AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USArrogant Clemens looks like liar, not McNamee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
America got a long look at a one-shot television show the other day. It should have been called Inside Congress. Re-titled, it may turn out to be the Self-Destruction of Roger Clemens. Most disturbing to the tax-paying citizen was something the chairman, Congressman Henry Waxman, said in a state of irritation, addressing Clemens, the baseball pitcher.
“Only reason we held this hearing was because Roger Clemens insisted on it,” he said.
You mean, all any irritated American has to do is call Congress and say, “I want a hearing.”
As the hearing unfurled, there was little doubt that Clemens had been undone by solipsism. A victim of self. A man wallowing in his own conceit and feeling of invulnerability. He had visited some of the congressmen in their offices the day before, which some might be construed as tampering with a jury. Signing autographs, posing for pictures. These were his guys, then the lights and the cameras were turned up.
He stumbled through his introductory recitation, cold, steely, challenging. “I have never taken steroids and HGH,” was his punch line. Brian McNamee, the beleaguered one, came next and did you notice that Clemens’ former personal trainer first apologized to baseball? Humility is often more convincing than arrogance.
Clemens’ weapon was power. Big man kicking a little man when he was down. This is a plot that never sells. What carried a lot of weight within the hearing, and over the telecast, was something McNamee said in his written opening:
“When I told Senator Mitchell I injected Roger Clemens with performance-enhancing drugs, I was telling the truth.”
You can see no reason for McNamee to lie. You can see reason for Clemens to lie. His legacy, his ego, his place in pitching history, his ticket to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. He said at one stage, “I’ll never have my record restored.” Solipsism again.
Congress gave Clemens a taste of what was to come right out of the box. Congressman Elijah Cummins came at him with an assortment of wrenching questions. No soft pitches there. That should have told Rocket that he was in for a tough day, more to follow. Another congressman from Indiana, Dan Burton, laid down a withering barrage at McNamee, who took it calmly. Throughout the day he never lost his cool, while behind Clemens his hovering team of legal beagles did, to the point they had to be dressed down. Lawyer questioning was not allowed by the rules.
If you care to dig into performance evidence, check into Clemens’ record in the middle of his career. With the Red Sox in 1993 he had his first losing season, 11-14 and a high earned-run average. Following season 9-7, then 10-5, with rehab time in the minor leagues. Then another losing season, 10-13 and another high ERA, Now as a free agent he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, and who should he find there but Brian McNamee in some kind of training capacity. Ah, Brian McNamee, who became his personal trainer.
Sudden return to glory. He won 21 games, his earned-run average dropped to 2.05, a plummet, followed by another 20-win season in 1998. The Rogers Clemens story was being revived and re-written. And quietly carrying the torch was Brian McNamee, former catcher on the St. Johns University team in New York.
Back in the congressional hearing, this was not the way Clemens had seen his hearing developing. (In fact, it would seem to me that this was a case for the Department of Justice, not some for congressmen to be threshing about on out tax money.) Rising higher in esteem as it all unfolded was the figure of Andy Pettitte, Clemens’ close friend, and one who often fell under the influence of Clemens. He confessed to the use of some form of enhancing stuff. He stood out like a white knight, and there sat Clemens, now an unfrocked former hero. The plot is just beginning to thicken, and I go back to something written earlier:
I can see no reason for McNamee to lie. I can see all sorts of reasons for Clemens to lie.
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By knucklebuster123
February 15, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Yes, Clemens lied. And, no, this matter is not closed as far as the DOJ is concerned, friendly Republican committee members and fans aside.
By Big Ed
February 15, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Hundreds of players used or are still using including Clemens and Bonds as the poster boys. It was however ridiculous to have Brian M. lawyers come out and turn it political by saying the Bush adminstration would probably pardon Clemens anyway. It was the repulican led congress that forced baseball to do something about steroids when the owners and players refused to. Have you ever seen how many criminals Clinton pardoned. It ranges from cocaine dealers to conspiracy against the United States. All of this shows how sleazy it is inside the game. PATHETIC.
By Chris
February 15, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
The biggest Bozo of the entire hearing was Ohio Congressman Dan Burton, definitely persuaded by Clemens… Sad commentary on our lawmakers.
By kevin h
February 15, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
According to Canseco, Bush had a role- albeit just winking and enabling, in the introduction of the steroid era in Texas. So to call Bush and the Republicans warriors against steroids is like calling them fiscally responsible…all show and no dough.
