With an interest in leadership I’d like to explore Vice President Dick Cheney’s recent comment in defense of the Bush Iraq policy. Senator Chuck Hagel, R-Neb has been rather direct in his criticism of the President’s escalation/surge/augmentation plans. When queried about Hagel’s statements, Cheney responded with:
"Let's say I believe firmly in Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican. But it's very hard sometimes to adhere to that where Chuck Hagel is involved."
Later in response to another question about criticism from former associates, the V.P. said "Well, I'm vice president and they're not." What do you think he meant by that?
Did the Vice President mean his high role in the U.S. government is above criticism and a real reply unnecessary? Could he just play the position card and get out of any legitimate concerns about the Bush administration’s leadership of our country? Did he just say “I’m the #@& Ace of Hearts, second only to Bush, the Ace of Spades? In a game of war, I take all those low cards by just showing up. Even with Bush, we have a face off which I usually win.”
Or did Richard Cheney take the high road on this rare occasion? Did he mean the Vice President should not speak ill of other people as it stands second in command of the Executive Branch which serves all people? If so, how does this fit with his historical acerbic smack downs of the other party, including his famous invitation to Sen. Leahy of Vermont to go ____ (have sex with) himself, spoken on the Senate Floor? For me to believe Dick stumbled in a full blown rage off the high road, an apology to Mr. Leahy would need to exist on the record (somewhere other than his scorekeeping journal).
Or did V.P Dick Cheney unload another round of shot into the unfortunate lowlings who happened to cross his political path? As they lay on the ground bleeding, did Richard pinch a Vice Presidential doodee and leave it within noseshot? As he turned to walk away did the Veep say “Well, I’m the Vice President and they’re not.”?
It is so hard to read the man. If you have any thoughts on his true meaning please share.
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