USADA and the Ginger Hammer

USADA and the Ginger Hammer

One thing has bothered me about the Lance Armstrong/USADA battle, and now especially with it’s conclusion.  That is the total and complete authority of the governing body, even apparently independent of the US Judicial System, and the manor in which they act.  I guess I believe that in 1999-2005 he was doping, and can even believe he wasn’t caught during all the testing he underwent..  I also definitely believe that the USADA was carrying out a vendetta, and that Lance had zero shot at a fair “trial”.  But that was not the point.  It was clear with the evident joy in the USADA announcement that the Inquisition had brought the heretic to “justice”, regardless of whether fairness was employed.

I see the same template in the NFL.  Roger Goodell swings the Ginger Hammer, and Jonathon Vilma is sacrificed on the alter of the Shield.  The US Judge, who apparently is trying to find some legal way to overturn Goodell because of the unfairness of his actions toward Vilma, has not succeeded.   As soon as the Judge admits defeat, a triumphant Goodell will claim that as validation of his actions, and Vilma will be smitten (or is it smote?).

Goodell is the same as the USADA.  Confident in their unchallengeable power over the minions in their rule, they do not have to even feign fairness, since they know they are unassailable.   This is no different than a petty dictator (Saddam anyone?) who abuses power.  Or a Chicago Mayor.  Or a Homeowners Association president.  Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely (and it rocks absolutely – thanks Dr. Kirwan).

Guilty or Innocent, neither Vilma or Armstrong stood a chance.  That should make us all fear any consolidation of power at any level…