Corruption from Arlen Specter
May 15, 2008
I’m not usually one to gripe about our politicians (most of their work can’t be judged until history plays itself out) but in the case of Arlen Specter and his role in Spygate, I can’t help but ask “What the hell?”
Specter has made it clear that in his mind’s eye, the Spygate controversy surrounding the NFL and New England Patriots is not over. But here’s the deal: first, what does any of it have to do with Arlen Specter? And second, Roger Goodell is the commissioner of the NFL. He said its over, which means, its over. Goodell was criticized for destroying the first batch of tapes, so, learning from the mistake, he shared the new tapes with the media. He has named names in speaking with the media and has show utter transparency in the past few days. What’s left to deal with?
Even if there were still issues here, the idea of a congressional hearing over this is ludicrous. Spygate does not involve criminal activity. Even if it were a crime, it is a victimless crime. How do the Patriots’ actions impact Americans?
Congress’s role in the steroid scandal in baseball is iffy at best, but at least in this example, one can make the argument that it falls under the “war on drugs” flag and serves as a deterrent to young people who are thinking of using dangerous performance enhancing drugs. What does going after the Patriots prove? What kind of positive outcome could Specter possibly generate? Is there a moral epidemic of technological spying sweeping across this country?
What Specter is doing is downright corrupt. He is using his valuable time – valuable because it’s paid for by the taxpayers – to spread his name. It would be brilliant marketing if he were a CEO upholding a mission statement, rather than an elected official supposedly upholding the Constitution.
If you feel an inkling of disagreement with this criticism of Specter, then let me leave you with these final thoughts: War on Terror, healthcare, education, gas prices, recession, and global relations. Spygate?
From Wikipedia:
“Specter has had a long history of battles with the NFL. In November 2005, he sought to have the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL investigated for violation of antitrust laws over their handling of Terrell Owens. [13] In December of 2007, he sought to have the law that allows the National Football League to sign lucrative television contracts on behalf of all 32 teams repealed. [14] In February 2008, he sought to have religious organizations declared exempt from NFL copyright laws. [15]”
Also, he’s a Senator from Pennsylvania and all Pennsylvanians (both Eagles and Steelers fans) hate the Patriots.
You’d think a congressman would spend more time on more important issues like housing/health care/rising fuel prices/rising food prices/the war in the middle east/terrisom I could go on and on, but this congressman would rather focus his energies on minor things like major sports that have inner league problem.I understand that the major sports stars are looked up to by young fans and everyone else, but that is why they have commissioners to handle this problem…..so please mr.congressman get you head out of your a** and concentrate on the duties you were elected to do and stop worrying about being pissed off because you teams got beat by a team that may or may not have used taped film to win.Grow up let the commissioner do his job with out government interferance and do the USA a favor help correct all the problems we have here at home.