Atta J beat me to it this morning, that little fez wearing, vegetable eating...well, anyway, that's not important. What is important, in addition to noting once again that our Famously Free Press took two fraking weeks to let us know about it, is that our First Challenge of the new Congress is clear. Say it with me, Dems: UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Or if you prefer:

unlawful, illegal, immoral, against the intent of the Founders, antidemocratic, unAmerican, monarchist, imperial.

But the point is, the Democratic Congress needs to get serious about this. Not just because it is how Bush will continue to get around whatever legislation they pass, but because it imperils Democracy in America for all time. Think of Hillary with this kind of power, wingnuts: does that fill you with glee? Didn't think so.

Strategically, this is an area upon which the Dems should hit, and hard. NOW. Who is going to complain? The 11% that still supports a "surge?" The Famously Free Fascist enabling media? So what? Framing wise, it's very easy: Do you think the government should be able to open your mail, on a whim, without a warrant, without warning?

NO ONE will say "yes" to that. Sure, the Bobbleheads will muddle that question with "terra terra terra" and make it out to be some scenario where a nuclear bomb is contained in a letter to Santa and only He-Man Chimpy can save the world, but no one is buying that anymore, except the permanently disabled dead enders in the 11% category. Who you can dismiss anyway, as they will never vote Democratic.

This is a chance to show that you're ready to throw down, strike while the iron is hot, run with it, pick you euphemism. People like winners, they like the bold, as does fortune, and you can make the tides your own by grabbing the bull by the balls and giving them a good squeeze. There, did I mix enough there for you to understand?

Come on Dems, this is an opening you're not likely to get again. There is the perfect storm of factors here, and you'd be fools not to run with it.