[Welcome, C&L readers! Of course, the real "God Save" stuff is over here. Gotta keep those hamsters turning the cages. So, check out CD's fresh promotional concept after you've finished this post....]

Let's hope the UK is a leading indicator. From the Guardian:

Brown hands key powers to parliament
[New Prime Minister Gordon] Brown's route map for constitutional reform was unveiled in his first Commons statement as prime minister. It was intended as a clear rupture with the Blair administration, and a shock to critics who fear he is a centralising autocrat.

Ridiculous! Just show me one country happening, for heaven's sake!

Setting out a series of initiatives that could fundamentally change the balance of power in the UK, he also launched a cross-party debate on a new bill of rights that could for the first time enshrine the rights and responsibilities of the citizen. The age of voting could also be reduced to 16 and elections held on Sundays.

Mr Brown announced his government was surrendering or limiting the executive's powers over the right to declare war. He set out proposals that would also block the government's ability to recall parliament and choose bishops.

There could also be limits on the executive's power to ratify international treaties, grant pardons and make key public appointments. He proposed that MPs hold US-style pre-appointment hearings initially for senior public officials such as the chief inspector of prisons.

The contrast between "The Mother of Parliaments" moving toward the separation of powers and a Bill of Rights, while the criminal Bush regime tramples on them, couldn't be more obvious.

But it looks like in this country, unlike the UK, impeachment now is the only good option to get our Constitution back, eh?