Congress in action

Is there any aspect of American life outside the purview of congressional meddlers?

Apparently not.

We've seen Washington politicians outlaw certain flush toilets. We've seen them set a timetable mandating an eventual ban on the traditional light bulb. We've even seen them delve into the dietary habits of individual Americans and pound their fists over steroid use in baseball.

And now, a trio of House members proposes the federal government launch an investigation into ... college football bowl games.

"We shouldn't have to argue about who the champion is," said Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga. "That should be decided on the field."

Rep. Westmoreland was joined by Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, in asking the Justice Department to probe whether college football's Bowl Championship Series violates federal antitrust statutes.

None of this would be to get a little boost with the voters back home, now would it?

Note that Rep. Westmoreland is from Georgia. Remember that the University of Georgia raised a stink last year when it was bypassed in favor of LSU for a spot in the BCS final game.

Note that Rep. Abercrombie is from Hawaii. Remember that the University of Hawaii went undefeated last regular season but had to settle for a bowl just a notch below the BCS title game.

Note that Rep. Simpson is from Idaho. Remember that Idaho's Boise State has fielded a strong team for several years but has sometimes found itself on the sidelines when it comes to playing in a BCS bowl game.

Rep. Westmoreland is correct about one thing: The current system of determining a college football "national champion" is an abomination rigged to grease the palms the big conferences and fossilized bowl game officials in their blue blazers. But does that make it an issue which demands the attention of the U.S. Congress?

There has to be some limit to federal grandstanding, doesn't there? Too bad we haven't found it yet.