I've never been particularly fond of suits myself. Admittedly, I've had more experience with lawywers these last few years, but still. Anyone working for the government in some capcity isn't to be trusted in my mind, no matter what colour he happens to be wearing.
I suppose in their minds there really wasn't time for any sort of informed consent. They probably thought a lot of us would get scared--much like we did already. Basically, lot of idiots making idiotic decisions because they're worried about how not acting will come back to bite them in the ass with the voters or some rot. Typical.