As Dick Cheney has implied, and at times outright stated, the administration is attempting to extend its executive power. What they don't mention, but is extraordinarily obvious is that it is extremely inappropriate in terms of maintaining true democratic values. Fortunately it seems as though the administration has started to overextended themselves. Today it seems as if the judicial branch has finally caught up and started to put checks on the administration. Jose Padilla's case (interesting to see how former gang members have been in the news lately) is important in regards to a stop to the extension of power. Unfortunately, this is one small step forward as there have been steps back. In the same day Dick Cheney has been the tie breaking vote to make huge budget cuts taking away foster care programs, medicare and much more.