By woody hayes
February 15, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
I think people want to believe Clemens, but they can’t. If he had just said, “Yeah, I was on steroids for a period of time, after all, almost every batter I was facing for awhile was, too. It didn’t give me an advantage, it only made for a more level playing field.” I think most of us could have accepted that and moved on already. But, that being said, he’s an mbecile.
By Phil
February 15, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Clemens lied…batters tried.
By JOHN LONGENECKER
February 15, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
McNamee ought to seek a talent agent for television and movie acting rolls. Movies are about images. Faces on the screen. McNamee would be wonderful for dozens and dozens of bad guy rolls. He looks like the corrupt corporate guy, the cop gone bad, the drug dealer, the official putting the screws to the movie hero. He looks like the bad guy. He ought not to have been anywhere near accomplished athletes in America. He unlawfully injected athletes. He is one bad guy. Clemens ought to have avoided him from the start. Just look at the McNamee face. A perfect face that says bed guy the moment he arrives. He’s got quite a future as villain in the movies. Talent agents - sign him up.
By Jay
February 15, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
I’ve always thought Clemens was arrogant and self-serving. Now I savor every minute of his demise. He is a LIAR and should get jail time and a fine for perjury.
By jc
February 15, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Ball players are old enough to make their own decisions. The government should not be involved in sports. I have no way of knowing if Clemens used illegal drugs, and neither does the government. Surely the government can find something more compelling when it comes to using taxpayer’s money.
By Sneaky Trainer
February 15, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Is there a possibility that trainers injected HGH and called it B12 or whatever so their own performance as trainers might be improved? Are you sure of what that nurse put in the syringe the last flu shot you got?
By Big Ed
February 15, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Kevin this the same Canseco that tried to bribe and extort money from Maglio Ordonez if he didn’t give him money for a movie. He told Mags he would keep him out of his next book if he did. Very credible
By philip chila
February 15, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Shane on baseball for knowing and turning their heads to this. Clemens is a man I would not want to annoy. His personality is repulsive. I feel sorry for Clemens and I feel sorry for his family. He through his wife under a bus with this and has no ill feelings about it………..poor girl must be so dominated by this man that she knows no better.
By Ping
February 15, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Clemens legacy would have been restored somewhat if he had been truthful from the very beginning. The public would have forgiven him for his past indiscretions but lying under oath will live forever in the hearts and minds of the public. Did Clemens ever think about that???? His BIG EGO wouldn’t let him!!!!DOPE!!!!
By frank
February 15, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
It was ironic that McNemee was accused of lying for things he said when he was denying that Clemens was ever injected with steroids or HGH. Clemens and his GOP supporters tarred him for lying when he was trying to protect Clemens.
By JDM
February 15, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Investigating the use of performance enhancing drugs in pro sports makes about as much sense as investigating face-lifts, breast augmentation and liposuction in the movie industry. I say, give ‘em all steroids and make the field bigger. And oh yeah…. damn right he lied, wouldn’t you?
By Deb Della Piana
February 15, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
I am not a fan of Roger Clemens, and I’m from Boston. I always respected his abilities and respected his work, but I always thought he was too arrogant for a Red Sox uniform. He belongs in Texas. He doesn’t deserve his latter career Cy Youngs and he doesn’t deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. If he ends up there, they ought to immediately put Pete Rose there. At least we knew he could play ball.
However, if we’re talking about jail time for lying to Congress, let’s get real here. We have a President who lies to Congress and the American people every time he opens his mouth. Let’s impeach him first.
By Frank
February 15, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Has anybody googled Dan Burton lately?—admitted adulterer and father of an illegimate son—and he had the gall to tell McNamee he was a liar! Takes one to know one.
By Chris Anderson
February 15, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
It seems Clemens has so much more to gain by lying than does McNamee. If what he claims is true, that he isn’t getting any preferential treatment for his testimony, than why would he lie and risk being chastised by an army of Clemens fans? Personally, as a long time Clemens fan, I am much more disappointed in his lying than I am with his use of steroids.
I went to a major Division-I college and can tell you for a fact that a majority (well above 50%) of all athletes used some sort of performance enhancer whether it be HGH, EPO or just plain old testosterone. It’s extremely easy to get, and everyone I knew was very open about it. This is just the tip of the iceberg. If the truth ever came out about how many professional athletes have ACTUALLY used performance enhancers at some point in their career, people would be BLOWN away. I’m not a big fan of Canseco’s, but he sure does tell it like it is!
