On one level a coverup to hide Cheney's alcohol level might make sense, but my hunch is that unless there is evidence otherwise, a person with his medical condition, under close supervision by the SS, won't drink much - if at all.
On another, the coverup makes sense as coming from Texans deferring to the wishes of the owners of the private property on which the accident occurred.
My emerging hunch is that the people around the veep just don't know how to handle dealing with a public information situation rapidly and flexibly. They're geared toward secrecy, slowdown and spin. They probably had a hundred people talking to each other over an incredible array of communication devices and channels before the hapless Whittington got to the first hospital, wherever that might have been.
Edward Teller |
02.12.06 - 11:53 pm | #
You have to love that line:
Willeford added that the sun was behind Whittington, possibly making him difficult to see.
So, I guess Cheney couldn't really see what he was shooting at...
tryggth |
Homepage |
02.12.06 - 11:55 pm | #
They are smearing the lens with more vasoline to make the scene gauzier and gauzier. Like medieval romance. Soon there will be a dragon chargin out of the reeds. This is from one of the earlier stories (from Josh Marshall TPM):
"The vice president didn't see him," she continued. "The covey flushed and the **vice president picked out a bird and was following it and shot**. And by God, Harry was **in the line of fire** and got peppered pretty good."
emphases added)
So was Cheney very careless, a little boozey, very boozey, or did his beeper go off? That's what everyone will want to know. What will they have to say about it?
anon_1 |
02.12.06 - 11:58 pm | #
Edward Teller -- alcoholics do not stop drinking for health reasons, they develop health problems because they won't stop drinking until it kills them.
BTW -- I have no idea if Cheney is an alcoholic or not, but two DUIs will qualify most people for membership in that exclusive club.
jane hamsher |
Homepage |
02.12.06 - 11:59 pm | #
Oops... I see Jane already covered that in the post title. Time for bed.
tryggth |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 12:00 am | #
BTW,
The term "hapless Whittington" is not meant to imply Cheney's careless shot wasn't the primary reason this BS went down.
Edward Teller |
02.13.06 - 12:00 am | #
a person with his medical condition, under close supervision by the SS, won't drink much - if at all.
You don't think Bush really choked on a pretzel do you?
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 12:01 am | #
Chainsaw's goin' down.
His noives is actin up.
dancas |
02.13.06 - 12:06 am | #
Yes, Jane, this is so very true. But, Cheney's DWIs aside, I'm not sure at all he's drinking heavily if at all, or that alcohol abuse had anything to do with yesterday's farce. It would explain a lot, though, if it came out as part of this that his long absences and unstable modalities were due to some sort of substance abuse.
We're a couple of secret service agents' tell-alls away from explaining a lot about how crazy these past five years have been. One for Cheney, one for W.
Edward Teller |
02.13.06 - 12:06 am | #
it sounds like the lady that owns the ranch is to blame for this getting out in the first place. If she had just kept her mouth shut nobody would have heard about it.
and this piece of legal brilliance:
Maybe the victim didn't want the incident reporter?
I guess to Libs, the "right to privacy" only counts when you're have an abortion.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
james |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 12:07 am | #
Interesting article showing the correlation between Chrinic Conservatism and dysfuncational behavior.
Repeat from last thread: it would be interesting to know exactly how long it was between time of accident and Cheney was examined by an authority for public record. Is this known precisely enough to calculate how boozed up he might have been? I'd like to know.
Not that I am suspicious. Not that a hunt with the boys is a fine time to sneak a few snorts. Not that arrogant powerful rich dudes will always sneak quite a few more than they should (IMHO from my experience with that type).
If they start asking about funny time lags, and booze is a possibility, and there was hanky panky of some kind in covering it up, that would be bad. Cheney gone, or a few more points off the gullibility meter within a week. Because Bush should be in charge of his people, shouldn't he? Demand standards and all that. No man above the law, even in hunting accidents.
Heck, Burr did a fine job as VP while wanted for murder in NY and NJ (after he shot Hamilton). He really did. He kept his nose clean and did a bang up job whenever needed. No big deal for Cheney, if he tells the truth about it. And only had a few snorts.
anon_1 |
02.13.06 - 12:10 am | #
I've heard from folks who've seen it travel from SF to Sacramento with him that Cheney's medical unit is huge, and that roads between the convoy and the on-call cardiac ICUs are closed off to allow quick access from the motorcade route should the Veep's "ticker-helper" mis-fire.
