The Week That Was

This seems to be a time for confession and apologies so let me take a moment to say something I've been meaning to get off my chest for a long time. For the past sixty three issues this newsletter has benefited from my use of hydrogen peroxide. Though this substance hasn't technically been banned in the industry, its use is certainly frowned upon. My performance definitely has been enhanced and though that may ultimately be a good thing for all of us, I'm sorry if any of you are offended by its controversial use.

It's been quite the historical week to be unemployed and thus at home a lot. I tried my best not to panic at the volatility of the stock market despite the implications it had on my financial well being ("Think long term, think long term...") I quite enjoyed the home run derby and Mr. McGwire's history making blasts. I was equally as annoyed and amused at Mr. Clinton's latest troubles and the media overkill of Mr. Starr's report on Friday. Man, if this really is the end, I've had choice seats!

Just a few observations of the week's events: It was wonderful to see baseball finally getting some positive publicity for a change. While I greatly enjoyed and admired Mark McGwire's breaking the single season home run record I must say that I am still much more impressed by Greg Maddux's (check out that ERA!) and Roger Clemens' (a fifth Cy Young!?) seasons. Hitting dominates these days and any pitching accomplishments (in an era were a good ERA is considered to be anything under 5.00) to me are that much more impressive.

But still it must be said it ain't no androstenedione that helped McGwire break the record. It's a perfect home run swing combined with an ever shrinking strike zone. His record is legitimate; it's not as if his home runs are barely clearing the fences. The man has forearms the size of my thighs and I could take all the "drug" enhancements in the world and still never hit a softball 250 feet.

As for our President, man talk about some testosterone! Having browsed through the special prosecutor's report I am of the opinion our fearless leader has no choice but to resign. Can anyone take this man seriously ever again? More importantly can anyone ever take what he says at face value anymore? If he lies to cover his behind what prevents him from lying in any other matter?

He has always been the ultimate politician, just saying what he needs to say to sway public opinion. But at some point he has to be held responsible for his actions and be willing to accept the consequences of such- he has to be accountable to all of us. That said how come there is no mention of Whitewater in the special prosecutor's report to Congress? Wasn't that Mr. Starr's assignment? How about something to the effect there was no provable wrong doing? How about some balance and integrity in our federal investigations? Am I right people?

So years from now (if the millennium isn't the end of us all) it will be quite fun to remember the events of this past week and remember where we all were when it all went down (or up as it were). This has been a rare instance where the news that occurred will no doubt actually shape the way things are to come and not succumb to the hype alone. Baseball is our one game that relies so heavily on the significance of its own history and tradition. That we were witness to the breaking of one of the game's most significant accomplishments is to be treasured (and the same can be said if the Yankees are able to break the record for most wins in a season). This was also the week where it became clearly evident that our President must either resign (second time in our history) or go through painful impeachment hearings to the bitter end (also the second time).

We are among the fortunate(?) to see history is similar to what our friend Dave said his Emmy acceptance speech might be: "History is like a mistress. You can hold her. You cannot own her. She is, History..."