Bonus Super Bowl Meme: Arlen Specter is a Jackhole

Yesterday, Sen. Arlen Specter (R, Penn.) announced his intention to call NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before a congressional committee to explain the NFL's destruction of videotapes turned over by the Patriots in the wake of the signal-stealing allegations made by the Jets at the start of this season. In an article in the New York Times, Specter was quoted as justifying Congressional intervention thusly:

“That requires an explanation,” Specter said. “The N.F.L. has a very preferred status in our country with their antitrust exemption. The American people are entitled to be sure about the integrity of the game. It’s analogous to the C.I.A. destruction of tapes. Or any time you have records destroyed.” [ed. note--emphasis added]

No, Arlen. No it is not. You know, we've had some fun with dumb media stories and statements this week, but good ol' Arlen makes Emmitt Smith sound like Stephen Hawking (leaving aside the whole vocorder thing).

I mean, the NFL destroying coaching tapes is "analogous" to the CIA allegedly destroying tapes of U.S. government employees allegedly torturing prisoners? Really? Because I've watched a lot of football games over the years, and I've yet to see anybody tied down and beaten while electrodes are strapped to their genitals or whatever. The closest thing to torture I can remember as a Patriots fan was watching Hugh Millen play quarterback. I daresay that doesn't rise to the level of waterboarding.

Still, it's nice to see Arlen take a break from sponsoring such hard-hitting legislation as the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act of 2007 to take on the really big issues. Would that all public servants were so dedicated.

Back with some more light-hearted Super Bowl memes later this afternoon.