Oh, and there's absolutely nothing the Secret Service can -- or would -- do to enforce the Veep's doctor's no-drinking rules; that's not their job. There's no other reason to delay announcing the event 22 hours except blood alcohol levels of all involved -- the mishap occurred after a big outdoor ranch supper, just before sundown, right?
PrevTopic -- I'm glad to focus on who the replacement might be if Dick gets Agnewed; and I really like the idea that Rover, if feeling safe himself from Fitz, might torpedo Big Time if he could convince W. W keeps talking about the "open election in 2008," and that makes me wonder if they haven't got something else up their sleeve, once we're paying attention to the bright shiny object, whatever it might be....
TeddySanFran |
02.13.06 - 12:12 am | #
EPU'd, but FWIW:
OT, re: Babs:
In case this watchdog group's report hasn't surfaced before, it's a fascinating look at how, under Comstock , the DOJ communications shop became Spin City, how she retaliated against certain reporters, and how the DOJ press corps eventually rebelled.
Not sure if any bombshells (but if there are, I'm sure someone's eagle eye will spot it). Just adds to overall picture.
If Cheney is, in fact, potentially guilty of violating the Texas statute cited by Jeralyn, and since sitting Vice Presidents (unlike sitting Presidents) can be criminally charged, who would be in charge of prosecution (I'm assuming a local DA)? And how will the public be assured there will be no favoritism shown the perpetrator? I mean, will Cheney be allowed to be above the law in this offense too?
If he is charged and pleads nolo, we have the Agnew precedent.
bz |
02.13.06 - 12:14 am | #
Plus Rover might convice W that the drag on his JARs is Big Time; after all, Cheney's JARs are terrible. It isolates the OVP (& Libby) from W; they can make it look like "house-cleaning."
I vote for Condi to replace him -- she's got an oil tanker named after her, remember...
TeddySanFran |
02.13.06 - 12:16 am | #
My guess is that Fitz has a sealed indictment waiting for Cheney. And, Dubya wants to keep Cheny under his umbrella until his last few days in office so he can pardon him.
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 12:18 am | #
Sorry, hope the pdf link to the Comstock article works better than the previous try.
CityGirl -- what a great link, thanks.
jane hamsher |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 12:24 am | #
Update: Taylor wonders if the NRA is going to call Dick on his deplorable hunting protocol or thoroughly embarrass themselves in front of their membership by giving him a free pass. Interesting dilemma.
My guess is the NRA will do something similar to the rationalization and justification that Katherine Armstrong did, where she blamed the victim for being in front of Cheney's rifle.
The NRA will try to make Cheney out to be a martyr of the "liberal" press.
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 12:24 am | #
NRA's gun safety rule #1:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
Unspinnable
Edward Teller |
02.13.06 - 12:31 am | #
my hunch is that unless there is evidence otherwise, a person with his medical condition, under close supervision by the SS, won't drink much - if at all.
--------------------------------------------------
---------
I disagree. He is protected by the Secret Service, not supervised by them. I don't think they'd lift a finger to stop him from drinking. They did, after all, just let him shoot a man.
Frank Probst |
02.13.06 - 12:32 am | #
"Taylor wonders if the NRA is going to call Dick on his deplorable hunting protocol or thoroughly embarrass themselves in front of their membership by giving him a free pass. Interesting dilemma"
My guess is that what the NRA is going to do is to quietly urge Cheney to continue going on hunting trips, so as to not to raise any suspicions that guns can be dangerous.
neurophius |
02.13.06 - 12:33 am | #
Frank,
Where's CSI King County, TX when we need 'em?
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 12:34 am | #
Frank,
It has got to be way beyond bizarre to think of Cheney out there hunting with the ambassador the Switzerland, the undertaker of the the Texas funeral home fiasco, secret service agents, the guy with the spare "football," a roving on-the-spot cardio unit that follows the big Dick around, moving across the central Texas prairie at sunset, no matter what their condition. And, yeah, you're right - at least three of them are blasting right and left at birds who are somehow supposed to just act naturally through all this.
