Why in God’s name is this man the only representative with the courage to stand up to encroaching fascism in America?

In a case of legislative deja vu, Sen. Russell Feingold launched another lonely filibuster against the USA Patriot Act, but sponsors predicted enough support to overcome the objection and extend parts of the law set to expire March 10.

Feingold said protracted talks with the White House over the law’s protections for civil liberties produced only a “fig leaf” to cover weaknesses that leave people vulnerable to government intrusion.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said he had the 60 votes required to overcome Feingold’s filibuster, as soon as this week. He agreed, though, that any revisions to a House-Senate accord blocked last year were “cosmetic.

“But sometimes cosmetics will make a beauty out of a beast and provide enough cover for senators to change their vote,” Specter told reporters Wednesday.

Beast is right. Though Mr. Spector is going to need more than some Max Factor to cover up the grotesque disfigurement he and his cronies are inflicting upon the American Constitution.

Spector. I guess he’s just another sycophant licking the boot of power along with the rest of them.