In the basement, the remains of a clay pipe with Masonic symbols. *SHUDDER*

Meanwhile, the tit for tat nature of the sudden movement on FISA and the mortgage lender bailout is cast as a beautiful vignette in Greenwald(s)’s latest screed on the subject, where he wistfully recalls the halcyon days of yore:

Just to get a flavor for how fundamental a reversal is Obama’s FISA position, here is what Obama said back in February when accepting Chris Dodd’s endorsement:

We know it’s time to time to restore our Constitution and the rule of law. This is an issue that was at the heart of Senator Dodd’s candidacy, and I share his passion for restoring the balance between the security we demand and the civil liberties that we cherish.

The American people must be able to trust that their president values principle over politics, and justice over unchecked power. I’ve been proud to stand with Senator Dodd in his fight against retroactive immunity for the telecommunications industry. Secrecy and special interests must not trump accountability. We must show our citizens — and set an example to the world — that laws cannot be ignored when it is inconvenient. Because in America –- no one is above the law.

Meanwhile, a glance at Memeorandum makes clear, pace the commenter AJB, below, who’s making a mountain of the story that Obama got a sweet deal on his mortgage, as well as who’s all abuzz about McContra’s roughing up a Sandanista in the Late Middle Ages.

Somewhat related:

“The Packers have no reaction,” team spokesman Jeff Blumb told The Associated Press. (h/t Hot Air newsfeed)

Der Spiegel (German for a kind of miniature imperialist lap-dog): Iraq Progress Amazing (also Hot Air newsfeed)