Edward Teller |
02.13.06 - 12:41 am | #
Here is a map of Kenedy County Texas and it shows the Armstrong Ranch right in the middle of it.
Geez, Louise, a Late Night Thread that didn't even last until midnight! That must be a first.
Look, no need for all the speculation about the victim's condition: let's just get a tele-diagnosis from Doctor Frist.
punaise |
02.13.06 - 12:43 am | #
I'm giving this Armstrong woman an A for effort, by the way. She'd make a better East Side socialite than a Texas rancher, methinks. ("Oh, this old thing?")
So here's where were at now, I think. Cheney, the vic, and Madame Ambassador (Can we check her resume, by the way? It's a longshot that she'll claim to be fluent in Swiss, but with this bunch, you never know.) kill a bunch of birds. The vic can't find one of the carcasses, so he stays behind while Cheney and the Swiss Miss wander off to shoot more birds. So they KNOW the vic is behind them. As the vic tries to catch up, he's closer than he was when they left him, but they should still know he's there somewhere. Cheney then whirls around to shoot a bird and manages to tag the orange-vest-wearing vic.
Now, would everyone involved like to tell us if they'd had any alcohol that day? We can start with the victim. Odds are he had his blood alcohol level checked when he was brought in to the hospital.
Frank Probst |
02.13.06 - 12:44 am | #
from now on Cheney better stick to shooting fish in a barrel.
punaise |
02.13.06 - 12:45 am | #
Cheney Shoots 78-Year-Old Man, Bin Laden Still at Large
Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and injured a man during a weekend quail hunting trip in Texas, his spokeswoman said Sunday.
Following the incident, Cheney reportedly claimed that Whittington's ties to the quail were "pretty well established". Despite hitting only Mr. Whittington with his shotgun blast, Cheney was heard to be insisting hours later that the quail, since flown away, was in its "last throes".
heh heh. it's Switzerlandish (for when they run out of the things to say in Swiss-German, French and Italian).
punaise |
02.13.06 - 12:48 am | #
It is impossible to say that Cheney is without any fault in this incident. Even if Whittington was 7'6", on a rise, walking from a direction that Cheney couldn't have assumed someone would be coming from, and with the sun in his face, Cheney still fucked up.
Syd Barrett |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 12:49 am | #
Cheney's Got a Gun
My apologies to Aerosmith
Dumb, dumb, dumb, Cheney what have you done?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, it's the sound of my gun
Dumb, dumb, dumb,, Cheney what have you done?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, it's the sound, it's the sound...
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah....
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
His bypass has come undone
He shot his pal in the bum
What did Big Dickey do?
What did he put you through?
They say that Cheney finally copped to it
cuz someone else told the truth
But man, he has it comin'
Now that Cheney's Got A Gun
he'll learn that shooting a friend's not couth
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
His heart trouble's just begun
Now his cardiologist is on the run
Cheney's aim's untrue
What did Uncle Dickey do?
He shot fossilized lawyer
The man has got to be insane
They say the medication he was under
All his friends have got to wonder
are they all gonna get the same?
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Vertigo's just begun
Now everybody is on the run
How long will his ammo last?
Scooter Libby better watch his ass
Thought he was shooting Pat Fitzgerald
and shot his buddy in the chest
He said Patrick don't believe me
he knows I'm such a sleaze
He ain't never gonna let me rest
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Everybody is on the run
Cheney's Got A Gun
Shooting lawyers is lots of fun
Now everybody's on the run (Cheney, what's your problem)
'Cause Cheney's Got A Gun (Shoot everyone who's not Right)
Cheney's Got A Gun (Was it Libby's lack of fibbin?)
His trouble's just begun (That made you lose your sight?)
Cheney's Got A Gun His shooting spree's just begun
Now everybody's on the run
Cheney's Got A Gun
El Perro Patron |
02.13.06 - 12:52 am | #
Enough of this! I'm gonna go watch the US and Norwegian curling teams until they put me to sleep - uh, say four or five minutes......
