Liars and Cheats

I suppose you could just call me gullible, but I believe Floyd Landis. I always have. I'm totally bummed out (though not surprised) that he lost his arbitration case.

I guess it's because I really dig the "hero" theme. You know, the come-from-behind win and all that. I was also in denial about Alexander Vinokourov this year when he cheated, because of the incredible heart he showed (not to mention the incredible stupidity of cheating in such a detectable way.)

It's much easier to believe that Barry Bonds or Bill Belichick cheated, because they're such pompous jackasses. I don't like them, therefore, anything bad that is said about them must be true.

It makes me think, though. Aren't we like that in the ER, too? If you're a jerk demanding Lortab and a work note, we're more likely to believe that you're a drug seeker than if you're polite and request the same. But in all actuality, personality is not the best indicator of drug seeking. The good drug seekers are more like the polite guy than the jerk. That's why they're good.

So make a note of it, Migraineurs, Fibromyalgeurs, Non-Specific Abdominal Paineurs, Non-Cardiac Chest Paineurs, Dental Paineurs, Meth Armpit Abscesseurs, et al...... If you're nice to us, you're much more likely to get your fix therapeutic interventions. We'll fall for your act much faster (and for much longer) if you're polite.

Call it a reward for good behavior.