The public discourse of late sounds like small children fighting over the ball on the playground. Many, if not most, Americans seem ready to participate in progress, but the lack of information makes it very difficult to do so. Now we have Dick Cheney going around the country stirring fear and mistrust wherever he can. Distorting history and claiming credit for accomplishments where credit is not due seem to be his trademarks. Occupying Iraq, failing to capture or kill bin laden, war profiteering, vastly expanding the size of government, standing in the way of progress in energy and the environment and depleting the treasury are the Cheney legacy. Not only should we not forget this, but we should demand him accountable.
What we have to fear is Cheney’s professed willingness to do anything, including abridge civil rights, torture, lie, break the law and sacrifice American lives to forward his self interest or philosophy. With a loyal following of citizens that prefer not to look outside their narrow interests or are brainwashed by the 24-hour talk cycle in radio and TV, and his incendiary rhetoric, Cheney has star power that is doing nothing to help America, keep it safer or build for our future. Stirring fear and encouraging rebellion during these times is a dangerous path. Responsible citizens should reject Cheney.
Mike Courtney
Pendleton