Edward Teller |
02.13.06 - 12:52 am | #
Tin soldiers and Cheney's comin'
we're finally on our own
punaise |
02.13.06 - 12:57 am | #
Since Ted Nugent is a conservative and appears on Fox News shows and now lives on a ranch in Texas, is there a Nugent song that would apply to Cheney shooting his buddy?
re the entire "blame the victim" spin - that dog don't hunt.
punaise |
02.13.06 - 1:03 am | #
Cheney's Got a Gun
My apologies to Aerosmith
Dumb, dumb, dumb, Cheney what have you done?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, it's the sound of my gun
Dumb, dumb, dumb,, Cheney what have you done?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, it's the sound, it's the sound...
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah....
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
His bypass has come undone
He shot his pal in the bum
What did Big Dickey do?
What did he put you through?
They say that Cheney finally copped to it
cuz someone else told the truth
But man, he has it comin'
Now that Cheney's Got A Gun
he'll learn that shooting a friend's not couth
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
His heart trouble's just begun
Now his cardiologist is on the run
Cheney's aim's untrue
What did Uncle Dickey do?
He shot fossilized lawyer
The man has got to be insane
They say the medication he was under
All his friends have got to wonder
are they all gonna get the same?
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Vertigo's just begun
Now everybody is on the run
How long will his ammo last?
Scooter Libby better watch his ass
Thought he was shooting Pat Fitzgerald
and shot his buddy in the chest
He said Patrick don't believe me
he knows I'm such a sleaze
He ain't never gonna let me rest
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Everybody is on the run
Cheney's Got A Gun
Shooting lawyers is lots of fun
Now everybody's on the run (Cheney, what's your problem)
'Cause Cheney's Got A Gun (Shoot everyone who's not Right)
Cheney's Got A Gun (Was it Libby's lack of fibbin?)
His trouble's just begun (That made you lose your sight?)
Cheney's Got A Gun His shooting spree's just begun
Now everybody's on the run
Cheney's Got A Gun
El Perro Patron |
02.13.06 - 1:06 am | #
but I'll bet he knows how to spell potato!
Kathi |
02.13.06 - 1:07 am | #
I used to hunt bird on occasion. You always walk up well behind a hunter, meaning at their backs.
A good hunter always know's what's around him at all times. There's always an area in FRONT of you for shooting safely. That limits the range to 180 degrees or LESS. The more people in the group, the more limited your safe range is.
Cheney must have been VERY reckless to let this happen.
If Cheney had an ounce of alcohol in him, and Harry Whittington had died it would have been possible manslaughter.
The Filibuster |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 1:07 am | #
Here's an idea: don't shoot into the sun.
I think if you're the NRA, your response to this whole debacle is to stay vewwy, vewwy qui-et.
Professor Foland |
02.13.06 - 1:08 am | #
but I'll bet he knows how to spell potato!
Kathi | 02.13.06 - 1:07 am | #
the dog that won't hunt? certainly not the quayle.
punaise |
02.13.06 - 1:14 am | #
Will Shakespeare - on the money, again:
"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
(Dick the Butcher, "Henry VI", Act 4, Scene 2)
Graham G |
02.13.06 - 1:17 am | #
so from what I gather, the terrain is made up of grassy knolls.
punaise |
02.13.06 - 1:17 am | #
Hey, well, maybe she does speak "Swiss."
Hate to be a noxious pill, but we know the vast right wing conspiracy is watching all left of Eisenhower blogs for Stalinist discipline, and propagation of inaccurate and almost deranged disinformation manufactored for propaganda catapulting purposes. And hateful presonal attacks. There is a "Swiss" language, Romansch. Left over from what them damn Romans spoke when they conquered the place.
These are the old original Swiss farts, stubborn insular arrogant grouchy old coots.
I am exhausted with this too and will catch up on what happens after the dust settles a little.
anon_1 |
02.13.06 - 1:18 am | #
I just found out they were using dogs. I didn't think they were because no story I read mentioned them until now.
Using dogs (especially your own), you NEVER shoot near the ground for obvious reasons (dogs run on the ground). That limits your safe angle of shooting by about half in vertical directions.
Whittington must have been very close to Cheny for this to happen. We're talking feet, not yards.
The Filibuster |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 1:21 am | #
I'm mostly Swiss, so I can say mean things about them.
