Echoing what Bob chick said. If natural would draw, it would be drawing. NPC shows that I have attended (and competed) for the last 13 years have better attendance that the natural shows in which I have competed and attended.
Howie, your intentions are good, if a bit naiive. I would like to see at least less insulin and gh so we can return to the physiques of the late 80s & early to mid 90s. But if you are so anti-drug, what's with the avatar? Just asking.
The avatar is of Titus as is my signature motto " Kelly Ryan married well" and is a JOKE , nothing more.
Ween Tang and some others here understand my main ideas do NOT stem from being anti drug or 100% against steroids or concern over perfect drug testing would be, etc.
1. I am concerned with the LEGAL aspects of drug use . I am a core libertarien and don't think the government should tell me or anyone else what they can or can't put in their own body. I don't make the laws and like it or not, most of the extreme drug use is against the current US drug laws. A pro bodybuilder just can't tell a judge or DEA agent to mind their own business if they get caught with drugs. One thing we can agree on is that this behavior is against the actual law. To sit by and ignore it is to keep ones head in the sand.
2. I am also puzzled as to why a top pro would subject themselves to the health risks and financial hardships that the current bodybuilding drug use requires. Basic logic dictates that not having to take all those bodybuilding related drugs in extreme amounts would be a lot more healthy for a pros physical and financial health.
Doesn't it make a lot more sense to have healthy pros. Pro bodybuilders that woud NOT have to spend thousands on "supplements" to compete.
3. Everyone and his brother now knows about steroids. It is no longer a dirty little secret in bodybuilding and strength circles. Bob Chic feels that fans wants to see the best , the biggest, the fastest, which is true. While I am in 100% agreement with that, I don't think fans admire those same athletes when they learn they use steroids.
I think it s fair to say that Barry Bonds HR record is tarnished and not held in the same high regard as Henry Aaron or Babe Ruth. Fans want to see the best, no question, but when they cheat and break rules to do it, most fans won't accept that. The ironic thing is that while other sports look at steroids as a bad thing , bodybuilding encourages the use of drugs and acts like NOT useing is retarded.
4. Going to a gym, working out and trying to look better and stay healthy is fairly common and mainstream these days. As was already pointed out the reg folks out number the hardcore extreme bunch many times over.
My ideas would change the sport , that is for sure and many of the hardcore crowd would protest. Bob Chic and others that share my same passion for bodybuilding may agree with him. Bob and these folks know that such a drastic change would be a huge risk. I understand and accept that as a reason for the IFBB not to change .
At least the sport will survive as it is, for better or worse.
I know I intend to go to IFBB pro events and support bodybuilding , no matter what drug policy standards they choose to use.
Thanks again to all those that gave a thoughtful reply, regardless if you agree/disagree with me.
Howard
