* Motorcycle helmet laws (see above)
Among others. This sort of falls into that section. I'm sure in measured careful usuage, steroids maybe ok, I'm no expert, but the abuse of it can cause problems. But then again, in the same token, the same arguement could be applied to alchohol...
Lingster
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Alcohol...
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Super Administrator
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2007-10-06 23:17:06
Or sugar, fried foods, etc. There are some narcotics, like PCP, which are really, really super dangerous and probably should be outlawed. But steroids aren't narcotics, don't cause diminished brain states as a result of intoxication, and are meant to induce effects not all that different from the natural effects of hard physical work.
Masschine
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Lazy A$$ed $%#s
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Registered
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2007-10-07 01:52:31
It's basically a case of lazy lawmakers looking for quick TV time. According to an HBO Real Sports Report when congress decided to classify steroids the same as heroin or crack the Drug Enforcement Agency, Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association all advised against it. Now they have created a bigger problem with outlaw labs and suspect imports.
BTW they still haven't done anything about the sad state of NFL veterans with disabilities. Too many concussions can lead to depression and dementia. Sound familiar? Try Chris Benoit who had the same concussion damage to his brain. But then again it's so much easier to blame steroids.
cpbell0033944
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re: Alcohol...
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Registered
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2007-10-07 10:23:24
Clasifying them in the same order as heroin seems batty! They're not good, but, for crying out loud: heroin? :roll:
