Re-thinking Cheney--

When history takes a look at Richard Cheney, former Vice-President of the United States, I suspect there won't be much to say. For the most part, not a lot is made of our vice-presidents, even if the rare stand-outs like Al Gore are Nobel prize winners, or have a Grammy here or an Oscar there. We might recall that Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton, but I'm sure a poll of the average guy-or-gal in the street will show an innocent ignorance of who Harmon Blennerhassett was. We might know that some vice-president once said that the office wasn't worth a bucket of warm spit--but think fast: which VP said it?

(John Nance Garner. Possibly did not say "spit". Okay, probably.)


My previous post objected to the way his generally arrogant and delusional ramblings, which continued on about the WMD's in Iraq and the Saddam/Osama connection long after almost any other sensible person would have left them for dead while he was still in office, were countenanced by the media, and how he just recently "doomsaid" against the Obama Administration for undoing some of the illegal shit the past administration put in place. But perhaps my objection is misplaced.

Having "access" to Cheney is a gift to a journo. Using it would be brilliant, but what do you expect to get out of a jackass like him, anyway? How long before the "How dare you!" and the disgruntled huff?

I know. It seems pointless, but I'd still ask. Maybe even about this recent business discussed by Seymore Hersch. It's very troubling to think that the individual from whose office the Valerie Plame leak came from--possibly just for political reasons; the one who to this day whinges that his boy Libby should've been pardoned (why--to buy his silence?); and whose main man Addington still can't get a job, might've had this kind of irresponsible power.

It's ridiculous and sad that he gets defended even now if that thing is true.

And he does--Robert Gibbs, Obama's entertainingly uncensored spokesdude, just recently referenced Cheney as just another figure, behind Limbaugh, in the republican cabal to criticize Obama. Needless to say, wrists flapped with indignation that a former vice-president was sooooo disrepected. Jason Linkins is one of those posters that makes Huffpo worthwhile for that kind of breakdown. His final note is the real takeaway, though:

NOTE TO THE MEDIA: You guys obviously haven't figured this out yet, but it's no longer necessary to worry about "having access" to Dick Cheney, so you can ease up on all the ass-kissing. Just thought you should know!

Access without information is dumb. It's like being able to put your card in the ATM without be able to get any cash. And while it woud be admirable for someone to go Jon Stewart on Cheney--it won't happen. And if it did, he'd plead the fifth.

And anyway--Cheney is the last person you ever want to have comment on his own doings, or the doings of this administration. I'd rather hear Madoff tell me where to invest my dough. I'd rather have Jocelyn Wildenstein recommend me a skin care plan. I'd rather get voice lessons from Victoria Jackson....you get the idea.

Cheney is relevant if he ever sees a day in court. That's all.