I say, if VP was boozed up, or there is a cover up over beeper malfunction that caused it, Cheney will step down soon. Unless press is completely out of it. Other than victim doing well, implications for Cheney's tenure is that is about all that is of interest, for me at least.
anon_1 |
02.13.06 - 1:22 am | #
The republicans are nothing, if not pragmatists.
With Sen Allen calling for Cheney to
be investigated by Fitz is no fluke.
Allen is no maverick.
Rumors that Cheney's days are
numbered could have some
gravatas.
Bush will wiggle, but those hamster
hands get clammy when the chorus
sings.
Semanticleo |
02.13.06 - 1:25 am | #
Cheney's Got a Gun
My apologies to Aerosmith
Dumb, dumb, dumb, Cheney what have you done?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, it's the sound of my gun
Dumb, dumb, dumb,, Cheney what have you done?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, it's the sound, it's the sound...
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah....
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
His bypass has come undone
He shot his pal in the bum
What did Big Dickey do?
What did he put you through?
They say that Cheney finally copped to it
cuz someone else told the truth
But man, he has it comin'
Now that Cheney's Got A Gun
he'll learn that shooting a friend's not couth
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
His heart trouble's just begun
Now his cardiologist is on the run
Cheney's aim's untrue
What did Uncle Dickey do?
He shot fossilized lawyer
The man has got to be insane
They say the medication he was under
All his friends have got to wonder
are they all gonna get the same?
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Vertigo's just begun
Now everybody is on the run
How long will his ammo last?
Scooter Libby better watch his ass
Thought he was shooting Pat Fitzgerald
and shot his buddy in the chest
He said Patrick don't believe me
he knows I'm such a sleaze
He ain't never gonna let me rest
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away from the Veep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Run away, run away, run, run away
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Cheney's Got A Gun
Everybody is on the run
Cheney's Got A Gun
Shooting lawyers is lots of fun
Now everybody's on the run (Cheney, what's your problem)
'Cause Cheney's Got A Gun (Shoot everyone who's not Right)
Cheney's Got A Gun (Was it Libby's lack of fibbin?)
His trouble's just begun (That made you lose your sight?)
Cheney's Got A Gun His shooting spree's just begun
Now everybody's on the run
Cheney's Got A Gun
El Perro Patron |
02.13.06 - 1:25 am | #
It is interesting that Google News doesn't even show the story on their main page:
It has the story about 2 Chicago inmates still being at-large and Virginia Cuurch fires remain unsolved, but nothing about Cheney.
And, these stories are constantly updated, some less than an hour ago.
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 1:27 am | #
Interesting the sunset time for Austin, Texas on Saturday February 11, 2006, was 6:15PM.
They were hunting after 5:30PM. Typically, hunting regulations in states are usually until sunset or half an hour before or after sunset - it depends on the state. Not sure what the deal is in Texas, but it in anycase they were cutting it kind of close and if the sun was factor who better to know that than the shooter.
Syd Barrett |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 1:27 am | #
I don't know if Jane or Redd will read this this late...
The movement conservatives appear to be at the initial stages of readjusting themselves to abandon BushCo. I don't trust Norquist or any of these people who have been trying to make this a cold, callous libertarian, "F-everyone" country. Why don't we start attacking the core of the "conservative" philosophy while we're attacking everything this administration is doing poorly?
I've long been of the opinion that the most dangerous people to the progressive cause are the so-called GOP moderates like Schwarzenegger and McCain. Yeah, they throw a tiny bone to good government every now and then, but their philosophy is cold and heartless even if they aren't so bad. The real enemy for the future of the progressive movement is anti-tax, anti-government, only-business crusaders.
Progressives should start thinking about the future. McCain may end up being the next president and countless impoverished children will suffer...and women's rights will go down the drain. Same with Schwarzzy if he's reelected. The right calls Lieberman a "liberal". Why aren't we calling McCain a right-wing fanatic? Hell, just look at his voting record.
gq |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 1:27 am | #
El Perro -
We got it, you can hit the delete key.
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 1:28 am | #
I think you're being really nasty. I totally believe our Vice President when he says, that he defiantly saw feathers of mass destruction.
