The nuclear option

The deal has been struck on Bush's judicial nominees and the filibuster. It seems that the Democrats have agreed to let some nominees they find objectionable go to the Senate floor for a simple majority vote. In return, the filibuster stays.

The problem is, there is nothing to keep the Republicans from exercising the nuclear option at any point in the future. So the Democrats have kept the filibuster, but can never, ever use it. Sorta like having nuclear weapons, except that the now-toothless filibuster will have no power to restrain the worst excesses of the majority.

It's a black day for the Senate, and for all Americans.