This is what a Constitutional crisis looks like

By Nancy Jane Moore

I was going to post a rant telling Democratic Senators to locate their spines and block the detainee bill passed by the House, but fortunately The New York Times did it for me:

The Bush administration uses Republicans' fear of losing their majority to push through ghastly ideas about antiterrorism that will make American troops less safe and do lasting damage to our 217-year-old nation of laws -- while actually doing nothing to protect the nation from terrorists. Democrats betray their principles to avoid last-minute attack ads. Our democracy is the big loser.

I didn't expect any better from the right-wing Republican-dominated House. I knew they would pass this dreadful bill. Our only hope is that Senate Democrats will filibuster it. Come on folks -- there's more at stake here than your re-election. If you cede all power to the White House, it won't matter a damn who's in the Senate.

Here are some other posts you might want to read.

Marty Lederman on Balkinization sums it up well as usual:

In other words, the principal theme and effect of this legislation is to systematically abdicate and destroy existing legislative and judicial checks and balances.

He also points us to this wonderful comment from Katherine on Obsidian Wings:

No, no, no. The headline, "Rushing off a cliff," is completely unfair. Congress isn't driving the bus over a cliff--that's what the administration asked for, but thanks to the bold rebellion of Senators McCain, Warner and Graham, they refused.

Instead they simply removed the guard rail, fired the traffic cops, gave the keys to a drunk driver, and closed their eyes.

Andrew Sullivan thinks we're legalizing tyranny. And he still thinks so after pondering a bit on the subject. He also reminds us of my favorite quote from Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy:

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.

(It's better on Sullivan's site, because he has a picture.)

The Washington Post yesterday told Congress to slow down, that there was no need to rush this legislation. I'm glad they oppose the bill, but I wish their editorial board would look for its spine, too. They seem to hedge everything they say.

Those of you who have senators: Contact them now.