What is We the People Good For?

Remember that Whitehouse.gov petition to investigate Chris Dodd and the MPAA for bribery? Well, the White House responded.

"...the White House declines to comment on this petition because it requests a specific law enforcement action."

I have to ask then, what good is this petition system when the underlying system is fundamentally broken? Apparently asking for the current laws to be upheld exceeds the limits of the White House.