“We just don’t want to see Americans’ rights abused for the next 50 or 60 years because of an oversight on our part,” Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, told The Associated Press.

You know when Dianne Feinstein makes a pro civil liberties comment things are totally screwed up. Specter is feebly attempting to retain the appearance of the rule of law. You can sense how far things have gone in the mere symbolism of this act and the weakness of his position. Relenting to totalitarianism seems less hassle then dealing with all this beaurocracy, knowing that its just for show. Why bother with an election this year? Clearly, the outcome is the product of marketing anyway, and the Repbulicans will win, again. Whats the point? I'm sure Bush will keep us safe, and there is nothing we can do about it anyway.

Democratic Effort to Limit Surveillance Bill Is Blocked - New York Times