-Chris Anderson
By Fred
February 15, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
I love how people are blaming George Bush for Cleamons’ and Bonds’ use of steriods.
Steriod use, although unquestionably cheating, pales as a problem in our country in comparison to the apparent Mental retardation problem.
By who cares
February 15, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
I think the writer here didn’t see the same thing I saw. I personally liked how Brian M tried to wriggle his way out of the drug dealer comments. I am not Saying Clemens is innocent, but there is some lying being done on both sides of the argument. I say let them in a cage match and whoever is the last man standing wins. That is almost where we are now anyway, and at least if it was on pay per view CONGRESS could recoup the millions of dollars they are wasting at our expense. The way I see it, this is Clemens job. I have worked with guys at the loading dock that had to be pumping juice, and congress didn’t come after them… So I repeat who cares…
By cd
February 15, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
baseball has a favorable anti-trust exemption from the govt & should be open to govt scrutiny. mlb has proven it can’t or won’t police itself. mlb & players union have run our national pastime into the gutter. thanks for nothing, roger.
By Harold Pugh
February 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
I have two beagles, they have more class the the legal ones
By BeachGaBulldog
February 15, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I have always hated Roger Clemens. He is arrogant, and it makes me sick to see his ugly face. He is a liar, a cheater, and I applaud McNamee for going after that worthless piece of S*. I never saw the 2000 World Series when Mike Piazza and Clemens had some kind of run-in, but I heard about it. I wish Piazza had beaten the crap out of him. Clemens and Bonds…TWO LOSERS. They always have been, and they always will be.
By scotty9
February 15, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Clemons represents everything wrong with the world, modern times and contemporary boring unloyal baseball.
Arrogant brats that think the world and his suckups bow down to the master on his high horse mound.
Clemons makes baseball look like a boring joke ala “pro” wrestling..
By Loui Ricci
February 15, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Clemens is a sad victim of absolute stupidity. He assumes that his denial will be enough to cover the facts…and the truth pressed down in a sea of confusion…But it will not work that way…Thank GOD.
By bosoxinfidel
February 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
You know that it will be untrue, And you know that it’s not his desire, If he would admit to us, That he never used the steroids prior,
Come On Roger, you’re a LIAR, Come On Clemens you’re a LIAR, You’ve tried to set Basball on FIIIRRREEE!
By Andrew Pettitte
February 15, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Looks like it was Roger that “misremembered”. See ya soon Mac, I need another shot or six since my old man’s stash ran out.
By Joel Adams M.D.
February 15, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I watched the entire hearing also. Other than what Brian M. said, what is the evidence?? Petit might have honestly misunderstood Clemens. Happens all the time in my business. Brian M. is a proven liar - and under pressure, liar’s usually dial it up. There is such a thing as a pathological liar. Bet you know some like I do.
If anyone was discurtious, it was Waxman. He has been given the task of defending the government’s Mitchell report, and at least to my eye had a bias going into the hearing. Wonder if he would lie about Pork in his district in California? How high on the honesty list does anyone place politicians?
What I like about Clemens is he is taking a “real risk” coming in there to defend himself. Other than Brian M. he impugned no one. Calling a Texas boy arrogant from Washington and/or New York is entertaining. My sense is the arrogant index in New York and Washington is stratospheric compared to Texas. Ever listen to those screaming sportscastor/analyists. If you turn off the sound to your television - and watch their expressions you would think they are about to get up, give a seig heil and goose step around the stage !!.
Go get um Roger. I believe you. But if you erred, I will still love you. I am not going to cast the first stone. This steroid/HGH mess needs to stop. You have 4 sons and I am convinced you don’t want them on steroids. I bet it is kinda personal. Would be with me. If a person doesn’t get upset by this, what would you get upset by?
And by the way, what is your take on the fairness of the legal system say compared to anything?
And for the intellectuals, if a performance enhancing drug comes out that say quadruples memory, do you think anyone would use it?
Thats my rant and I am sticking with it.
By Buckeye Son
February 15, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Burton is from Indiana, not OHIO.
