There’s some interesting stuff on this topic here at the Washington Post. Some thoughts:
1) This was a screwup by all involved, including Cheney obviously, that gives bird hunting a bad name. Accidents are understandable, quail hunting is “tricky”, but that is why most hunters go over and agree on the ground rules before the hunt. There appear to have been several questionable practices in play that day. For birdshot from a 20 gauge, say, to penetrate like it did, makes me think they were closer than 30 yards - more like less than 30 feet. Not good.
2) Interesting to watch the MSM’s varying figures on “how long” it took to notify them about this. I’ve seen anywhere from 14 to 24 hours. Their egocentrism is amazing.
3) The initial delay is no big deal, but Cheney still hasn’t given a public statement yet - and that is just stupid. He risks being caricatured and damaged by appearing to be a heartless SOB. I’m reminded of Camus’ “The Stranger” in which the protagonist wasn’t convicted by the jury so much for shooting the Arab, but for not grieving properly for his mother.
UPDATE: Cheney did give an exclusive to FOX news and it was good. He pointed out the local press understands hunting better and would put out a more accurate story. He also took full responsibility, which is proper. He also, and I love this, pointed out the hysteria in the press corps is less about his actions than their prima donna complex (my paraphrase). I love that man (in a platonic way of course).
P.S. Also from WAPO (somewhere) - Democratic staffers on the Hill… [were] circulating a quote from Bush, in a 2000 interview with the Houston Chronicle, in which he hailed Cheney as “somebody who is going to shoot straight with the American people.”
[...] Bookworm Room Sensible Mom The Real Ugly American GOP And The City Blogs For Bush Macsmind Pros And Cons Daily Pundit Wizbang Cynical Nation Technorati Tags: Cheney Hillary Clinton Hunting Politics Vincent [...]
Pingback by Flopping Aces » Blog Archive » The Fools In The Media — February 15, 2006 @ 1:18 pm
I would like to remind everyone about a little thing called HIPAA, which guarantees medical privacy. I’d recommend letting the victim talk when he feels like it. It’s just the right thing to do.
Comment by Jenda — February 15, 2006 @ 6:03 pm
Hi this is rob. I read this article and would just like to say that i think Cheney had a valid reason for shooting his friend. Maybe Cheney didn’t like his friend or maybe his friend looked at him in a funny way or possibly his shotgun just liked the guy and wanted to give him a present. But then again maybe Cheney sghot him just because he was in a bad mood and he needed to take his anger out on someone. I myself think it is very funny and I hope it happens again.
Comment by rob — May 5, 2006 @ 8:49 am
hi this is rob. lol lol lol lol. i liked this article it was very funny and i hope cheney shots someone again very soon. Only this time it will be in the congress building.
Comment by rob — May 5, 2006 @ 8:51 am
Calm down Rob. Even with our crop of Congressmen, beating them at the polls beats murder.
Comment by jenda — May 5, 2006 @ 9:20 am
Hillary…
video link Well, the Marine Corps investigator has now dropped al…
Trackback by Hillary — August 31, 2007 @ 4:18 am