Somethingsrotten |
02.13.06 - 1:29 am | #
The only season still in effect until February 12, was Wilson's Snipe and until February 20 is Falconry.
I do not know much about hunting, but were they supposed to be hunting?
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 1:37 am | #
Oh, quail season was still open. If they were hunting quail.
Anonymous |
02.13.06 - 1:39 am | #
Quail- Oct. 29 - Feb. 26
The Filibuster |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 2:08 am | #
Accident? I think the critical question is: Was it was his first or second shot that hit Whittington?
Remember: "Just before sunset Saturday, 78-year-old Austin lawyer Harry Whittington pulled off "a double": bringing down two quail with two successive blasts from his shotgun."
At this point, Harry scurries off to fetch his brace of quail, so he can brag on his shooting prowess.
Dick's just been upstaged by another doddery and even older fool. And Dick's PISSED!
So now Dick's looking for a double too, but he's got to go one better. What to do? ...
Hapless Harry comes blundering back towards them, waving his quails around, utterly oblivious. Too fucking perfect!
First Barrel - Quail!
Second Barrel - Harry the fucking show-off!
Two "birds" with one stone. Don't ever, ever mess with Dangerous Dick!
Tortoise |
02.13.06 - 3:31 am | #
Movement conservatives might be trying to get rid of BushCo, but I can't help thinking Rove will toss anyone and everyone - Cheney, Libby, PNAC, the religious nuts -- to save his own skin.
DownunderGirl |
02.13.06 - 3:53 am | #
I think Cheney's an alcoholic--dry or not dry, it really doesn't matter--and that's he's been enabled all along by lots of folks, including his nominal boss. Anne Armstrong, for example: why would she enable Cheney as she does? Well, unless I'm mistaken, she sits on the Halliburton Board....
Texas finally grabbed the reins in 2000, having failed to do so (in its own eyes) with John Connolly, Bush the First, and Ross Perot. Ever since 1968, it's been working to return the USA to its subject status as a colony of Texas under LBJ (chief patron of Brown and Root, etc.).
And since Texas will never renounce the reins, it behooves the rest of us, Republican or Democrat, to grab them back again. And no, Jeb Bush isn't the solution I have in mind here.
The "rest of us"? Unlikely as this may seem, that would include everyone from the Deep South and the Far West, not excluding the citizens of Mississippi, Alabama, Utah and Idaho. Because everyone, absolutely everyone, living beyond the state limits of Texas is subject to the will of its owners, its rulers, and their faithful servants.
alabama |
02.13.06 - 3:55 am | #
I'm glad WHittington is ok, but it would've been amusing/frustrating to see if Cheney could've gotten away with [more] murder....
MissM |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 4:06 am | #
the news spreads: yesterday afternoon around 6pm ET there were 571 stories available on Google about Cheney shooting a man -- this morning there are 1036 stories in English...
Wilson46201 |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 4:23 am | #
a minute ago on CBS there was a quick shot of the ranch sign: It said Richland-Geotherm in large letters but Richardson Ranch in small letters under it. So is this ranch actually owned by an oil corporation? More proof of who Cheney pals around with...
Wilson46201 |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 4:25 am | #
I go to Argentina for vacation every year, and you see these Texan sonsofbitches in the airports with their shotgun cases. They go to slaughter pigeons on these estancias. That there may be one fewer of them for awhile is fine with me.
bob h |
02.13.06 - 4:35 am | #
I don't know why folks are so worked up over the 18- to 22-hour delay in releasing news of this event. The Bush crew clearly needed to engage in a round of emergency focus-group phraseology testing.
It takes time to determine that "peppered," "knocked silly," and "fine" test better, respectively, than "shot," "wounded," and "in the trauma ICU."
And c'mon, guys, give credit where due: it usually takes the Bush administration months to years to cop to a friendly fire incident.
ralphbon |
02.13.06 - 4:36 am | #
Jane:
Just my curiosity as a lawyer in Florida, and not Texas, but can anyone determine whether there are any Texas criminal laws that would apply to the failure to promptly report a gunshot wound inflicted upon another?
By that, I mean, would it be a crime in the legal sense under Texas law for Cheney, Armstrong, the Secret Service or anyone else having knowledge that Cheney had shot Whittington, to knowingly fail to advise Texas law enforcement officials of the incident, or to conspire to prevent any report of such shotting.