Don’t sully my birth state with that guy. We have enough morons like Kucinich. Seriously, Google Burton. He knocked up one of his staffers while married. He is a typical sleaze congressman. Pot, meet kettle.
Throw ALL the bums out, I say.
.
By texan
February 15, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Let’s get this straight. we are being asked to believe that Mcnamee told the truth about Pettite and Knoblach, And Clemen’s wife, that Pettite misheard his best friend admitting hgh use, and that Roger Clemens suddenly resurrects his career into his early 40s at a high level?
Are you kidding me? Roger Clemens is not only implying that his best friend is a moron who cannot hear properly but that we all are too.
I really liked his attempt to get in the last word by interrupting Waxman with ‘it doesn’t mean he wasn’t mistaken sir’.
that was pathetic and the sign of a guilty jerk.
This guy should have just admitted minor hgh use and people would have forgiven him.
now he’s one of the biggest and loudest liars ever in the public eye.
More players should come out and condemn him. Oh wait, half of them are probably guilty too, so why would they?
Clemens, like Bush, is an embarrassment to Texas.
he makes me sick.
By adobeman
February 15, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Clemens even threw his “nanny” under the bus. She remembered being at Canseco’s party…but Roger couldn’t? Also, Clemens wife used HGH…but Roger didn’t know? Clemen’s attoney, Rusty Hardin, is the typical face of the Republican.An arrogant fat-cat who snaps his finger at the little man/working man…while Roger just sits there and said…sniffle, sniffle,…I was in a deer blind in South Texas…and President Bushed called me to hold my head up. Kind of like what he told his son after his 4th DWI…Maine, Midland, Alabama,..
By adobeman
February 15, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Clemens even threw his “nanny” under the bus. She remembered being at Canseco’s party…but Roger couldn’t? Also, Clemens wife used HGH…but Roger didn’t know? Clemen’s attoney, Rusty Hardin, is the typical face of the Republican.An arrogant fat-cat who snaps his finger at the little man/working man…while Roger just sits there and said…sniffle, sniffle,…I was in a deer blind in South Texas…and President Bushed called me to hold my head up. Kind of like what he told his son after his 4th DWI…Maine, Midland, Alabama,..
By oldbeantowner
February 15, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
I grew up in Boston, and was once in awe of Clemen’s abilities. Could never understand how he turned his career around after leaving Beantown. Now I do. He’s a cheater, he’s a liar, and in my opinion the worst kind of despicable person that exists. He’s willing to scream and holler that a former friend of his, McNamee, is a liar. The truth of the matter is that Clemens is only mad at his old friend because he didn’t lie enough for him. What a wretched and dishonorable piece of crap. His career was nothing but a sham. I hope I never see his steroid swollen head on TV again.
By Dan Patrick
February 15, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
We gave you the benefit of the doubt at first Roger. Now you look like a fool, and you are digging yourself a hole so deep, the HOF can not see you anymore. As you plunge deeper and deeper into your own solipsism, we are becoming concerened about your mental state, and if you are even stable at this point. Redeem yourself, take a lie detector test on live television, show the world how much you believe in yourself, annd show your family you have indeed been telling the truth all along. How about a lie detector test on national television? This would redeem all of the doubters, and turn you back into the pitching hero we want to believe you are. Can you compete in this event? Are you able? Perhaps Mr. McNamee will too? Will you do it Roger?
By Mary Poppins
February 15, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I don’t give any pro athlete in any sport the benefit of the doubt. Lance Armstrong is the only one who was clever enough to beat the system. It’s everywhere legalize it and tax it..that goes for weed to.
