Ryan Braun's Situation Reflects the Dangers Americans Now Face

Whether or not Ryan Braun tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during the postseason is not the point. Many media-types and fans have extended Braun's allegedly banned substance use Albert Pujols. Prince Fielder, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton.

The situation extends beyond baseball.

In 2011, Americans must prove their innocence, which is an abomination. Precedent has been the opposite, forcing accusers to prove the guilt of the accused.

How dare anyone (and many have dared) accuse any athlete of violating rules without evidence?
All Americans are considered guilty until proven not guilty. Those who doubt that fact merely have to book a flight on their favorite airline.

The issue of Braun's MVP Award has been discussed. Should it be revoked? The answer is a resounding "No," simply because there is no way of proving that Braun used performance enhancing substances during the season. One cannot infer, if his appeal is rejected, that this wasn't his first violation.

Some in the media have questioned Braun's attempts to defend himself against the allegations, claiming that he has nothing to gain. After all, since no appeal has ever been upheld. What a disgusting attitude. If the "authorities" make an accusation they claim they can support, don't question, merely yield.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports believes Braun has little to gain by appealing. Passan is not alone.

"Even if the ruling that would net Braun a 50-game suspension gets overturned ... what good comes of an overeager public accounting? The right to say told ya so? The placating of fans who want to believe he's not guilty and will with or without Braun's supporters saying so?"

Braun will never be voted into the Hall of Fame because he has been accused. It doesn't matter if he wins his appeal. He has been given the mark of shame.

Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Rafael Palmeiro and Roger Clemens have either admitted using banned substances (McGwire's used 17-ketoestosterone, which wasn't banned when he used it) or are linked to their use.

What substances that are banned today did any of them use before they either tested positive according to the Mitchell Report or before they admitted using performance enhancing substances?

What did McGwire use in 1987 when he hit 49 home runs? Did Bonds use steroids the first time he won the MVP Award? What was Clemens using in 1986?

A majority of frightened Americans want the government to protect them. They cannot afford to think anything other than we are all guilty until we can prove otherwise.

Baseball merely reflects into what American has devolved.