Well, I don't know if it was the petitions or just disgruntled Senators, but the Senate just rejected reauthorizing expiring provisions of the Patriot Act.

www.breitbart.com/news/2005...FJI82.html
today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx

If you signed any petitions or phoned your Senators, GREAT WORK! Your medical, library, video rental, business records, etc, are a whole lot safer because of it (I think). Your vigilance is appreciated and your children will thank you in the future.