By Bob from Winder
February 15, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
to Joel Adams M.D
do you read the news? if you did you could see how ignorant you are. typical repub scum twist the facts and discuss stuff that has nothing to do with the topic at hand to defend your point…. your texas boy got caught just like bonds
By Goober Pyle
February 15, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Misremember whether I put a hamster up my butt surprise surprise surprise
By hojo
February 15, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Don’t get me wrong…I’ve believed that Roger Clemens was guilty of using performancing drugs from day one…I’ve posted numerous blogs indicating my disgust for this egomaniac and STILL believe that he is NOT INNOCET! However, in all fairness, I have to say that after reading the ENTIRE depositon by Andy Pettitte, I have to give the benefit of the doubt to Clemens. (And I absolutely HATE even saying that!!). Not only does Pettitte leave open the possibility that he couldn’ve “misunderstood” the conversation…but he even goes as far as giving McNamee a potential motive for lying about Clemens. He says that McNamee told him that Clemens was doing steroids on the same night that he was “venting” anger at Clemens because he wouldn’t support a vitamin deal that McNamee was involved with unless he was financially compensated for it. Maybe I’m just playing Devil’s advocate here, but after reading the entire Pettitte deposition, I can see a way out for Clemens. All Pettitte has to do is point to the part in the deposition where he admits to investigators that since his conversation in 2005 with Clemens, he himself even began to believe that he must’ve misunderstood” the original conversation. It’s a longshot….but definately possible. One that would save face for Clemens AND restore a close relationship that otherwise is shattered for life. I’m really curious to hear Pettitte’s comments on Monday. I bet my life that he leaves open the possibility that he just may have misunderstood the conversation with Clemens in the first place.
By jeff d
February 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Well said! I suspect that Roger will now run and become Congressman Clemens (R) from Katy and sit next to Dan Burton at the next hearing on why Clemens can’t get in the Hall of Fame!
By bayman
February 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
reality TV at its worst… a comedy at best… and not a very good one…
joe
By Roy
February 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
My opinion is after watching a part of the hearings, Clemens is a lair and should be banned from all baseball for life, just as Rose has been banned. Also, the owners should immediately ask for Selig’s resignation and a repalcement named before the season begins. He was aware of the steriod problem, but closed his eyes to the damage being done to baseball.
By R. E. H.
February 15, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
I hate it but maybe he did cheat. Besides after Vick and Bonds and Joyner they had to go after a white guy so it wouldn’t look like RACISA!!!
By popcornular
February 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Rocket burns up on reentry.
By Daffy Duck
February 15, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
First of all, hey Joel A, what’s the M.D. for Mental Disability? Anyone who watched on Wednesday who has any kind of common sense, knows that Roger Clemens is a BIG FAT LIAR! I sincerely hope the Justice Department files criminal charges against him. He does not deserve to be a role model to anyone. Not to mention the fact that he would let his wife take the blame about using HGH steroids. What a coward! P.S. I wonder if he and President Bush sit around and make up words. Duh!
By suzie
February 15, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
I NEVER believed Clemens from the start and continue to see him for the liar that he has always been. What lessons has he taught his children from all of his deceit? I feel the most sorry for his kids. Their father chose his ego over integrity and truthfullness. There’s the proof of him using steroids, he turned into a big Bozo!
By intellibird
February 15, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
I would rather see some high character players get into the Hall of Famme, especially Dale Murphy, and some others. He is head and shoulders above Roger Clemons in my book. Can you imagine taking your children to the Canton and seeing such a liar and cheat?
By Gene
February 15, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Clemens indicated that he was guilty of being a nice guy. I don’t think that Mike Piazza other players who were intentionally hit by Clemens would agree. The real tragedy is the number of high school athletes, some with the help of their parents, that are taking steroids. It is not natural for 16-year-olds to be 6’5” and weight 330 pounds. There is probably a connection between teen use of steroids and the behavior problems exhibited by college football players.
By RJ
February 15, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
It seems Brian M is making a last ditch effort to do something right after all the wrong he has done, I have no sympathy for him but he has no reason to lie. Roger feels that sense he is well Roger we should believe him and he is infuriated and beyond frustration we don’t. There may have been a time when we would have believed a simple denial from a sports icon but we have learned better and know that he will do or say anything to protect himself. Who in their right mind would not take their wife to the hospital if she were suffering from health problems as he stated and yes he through her under the bus and has her convinced it was the proper thing to do, well you know because he is Roger and she is not.
By sammy
February 15, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
CLEMENS SHOULD DO JAIL TIME. I HATED HIM EVER SINCE HE ALMOST KILLED MIKE PIAZZA WITH A FASTBALL TO HIS HEAD JUST BECAUSE PIAZZA OWNED HIM!!!!! HE IS AN EGO-MANIAC AND DESERVES TO BE PUNISHED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW!!!!!!!
By mr. Ramon cruz
February 15, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
that was a circus with congress,hope they state department go after mr. clement, he din’t now his wife was getting shot in pumpis.? thank you..
By Fo
February 15, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
To “who cares” : given the thousands of articles written and number of comments each has generated, I’d have to say a quite a number of people. Some folks actually care whether the game is fair or fixed.
