Monday, June 18, 2012

Double Standard

Hello Friends;

  I noticed this article in the Yahoo front page when checking my email.  It struck me, why is it that when a politician lies to us, it's excused.  But, should one of us lie to a politician, specifically congress, suddenly it's a problem.  And why should it be?  Don't they work for us?  Aren't they our employees? 
  Ok, when it gets right down to it, neither is acceptable.  But, you get my point.  A lie is a lie, and putting a "political spin" on it makes it no less the lie.  I am frankly so tired of outright fakery and lies from our "leaders" that I could spit.  I couldn't imagine lying to my boss.  So, tell me, if they are lying to us... who do they really work for?          ~r

After eight weeks, 46 witnesses, two dozing jurors and an estimated $2 million-$3 million spent in taxpayer money, the Roger Clemens trial has finally come to a close.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/roger-clemens-verdict-not-guilty-six-counts-204828190--mlb.html
The verdict: Not guilty on three counts of making false statements, not guilty on two counts of perjury and not guilty on one count of obstruction. The charges stemmed from testimony that Clemens made in February 2008, telling a Congressional committee that he had never taken steroids or HGH. Prosecutors also alleged that Clemens intentionally made false statements that misled investigators.
Clemens faced a maximum sentence of 30 years and a $1.5 million fine if he had been convicted on all six counts, but he instead made out better than Barry Bonds. The all-time career home runs leader was hit with one charge of obstruction — but sentenced to no jail time — in his own perjury case.
Both Clemens and Bonds will hit the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time this winter and it's likely that neither will walk away happy with the results. Whether you agree with their stance or not, Cooperstown's voters carry a much lower burden of proof when it comes to the evidence that both used performance-enhancing drugs during their careers.
But like Bonds, Clemens benefited from the reasonable-doubt standard that's applied in a federal courtroom. Despite staging an exhaustive trial, federal prosecutors were unable to build a convincing case. Nor were they able to defeat the doubts that the defense raised about the motives and integrity of former Clemens trainer Brian McNamee.
So that's that. While we'll argue forever about the merits of the nation's lawmakers getting involved with baseball's steroid era, Clemens has escaped the legal process with no major damage except for a sizable lawyer bill. He'll face much more public scrutiny going forward, of course, but this trial was really never going to have any impact on the court of public opinion. Your view of Clemens before this verdict is probably the same as your view now.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Which is "guilty as hell"! For being a spoiled asshole if nothing else.

randy said...

Hello Anonymous;
I guess if being an asshole was a felony, we'd all be in trouble now and again.
Still, my point: What do you think of congress having a double standard of conduct? Shouldn't those in leadership be held to a standard at least as vigorous as that which they hold others?

Also, please give a name... a fake on is fine. I just hate responding to "anonymous".

Thanks!
randy

Anonymous said...

Hallo Randy,
I think - to lie is human - everyone uses the lie.
but:
People with "role models" should avoid this.
They are in the public eye.
In times of internet and mass media, lies are often unmasked fast and creates a campaign of it, which can lead to the resignation.
Even the courts are quicker to judge today so called "celebrities" / "VIPs".
At least in Germany there are enough examples in the young past. (fake doctorate, receiving bribes, to lie in court / committee of inquiry / Parliament)
Gruß Nikki

randy said...

Hi Nikki;
Sorry for the delay in responding. This new job has me wore out!
I agree that we all stretch things a bit, but my issue with politicians is that they have not only perfected the art, but receive a wink and a nod for the very act - as if it's expected and part of the game to lie, cheat and steal. Even getting caught is only bad if they can't lie their way out of it. But, to then presume that someone is a horrible scandalous person because they may lie to the politician? That seems a bit beyond, don't you think?
What should be is that folks, like you say, are held accountable for their words. Because, if I may give point... they do effect.
hugs;
randy