Congress reauthorizes Patriot Act

If you thought you could start trusting Congress again, you better think twice.

The House has quietly voted - 315 to 97 - to reauthorize the far-right Patriot Act. The Senate quickly approved this measure on a voice vote.

Because it passed by a veto-proof margin, the President is powerless to halt it - whether he wants to or not.

This is the Congress that can't pass health care reform or the corporate personhood amendment - but it rams the Patriot Act extension plumb through, with no debate whatsoever. That's how far to the right the Democrats have become.

This also provides grist for the mill of states and cities that want to opt out of the Idiot Act. Hopefully, more places will.