By Brian
February 15, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
I have never ever liked clemens and have always thought that he was a dirty pitcher. If you google his lifetime stats they drastictly improved when he got to Toronto and had the most single season stickouts in toronto. HE IS A LIAR,A CHEAT and a disgrace to the game of baseball. Its like the one baseball tonight analyis said ” after watching the hearing i beleive him as much as Palmero”.
By Political Foreskin
February 16, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this
“Threshing”? You use that word a lot, sir. I dont think it means what you think it means.
By Ken Stallings
February 16, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
One on the mound. One at the plate. Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds are now equally infamous bookends of a sordid tale of intrigue, lies, and deceit.
The Congressmen took sides — they always do. Republicans to try McNamee, Democrats to try Clemens. Neither prosecutor nor defender, inquisitors all, but with a better goal.
It is time to destroy steroids and HGH use in athletics. Clemens and Bonds need to be the Alpha and the Omega — both destroyed, disgraced, ruined.
Their gravestones need to read, “Here lie Roger and Barry, traded honor for drugs!”
Let us talk no more of them. Let us wipe them from the record books and ban them from the Hall of Fame. Let us remind ourselves this is an evil chapter in baseball, a second Black Sox scandal.
Then when we have done what must be done to them, let us endeavor to reconsider the merits of honest players out in the cold. The ultimate act in pummeling Roger and Barry should be a vote for Jim Rice and Dale Murphy! Then, baseball restores its dignity.
By Paddy
February 16, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
When you go to the Hall of Fame, who’s exhibit would you rather visit; Dale Murphy, Buck O’Neil and Ron Santo or Roger C. Barry B.& Pete Rose? None are in…you make the call. My choices may never get in but I still think of them as heros and great people. And my guys did not lie or cheat. Same values I tried to teach my children.
By David H. Marshall
February 16, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Congress Pot Calls Roger Clemens Kettle Black? The U.S. Congress Drugs OK.
U. S. Senate Background.
“III. Findings and conclusions.” “K. DOD and DVA have repeatedly failed to provide information and medical followup to those who participate in military research OR ARE ORDERED TO TAKE INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS.” (Emphasis added) and “N. Participation in military research is rarely included in military medical records, making it impossible to support a veteran’s claim for service-connected disabilities from military research.”[7] In 2008 the U.S. Congress still treats as an “incident to service” [1] the U.S. Senate’s DOD order ignored “experiments…designed to harm” [7]! By their inaction Congress has approved the continuation of the Report’s: “Introduction” A. “During the last 50 years, hundreds of thousands of military personnel have been involved in human experimentation and other intentional exposures conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD), often without a servicemember’s knowledge or consent.”, B. “most Americans would agree that the use of soldiers as unwitting guinea pigs in experiments that were designed to harm them, at least temporarily, is not ethical.” And “Forward” C. ” The findings and conclusions contained in this report are those of the majority staff and do not necessarily reflect the views of the members of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.” Chairman. Thereby, DOD & Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System to-date covered up are these experiments and prevented is treatment as documented by the 1994 U.S. Senate Report.[7] The opposing “views” resulted in the 2008 continuing on the general public of a version of the DOD Project 112 biological lessons learned.[8] This is by the 19 December 2006 established civilian “Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)”.[10] Under the cover of its “national security missions”, as it is for military personnel, withheld from the civilian “guinea pigs” are the cause and effects of its “Biomedical…Research and Development” (R&D) Projects.
Order Ignored.
From 1953 the U.S. Senate “to harm” lessons learned were in direct disobedience of the DOD Secretary’s TOP SECRET order. The U.S. Senate’s 1994 “servicemember’s knowledge” and “consent” was required forty one (41) years earlier. [3] Then known by the Secretary’s of all Services, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and their R&D Board. The order was “UNCLASSIFIED” in 1975. Nineteen (19) years later, during the U.S. Senate’s reported past 50 years, most of the “to harm” service records were destroyed in a 1973 National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) fire. Those that survived had all witnesses censored by Congress’s 1974 Privacy Act! The “Veterans Right to Know Act” was proposed in the 2005 and H.R. 4259 [109th] 2006 Congress. It never became law.
The U.S. Supreme Court Did Not Know?
