No Mo Solo for Feingold.

Congrats to Senator Russ Feingold for apparently pasting together the votes for a Patriot Act filibuster, motley though his crew may be. At least it's an improvement on his solo nay vote the first time around.

Feingold finds himself with some unlikely allies, including the Christian Defense Coalition. Notably, the National Rifle Association has not endorsed the Patriot Act renewal that was personally negotiated by Vice President Dick Cheney. The NRA's non-position allows its Senate supporters to oppose renewing the law in its entirety.

"Folks, when we're dealing with civil liberties, you don't compromise them," said Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, an NRA board member.

One of my most consistent disappointments with my Party is our inconsistent record on civil liberties. Of course, as a party, the Republicans are no better. It's a sad truth that neither major party really gives a damn about liberty.

Happily, liberty still has champions on both sides of the aisle, whatever their various motivations. Thanks are due to Feingold for seeking them out and weaving them together.

I don't think Russ does Christmas, so chalk this one up as a Chanukah gift to America.