WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government has abruptly ended an inquiry into the warrantless eavesdropping program because the National Security Agency refused to grant Justice Department lawyers security clearance.

The Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility, or OPR, sent a fax Wednesday to Democratic Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York saying it was closing its inquiry because without clearance it could not examine department lawyers' role in the program.

How outrageous. Here's the summary as I see it :

The Press : "The Prez is spying on you, but it's pretty much cool. He said it's ok, because, you know, war. Some people are pissed, but, whatever."

The People : "Um, what? Is that alright? Oh, American Idol time..."

The Prez : "What's wrong with you people? I'm 'protecting you'. The 'Constitution' shouldn't stand in the way of that, should it?"

The DOJ : "Ok, we're gonna investigate... this is wack."

The NSA : "Um, no. No, we think it'd be altogether better if you went back to the office and had a coffee. We'll be over here doing whatever we want."

The DOJ : "But... oh, ok, whatever. I *am* tired, lets get some Grande Mocha's."

The People : "*snore*"

CNN.com - Domestic spying inquiry killed - May 10, 2006