Story of the Day

From today's Boston Globe story, here's the premise:

"When President Bush signed the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act this month, he included an addendum saying that he did not feel obliged to obey requirements that he inform Congress about how the FBI was using the act's expanded police powers."

And, at democracy's expense, the dark punchline:

"Bush signed the bill with fanfare at a White House ceremony March 9, calling it 'a piece of legislation that's vital to win the war on terror and to protect the American people.' But after the reporters and guests had left, the White House quietly issued a 'signing statement,' an official document in which a president lays out his interpretation of a new law.

Emperor Dubya's decree:

"In the statement, Bush said that he did not consider himself bound to tell Congress how the Patriot Act powers were being used and that, despite the law's requirements, he could withhold the information if he decided that disclosure would 'impair foreign relations, national security, the deliberative process of the executive, or the performance of the executive's constitutional duties.'"

His relentless trampling of our Constitution continues unabated:

"After The New York Times disclosed in December that Bush had authorized the military to conduct electronic surveillance of Americans' international phone calls and e-mails without obtaining warrants, as required by law, Bush said his wartime powers gave him the right to ignore the warrant law.

"And when Congress passed a law forbidding the torture of any detainee in US custody, Bush signed the bill but issued a signing statement declaring that he could bypass the law if he believed using harsh interrogation techniques was necessary to protect national security."

The mainstream media, on the whole, though, apparently has no interest that our president flagrantly and repeatedly breaks the most sacrosanct laws of our land. Behind closed doors, he manipulates laws to suit his needs in a way that would make Tony Soprano envious.

As progressive radio host Mike Malloy aptly dubbed them, the Bush crime family - as opposed to Tony Soprano's fictional one, with its rival factions that must be shown respect or else - answers to no one.

Eh, whaddya gonna do? It's only our democracy. Forgetaboutit! I got enough to worry about. So what if Lady Liberty is being driven the scenic route to the airport.

Sit back, light up a big fat cigar and enjoy your toys, folks. At this rate, there may be no turning this fascism bus around.

Bush Shuns Patriot Act Requirement:
In Addendum to Law, He Says Oversight Rules Are Not Binding
The Boston Globe