I'd like to see...

Or, to be precise, I'd like not to see...

I wish the media would stop allowing themselves to be used as a forum for certain public figures to spread their spin, half-truths or outright lies, but who refuse to be interviewed or answer any questions about what they're saying.

I'll give you a few examples of what I'm talking about.

Since the recent economic stimulus package became law, there have been a handful of members of Congress putting out press releases to make sure that their constituents are well aware of the benefits coming to their home state or district. Press releases that invariably link the Congressperson's name with those benefits. The Congresspeople I'm referring to specifically are the ones who are doing this, despite the fact that they opposed, and voted against, the bill.

Baseball player Alex Rodriguez recently admitted that he has previously used steroids. In a February 17th press conference, Rodriguez claimed that the substance (acquired in the Dominican Republic and injected into him by his cousin) was one that his cousin believed would give him an "energy boost," and would have no ill effects. He had previously stated that he believed at the time that he was doing nothing wrong. A few questions I would have liked to have asked him are: Did you really believe you were doing nothing wrong in taking this substance that can not be acquired without a prescription in the US? Are you aware of any other "energy boost" products that are injected? And if you really believed this would just provide an "energy boost," and would have no ill effects - that you were doing nothing wrong - how many of your teammates did you encourage to use it? (Seems to me that it would be to the benefit of the team, no?) Of course, had I been at the press conference, I would not have had an opportunity. His team only allowed each reporter to ask one question, with no follow-ups. Of course he was evasive in answering all of the questions that were the least bit penetrating. Once the question was asked, the reporter had no opportunity to press him for a better answer.

I wish the various media outlets would stop giving these people a forum under these conditions. You want to put your message out there? Fine. Take questions. Give answers. Be held to account. Explain to us why you're taking credit for benefits in a bill you voted against. Tell us why you want us to believe you thought you were acting aboveboard, when everything you did was done in secrecy.

I know, I know. It'll never happen. But it would be nice.