The 1987 U.S. Supreme Court Stanley decision [4] extends the coverage of their 1950 Feres Case that a death by a military barracks fire was an “incident to service” [1]. Stanley treats the 1958 DOD “experiments…designed to harm” disobedience of the 1953 order [3] as also an “incident”! Despite the efforts of some, to-date these victims have not been given the U.S. Senate “to harm” recovery of, “IV. Recommendations. G. The Feres Doctrine should not be applied for military personnel who are harmed by inappropriate human experimentation when informed consent has not been given.” [7] Because of service afterwards lost are those prior to rights that convicted rapists and murderers keep! [5]
All Is In-The- Record!
Each Executive Branch (DOD, CIA & BARDA) Project completes the R&D process. The prior lessons learned are reviewed. The then Scope of Work defines what the experiment is “designed” to do. The how, where, when and who is identified. The conducted researched cause and effects are closely followed. From the results are developed safe production, use, the needed for treatment and protection, e.g., the DOD manufacturers handling of hazardous materials such as Depleted Uranium, Agent Orange, the biological agents of Project 112 [9], the jet-engine noise levels of Project 7210 [2] and the STANLEY “investigational” drug [4]. All is in the Executive Branch record! Under the cover of national security the revealing treatment evidence: 1. Is not cause identified in a subject’s Medical History, so that they never the wiser become. The deceived victim’s “to harm” effects are not Medical History recorded, therefore not addressed! Prevented is any follow up by independent civilian and VA physicians. And 2. For veterans’ the 64 years of experiment specific injuries are not in the VA “schedule of ratings for disabilities” [6]! A few in Congress made certain that this revealing evidence will not be addressed. The year following STANLEY was the 1988 Veterans’ Judicial Review Act. Established was the Veteran’s Legislative severely restricted, Article I Court. “The court may not review the schedule of ratings for disabilities or the policies underlying the schedule.”, i.e., the order ignored “to harm” R&D experimental effects and their causes! The Veterans Court Chief Judge’s no teeth statement with his VA ignoring of the Court’s decisions! [6] The Secretary of the VA was given Final Decision authority on these issues. [9] Included is the power of NO APPEAL to this LEGISLATIVE Veterans Court or to the independent U.S. Judicial Branch Courts. If allowed an APPEAL, it is not part of the record at the Article I Veterans Court. The evidence is also missing at the next level U.S. Judicial Branch Article III, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Why “may not review”?
May not be reviewed records prevent medical, administrative and judicial “activities” that “would be detrimental to the accomplishment of…mission.” This is by the still in 2008 reasoning of “it was necessary to conceal these activities from the american public in general, because public knowledge of the unethical and illicit activities would have serious repercussions in political and diplomatic circles and would be detrimental to the accomplishment of its mission.” U.S. Supreme Court 1987 Stanley Case; Footnote 4, Page 688 on its proven 1958 CIA experiment on U.S. Army personnel. [4]
“Right to Know”.
There now is no 64 years later “Veterans Right to Know”. After they complete Honorable Service despite the efforts of some Congress has not given back to veterans their rights. Revealed would be the few’s corrupt for the greater good of all. Accomplished by the end justifies the “designed to harm” means. Carried out under the cover of our nation’s wars! A few key members in Congress, have dishonored all those that serve.
Hold Responsible.
Now BARDA Experiments Conducted on You! Please, Hold Your Members in the U.S. Congress Accountable! These U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Senate Documented Facts Are Internet Censored.[11] Passing this on to Others So That They May Do the Same Would Be Appreciated. Thank You.
David H. Marshall
REFERENCES:
[1] U.S. Supreme Court, Feres v. United States, 340 U.S. 135, 146 (1950).
[2] USAF Project 7210 “A Compilation of Turbojet Noise Data”, Bolt Beranek & Newman, Inc. Cambridge 38, MA. Sound pressure levels for all jet-engines in-service. Conducted at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio in 1952. 1954 logged in as the 401st report for that year published as Report 54-401 July 1956.
[3] DOD Secretary’s 26 February 1953 NO non-consensual, human experiment’s Memo pages 343-345. George J. Annas and Michael A. Grodin, “The Nazi Doctors and the Nuremberg Code; Human Rights in Human Experimentation” (New York: Oxford University Press, 1992). In Reference [8] as NOTES 72, 168 & 169.
[4] U.S. Supreme Court, June 25, 1987, U.S. V. Stanley, 107 S. Ct. 3054 (Volume 483 U.S., Section 669, Pages 699 to 710). In Reference [8] Cited in Note 169.