Just a dumb Florida lawyer's first reaction to the story (oh well, second, first reaction was, doesn't surprise me that they would shoot someone and then brush it off as no big deal since the person shot wasn't a democrat).
Flori-Duh |
02.13.06 - 5:12 am | #
Cheney probably shot the guy on purpose because he would not cough up enough money...
The Vice-Roi never does anything by accident.
Devil's Advocate |
02.13.06 - 5:16 am | #
so if the guy dies, will veep be charged with involuntary manslaughter? and really, i feel worse for michelle kwan - she got 15 seconds of her rightful and deserved time on the today show stepped on by this story
mc in va |
02.13.06 - 5:17 am | #
Why was Wittington looking for the bird himself? Isn't that the dog's job?
Oh, never mind....
ccmask |
02.13.06 - 5:34 am | #
This incident is so in-Dick-ative of Cheney's evil soul that the next shoe to drop would be for Bigtime to go 'people hunting' in Bagdad.
He would order the occupation command to 'stock' some neighborhoods with (unarmed) 'insurgents' and he and the Caligula from Crawford could blast away to their hearts content.
It only a matter of time before he becomes bored with little cage-raised birds.
.
Gentleman Jim |
02.13.06 - 5:39 am | #
This whole story smells, doesn't it?
The only thing you can rely on with these people is that what they say is not the truth. They twist everything - it's a mindset.
So what's wrong? Usually it's, at least, the bit that keeps getting repeated directly or indirectly.
And the bit I hear through all the different takes is that it was an accident.
The wounding is to the head and upper body. That's a "head shot" to me and fairly close otherwise there would be a more extensive area of wounding I would think.
I reckon if I was under all the pressure Dick is politically plus the thought of keeling over at any minute, I'd be pretty wired. On a hair trigger, so to speak.
Jim |
02.13.06 - 5:42 am | #
Going back to City Girl's link,
It describes how Michael Mason of the FBI objected publicly to the treatment of Stephen Hatfill. It's worth knowing that he got taken off the list of people getting evidence in the Plame investigation in (IIRC) October 2003. After Barbara left, but worth noting.
emptywheel |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 5:44 am | #
You don't actually think this is a dilemma for the NRA do you? They love cheney.
John over at America blog noticed that the AP WAS running the picture [with the cheney story story] of Cheney getting some big, fancy, old shotgun as a gift from the NRA President but the pic changed suddenly- how much do you want to bet someone asked them to change that picture because the connotations were loaded?
The NRA loves these incompetent losers- they won't turn on Cheney and the poor guy who got shot will probably fall on his sword for Cheney- didn't you notice the AP stories are nothing but an "it's not really Dick's fault and this happens all the time with REAL hunters" meme?
I love how all these draft-dodging ninnies feel their crotch grow in size tenfold when they have a $7,000 riftle in their hand (that someone else cleans and maintains), surrounded by bodyguards on a fenced in range where only a fucking moron couldn't go home with a kill. To call it a sport is laughable. Next I expect to see them going to those illegal big game farms where they are guaranteed a kill because the animals are drugged up.
Believe me, our armed forces were better off without these draft-dodging losers.
StacyB |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 5:48 am | #
The NRA/Pickup truck crowd have not been much impressed by the very real damage Cheney has done to this country. But this incident will convince many of them that he really is a doofus. It will hurt him with the uneducated, white "base".
bob h |
02.13.06 - 5:49 am | #
And now on the shooting incident.
How many people believe that Ms Armstrong was just sitting there in a car (probably something like a Suburban, but I'm envisioning a big yellow Cadillac), watching this unfold? I mean, really, either she was hanging out with these guys outside of the car, or (my guess) back home, instructing the help to put together dinner.
emptywheel |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 5:51 am | #
Perhaps this was already mentioned, but I find it eery how this incident encapsulates both the recklessness and the incompetence of this administration.
"I was hunting something (how about Bin Laden?). Somebody got in the way. Too bad. They should not have been there!"
Shoot first and ask questions later. Never admit a mistake. Do not let the public know the facts until we construct an effective "spin."
