Props to Feingold for his introduction of a measure to censure the President. Having the executive unilaterally declare himself unbound by the laws Congress passes to constrain him is, I think, worthy of official rebuke. Having him then decide to not mention his unlimited authority to anyone, but instead to simply ignore and contravene statutes he dislikes probably merits substantially harsher penalties, but in the current climate, I'd be perfectly pleased with a censure. Feingold's action will also refocus the news cycle on the NSA scandal, and do so in a context that forces newscasters to explain exactly what's illegal about Bush's actions, so the politics seem sound as well. Relatedly, I have some thoughts of Feingold's 2008 chances -- or lack thereof -- here.
