US and the World

And under this rock, we have . . .

After Cheney's Private Hunt, Others Take Their Shots

. . . one of the meanest pesons ever to be vice president of the United States.

Going out and shooting 70 or so pen-raised pheasants released for him like so many clay pigeons is right in character for a moral midget such as Dick Cheney. It is out of character for anyone who considers himself a sportsman - or a human being. What kind of animal engages in this kind of play?

I am reminded - in contrast - of Teddy Roosevelt - who hunted as a man, not a wanton killer - and was well-known during his presidency for the incident in which he refused to take a shot at a pitiful bear which was set-up for him at a time when he had gone empty-handed thorugh several days of hunting.

But then Teddy, imperialist that he was, had some strength of moral character.

And that is what bothers me about this. I am nt bemoaning the death of 70 birds. I'm responsible for the deaths of more chickens than that every year. What bothers me is the idea of taking pleasure in killing them this way - I guess it makes Cheney feel like a man. But then, I have to wonder what his deifniton of "man" is.