Washingtonitis in full bloom

As I've wondered before, "does anyone else ever hear the phrase "contempt of congress" and wonder where to volunteer?" The things that Congress gets involved with for which there is no Constitutional justification whatsoever are sometimes shocking.

Well, there's another significant sign of "Washingtonitis" in the news this morning. Occasional Republican Arlen Specter (who I will not, as so many do, criticize for his work on the Warren Commission report, because I believe that there were only three shots, and Oswald fired them) is threatening another private industry because of disciplinary action against one employee.

Terrell Owens.

That's right - Owens, who's being paid under the terms of his contract, and being punished according to the rules that were collectively bargained by his employer and his union, and who's already had an arbitrator rule on his case. According to Senator Specter, they're picking on Terrell. They're being "vindictive." And damn it, the Congress must get involved.

Sen. Arlen Specter accused the National Football League and the Philadelphia Eagles of treating Terrell Owens unfairly and said he might refer the matter to the antitrust subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs.

Clearly insane. Certifiably so? I'd vote yes, though I suppose it's debatable.