I don't think anyone disputes that pre-steroid Barry was a very talented player. He had all of the tools, even though he couldn't throw out Sid Bream, whose "dash" around the bases has constituted the most exciting two minutes in sports history. He was undoubtedly going to be a HOF inductee...maybe not 1st ballot, but he was on his way. Post-steroid, he may split the vote enough that he may take considerable time getting inducted, even though he's now #2 on the list.
There's now no doubt whatsoever that he not only used banned substances, but he did so knowingly. Forget the flaxseed oil excuse, and the muscle balm excuse...it doesn't fly. The evidence in the Balco trial showed what he was taking, when he was taking it, and what city he was in. If you choose to ignore the evidence, that's certainly your right, but don't be shocked if someone thinks your opinion is goofy, mopey, dopey, or any of the other Seven Dwarves..
There's no reason to drag this down to who had relatives die in what war, why people don't like President Bush, and what the true meaning of Memorial Day is. I'm as patriotic as they come, and I've had friends and family pay the ultimate price for this country, ensuring that this nation stay free...and mopes, goofs, and morons benefit from that. If you want to criticize the Administration, disagree with the war, or keep your kids from joining the service, that's your right...but (1) just remember that people died to give you that right, and (2) expect people to disagree with you.
Back to Bonds...if MLB had a Commisioner with a backbone, Barry never would have reached 715 at this point...he would have been suspended pending an investigation of the now public Balco records. Bud Selig stated that he would read the book and investigate...since then...nothing. Not a word. I'm assuming he's stil waiting to order the book from Amazon.com, or he's just biding his time waiting for Congress to subpoena him again.