[5] U.S. State Dept., “U.S. Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights July 1994, Art. 7”.
[6] Chief Judge Frank Q. Nebeker, State of the Court for Presentation to the United States Court of Veterans Appeals Third Judicial Conference October 17-18, 1994. In the Veterans Appeals Reporter. www.firebase. net/stateofcourt_brief.htm Annual Judicial Conference Transcript. www. goodnet.com/~heads/nebeker
[7] U.S. Senate December 8, 1994 REPORT 103-97 “Is Military Research Hazardous to Veterans’ Health? Lessons Spanning Half a Century.” Hearings Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 103rd Congress 2nd Session. With NOTES 1 to 170. Committee Print - S. Print. 103-97.
[8] “Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) Home” chemical and biological experiments; www. 1.va.gov/shad/
[9] United States Code (USC) Title 38, 511. Decisions of the Secretary; finality. http://www. law.cornell.edu/
[10] “Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)” S-3678.
[11] From: MAILER-DAEMON@n7.bullet.ukl.yahoo.com Subject: failure notice. Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:43:22 -0000 Sorry, we were unable to deliver your message…. Remote host said: 550 SC-001 Mail rejected by Windows Live Hotmail for policy reasons. Reasons for rejection may be related to content with spam-like characteristics or IP/domain reputation problems. And From: MAILER-DAEMON@n5.bullet.ukl.yahoo.com Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:52:58 -0000 Subject: failure notice Sorry, we were unable to deliver your message to the following address. XXXX Remote host said: 554 The message was rejected because it contains prohibited virus or spam content [BODY].
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By rmay
February 16, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
As usual Bisher wrote what I was thinking better than I could think it. If pride goeth before the fall, then it’s way past time for Clemens. How Dan Burton ever got elected is a sad commentary on the american voter.
By Herb
February 16, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
It is ironic that a committee selected from the world’s biggest liars’ club is questioning anybody about telling the truth. What a sham!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 16, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Brian MacNamee is a weasel , the man lied for Clemens until the feds came after him and only then did he tell the truth to cover his own skin.
Roger Clemens is the biggest and worst LIAR that I have ever seen. He is nothing more than an overgrown schoolyard bully still trying to punch out the competition. Throwing his wife under the bus on national TV no less , which was truly nauseating.
As for Dan Burton and the rest of his Republican/Democrat cohorts , their thinly veiled attempt at playing political GOTCHA with each other fooled no one. It takes a good liar to be a great politician and they unmasked a bad one in Clemens.
By Guy
February 16, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Donald Ferh Head of Baseball Player Union you are the problem, you run baseball but when the heat is on your hide. That is why I don’t care about MLB. Soccer is king
By tlt
February 16, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Clemens, your lying egotistical defense of yourself is far more shameful than the steroid/HGH use. We would have forgiven you for giving in to the pressures of your career - we all make mistakes. We wouldn’t even blame you for being enraged with McNamee for turning you and your colleagues in. That was betrayel on his part. But you need to understand how bad it makes you look that you are so willing to let him and your friends take all the blame and face this alone. McNamee may have betrayed your confidence but you betrayed us all by not fessing up. You made a lot of money in your career but that does not make you more important than everyone else. Humble yourself and tell the truth, please. It may be hard for you to do, and painful, but it would be the right thing to do. And it might restore some of the respect we use to have for you. Right now, there is none.
By oldbeantowner
February 16, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
I disagree with tlt, I fault Clemens heavily for expecting a friend to go to jail for him. Clemens knew all along what he was getting into. McNamee did the RIGHT thing, as did Petitte and Knoblauch. All ball players who have cheated extensively like Clemens and Bonds and McGwire et al have sullied the game and cheated those who didn’t take steroids of their fair shot at the majors, not to mention the fans of the game. I do agree that Clemens has made his situation far worse by his loathsome behavior since being named in the Mitchell report. I just wish Baseball would come clean so that we can enjoy it again. I think pigs will fly first though.
By Vinnie
February 16, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Look, Roger Clemens may have lied but he did it to shield his Hall of Fame-bound reputation.
Roger admits that McNamee gave him multiple injections but they were vitamin B12.
McNamee is simply confused. He doesn’t remember what he injected.
McNamee is not going to the Hall of Fame. Roger is.