Unexpected Powers

Looks like Congress "accidentally" gave Bush more dictatorial powers. Turns out the language of the hastily passed survelliance bill allows the Pres. to do search without a search warrant, although he says that ... noooooo .... he'd never do that:

The dispute illustrates how lawmakers, in a frenetic, end-of-session scramble, passed legislation they may not have fully understood and may have given the administration more surveillance powers than it sought.

....

The new law redefines "electronic surveillance" in a way that indirectly OKs a number of intrusive practices without oversight—something many Democrats didn't realize during the "frenetic, end-of-session scramble" before the August recess. Solace is being sought in the fact that the law expires six months hence.

Swell.

Yet another reason Dems shouldn't have caved on this bill. And don't you know that it's crap like this that causes contempt for Congress? Deliberative body my rear end.