I am pleased that the Republican leadership backed down from their irresponsible threat to let the Patriot Act expire and agreed to a 6-month extension of the provisions that would have sunset at the end of this year. This will allow more time to finally agree on a bill that protects our rights and freedoms while preserving important tools for fighting terrorism. Those of us who stood up to demand modest and reasonable protections of our liberties never wanted to stop Patriot Act reauthorization.Senator Feingold always confuses me. He's in favor of protecting our civil liberties but he wants to rip the First Amendment from the Constitution. He's in favor of "Campaign Finance Reform" because money corrupts politicians, yet he raises enough money for his campaigns to fund a small country. Does that mean he's corrupt too? He thinks the White House should do everything possible (or more) to defend the American people but then opposes everything the President does.
Feingold has adopted a "say anything for the press release" policy that may get him a moment in the sun here or there, but he'll be a cautionary tale come the snows of Iowa in February 2008.
