Ever feel like circumventing the 4th Amendment but were concerned that pesky class-action lawsuits might come down on your villainous ass? Fear not: congress forgives you. You can shelter under the protective wing of a legislative body that would rather cower before a blustering threat of presidential veto than stand up for your civil liberties. The American people can rest assured that their rights are vigorously defended by three co-equal branches of government that through a delicate system of checks and balances can completely prevent the application of our fundamental laws.

My Senators weren’t among them, having voted “nay” to all this nonsense, but it looks like there won’t be an opportunity for the judicial system to actually weight the facts here. I’m a bit annoyed that Senator Feinstein voted for cloture here, which essentially meant she voted to let it pass. I’d be more upset were it not for her past behavior. Happily, she isn’t seeking re-election. I’m sure if Chris Dodd were president, none of this would have been necessary.