Steroids are illegal because of simple misconceptions, politics and pure ignorance. They became illegal in 1990 due to the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. What is interesting, is that the FDA,DEA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse among other institutions were against the proposed amendment to this law. Congress' reason was that there was an epidemic of steroids in American high schools in the mid 1980s. No medical professionals or people who have an avid knowledge of steroids and their effects both good and bad on the human body we're allowed to testify. Congress wanted professional athletes to justify the use of steroids as being unethical. Ironic that George Bush Sr. was president at that time. Ethics? Yeah right!
It wasn’t until September 24th, 1987, when Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson beat American favorite Carl Lewis for the gold medal in the 100m that making them illegal was ‘justified’ as Johnson tested positive for Winstrol. I wonder if things would have been different if Carl Lewis we’re the one who tested positive or what could have happened if they BOTH we’re using. This brings me to believe that the American government added anabolic steroids to the controlled substances act to ‘save face’ and in the public's eye it was the most opportune time to.
Anabolic steroids should be legalized because of the many capabilities they have at improving the quality of life. They have the ability to cause rapid muscle generation, growth and repair. That is why they are used specifically to aid the crucial replacement in most muscle wasting terminal diseases like the HIV and cancer among some other serious illnesses. Acute stages of terminal diseases require steroid medicines to boost regeneration of wasted tissues and increase body strength usually critically needed. Steroids are illegal because of their ‘health’ implications right? Well thousands of people have died because their doctor would NOT prescribe them testosterone for their condition. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLv-rEaXW28[/media]If steroids we’re legal it would be GREAT to say they could be perfectly regulated as well as taxed and restricted by age limits but the truth is,as with everything else; they 100% cannot be. Alcohol and cigarettes are both legal, and regulated are they not? Yet underage drinking and smoking is still imminent. The exact same avenues teens have been using in the past can be used up until today. Steroids we’re banned to protect high school kids from using them. In 2002, the CDC did a study and the results showed that since 1991,only a year after being banned, there was a significant increase in steroid usage amongst school age children. They we’re asked how easy it is to obtain them and 22% of eigth graders, 33.2% of 9th graders, and 46.1% of tenth graders reported they we’re fairly easy to obtain. In 2001, the percentage of teens who believed steroids were detrimental to their health dropped from 68% to 62%. So just WHO ARE THEY PROTECTING? Illegal or not they are still getting access to them. The common notion amoungst many is that one or two cycles will get them looking like Jay or Ronnie. If you truly believe that then I PERSONALLY will buy you every steroid in the book, then we can split the Olympia prize money when you win it.
When a steroid bust occurs, countless resources and hours of man power are utilized. The irony is that many of the law enforcement officers paid to enforce the law are using the stuff as well. I wonder how many cops go home from a hard day's work and take out a crack pipe. Most cops I see can't even button their shirts all the way up whether its their bulging pectorals or their ridiculous guts. Either way, based on the LAW, which is healthier than the other? What message are you sending when you come to arrest me for my steroid use and you have to walk thru my door sideways to get in?
Why does the US Government feel it is their place to search for the "truth" about steroid users whether professional athletes or the average joe when there are greater concerns in this country and around the world that need to be addressed. I don't get why the government goes to such great length to search for the "truth" and 'protect' people about steroid usage when there are greater uncertainties that need to be answered. This country is involved in war and is losing soldiers by the thousands. And the Government cares if Clemens, Bonds or other big name athletes use steroids? In 1982, the United States Surgeon General's report stated that 'Cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer mortality in the United States.' Up to today, about 438,000 people lose their lives each year to cigarette smoking! These stats are simply astronomical, yet with this being known the suregon general has the audactity to simply put a 'warning' on a box of cigarettes and turn around and say steroid abuse is a major problem in this country? Why can we not open a box of test and see a Surgeon General's warning on the vial? Most don't know but statictically, the bahit of cigarette somking in minors makes them more susceptible to trying marijuana. Should cigarettes be made illegal? If they we're people would smoke anyway. Are you goin to arrest every single person you see somking a cigarette? To this day, there are no HUGE statistics on how many people anabolic steroids have killed or seriously injured. From my point of view, anabolic steroids users are leading happy fulfilling lives; -some making millions of dollars; some feeling like they're in their twenties again; and most giving the rest of the hypocrites who simply drink beer, eat bullshit, and live life with wreckless abandonment the entertainment they desire.
What is amazing to me is that I've never heard of a bodybuilder going off and otherwise breaking the law due to his steroid use or 'abuse';and I'm sure Craig Titus's ordeal was not 'roid rage' either. I've met a few pros and they are some of the nicest guys around. They make a good living and are normal functioning members of society. On the other hand, you will never ever see Congress have a hearing for crack or heroin use because it won't attract much media attention and there will be ultimately be a lack of public attention. If a celeb or athlete is suspected of doing drugs he or she simply 'goes to rehab' but when he is suspected of juicing there is a cry for someone to step in and 'regulate'. Which one is putting their health more at risk? I could juice all my life and never hit a 90 mile an hour fast ball much less throw one. Steroids won't give you hands to catch a football or the mechanics to shoot a jumpshot. Fans want to see blazing speed on the track and intense aggresion on the field. People are using now than when they we're legal. There is more research out now and it would be safer to legalize so it can be manufactured and easily accessed to those of age. This certainly would cut down on scammers. If you choose to use them then you should educate yourself on their side effects and enjoy the benefits.
I leave you with this, steroids like everything else in life comes with side effects. Orals are taxing on the liver and this is sometime blown out of proportion, but for those who may not know, the FDA has advised that drugs with acetaminophen the main ingedient in TYLENOL should be taken off the market. If taken 4 days in a row serious side effects and liver damage can occur and it has been proven. People have ended up in the hospital with jaundice for outrageous doses on oral anabolics, but I guarantee you pop 5 Tylenol a day for an entire week and that'll be your LAST headache! Steroids can cause gynecomastia for which there is tamoxifen easily sold to combat it. Alcohol and marijuana also raises estrogen levels and causes gynecomastia as well as have a toxic effect on the liver. There is no evidence to support the fact that steroids cause cancer or causes tumors to further metastisize throughout the body. Lyle Alzado died from a brain tumor. There is no evidence to this day that links the tumor to his extensive steroid use. It has gotten to the point where we will soon be in jail selling ourselves to a swole motherfucka named Jim Bob for a pack of smokes and a bag of Dbols. Teens are goin to use anyway. The more attention Congress brings to steroids in baseball or football or in general will only make them more appealing to them. Instead of putting a bullseye on the sports entertainment industry, or hardcore bodybuilders, or people dedicated to their sports and glorification of their bodies in general; take a look at the American Household. Parents turn a blind eye to their children and their 'weight gain' as they blame it on the 'gainer shakes' yet flies to their politician the second their kid ends up in the hospital. They can be safely and effectively used and this has been proven time and time again. Just ask the Governor of California himself.
Damn that was long....:dj:
