LTE: For Pete's sake

Regarding "Bush-league case" (Page B6, Saturday), the editorial opines on the efforts by glory-seeking federal prosecutors to target yet another big-name athlete, in this case, Roger Clemens. What has gone largely unremarked upon is the kid-glove treatment of the true scoundrels in the steroid scandal: Major League Baseball's owners.

The folks who so self-righteously went after Pete Rose for gambling on baseball games - banning him for life in the process - are the same people who managed to avoid the slightest scrutiny during the steroid scandal, even though they were the major beneficiaries.

And unlike Clemens and MLB's owners, there was never a scintilla of evidence presented that Rose's actions influenced the outcome of a game. That didn't stop MLB. His actions were threatening the "integrity of the game," and he had to go.

Fast forward through the steroid era, and to date not a single MLB owner has been criminally charged, much less banned for life. Heck, the feds haven't even bothered to ask them a single question under oath. Pete Rose must wonder at the double standard. I sure do.

Pete Smith, Cypress

http://www.chron.com/default/article/Letters-Pete-Rose-bikes-Toy-Cannon-3661682.php

LTE: Leaking secrets

Regarding "White House denies leaking" (Page A4, Thursday), Obama spokesmen angrily rejected "any suggestion that it's leaking secrets to make President Barack Obama look tough in an election year." And yet, the sheer number and timing of these incidents belies that explanation, since all have reflected favorably on President Obama.

If the leaks were not controlled by the White House or people in the administration favorably disposed to him, isn't it likely the leaks would be more random, and would include intelligence not favorable to Obama?

Pete Smith, Cypress

http://www.chron.com/default/article/Letters-Waste-problem-Leaky-secrets-NASA-3620618.php