The only thing missing is an allegation that this is a state secret!
sonate |
02.13.06 - 5:52 am | #
White House aides can be expected to say that the Vice President did not shoot Whittington, which suggests a bullet, but rather sprayed him with birdshot, a type of ammunition made up of tiny pieces of lead or steel.
"sprayed"
Kind of like marking with his scent or something. More of a cute image than anything else.
tryggth |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 5:55 am | #
" This incident will convince many of them that he [Cheney] really is a doofus.".
bob h | 02.13.06 - 5:49 am |
I think bob h is right. Too many hunters have been in similar situations and have not acted so recklessly. I think that it would be tough for the administration to "spin" this "accident" with them.
sonate |
02.13.06 - 5:59 am | #
Land mines and suicide bombers spray tiny pieces of lead and steel too...nothing cute about them. Bottom line is that there was gross negligence on Dick Cheney's part and he's damn lucky he didn't seriously maim or kill this old guy. Luckily for him he shot someone who will gladly pooh-pooh it as a minor deal...but it's not.
dex |
02.13.06 - 6:07 am | #
I have yet to see Chaney saying "I'm sorry." To the vic, or anyone. If it's me out on the range, and my buddy just went down under my fire, I'd be huddled over him screaming bloody murder "I'M SO SORRY!"
not this guy.
========
Don't get too carried away with this diversion from our Constitution's proximity to shredders. This coming week has ominous potential. Like 'briefings' superceding 'hearings' with sworn in witnesses.
blank kludge |
02.13.06 - 6:09 am | #
Reminds me of the hunter who was trying to explain to the judge why his hunting companion died after an accidental gunshot resulted in what appeared to be a non-mortal wound. "He was doing pretty good until I gutted him..."
Larry Martin |
02.13.06 - 6:11 am | #
I mean, really, either she was hanging out with these guys outside of the car, or (my guess) back home, instructing the help to put together dinner.
Good Morning, emptywheel!
I have gone "truck hunting" on a friends large Texas ranch before and sometimes, others who don't hunt come along, so it's not inconceivable. However, her description of seeing it all happen is probably a lie. If anyone had seen the event, there would have been a lot of "duck" and "hey" and "shit!" being yelled. Maybe there was.
Truck hunting on these ranches is when you drive from place to place seeking out the game. You get out of the truck (or don't) and shoot the birds (mostly I hunted dove) in a pretty tight grouping so that no one in in danger and you NEVER swing a gun back toward the truck. It would be awful interesting to see a diagram of where everyone was.
immanentize |
02.13.06 - 6:14 am | #
CityGirl | 02.13.06 - 12:21 am
Wow, got any more of those? tasty!
Edward Teller | 02.13.06 - 12:41 am
I am so pissed at HST for bailing out; he's missing the good part, when the weird turn pro. HST couldn't have doped himself into a plot like this, and here it is, served up on a platter.
emptywheel | Homepage | 02.13.06 - 5:51 am
The vehicle thing could be legit; I'm having a tough time believing Cheney was walking, was probably on a cart or ORV, maybe pickup bed. May not have heard Whittington because of motor noise -- no excuse for shooting at what you cannot see. And there's the chance that Armstrong really was there.
But I'll ask what I asked last night: where was Lynne Cheney?
And a couple more thoughts occur, now that we know the ID of the third hunter: where's Mr. Willeford? There's no Mr. Armstrong, right? No Mrs. Whittington?
I don't think these old coots can get it up, but I'm wondering if they were visiting long-time lady friends. That could be yet another reason for the 22-hour delay.
Rayne |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 6:14 am | #
PS Just heard Cokey Roberts on NPR -- she had to go way out of her way to talk about the shooting being an "accident." She even repeated, "Certainly it was an accident."
A small digression on the word "accident."
When my sweet son (almost 5) gets wild and manic (which happens pretty much every evening -- combo of tiredness and energy) he will often be talking loud and swinging his hands, maybe running around the kitchen and bumping into me and Mrs. Immanentize. We have often commented (privately) on how he behaves like a sailor on shore leave. Anyway, not infrequently, these actions lead to some minor kitchen/dinner event -- milk spilled, dinner plate knocked off the table, and one memorable time tomato soup sprayed somehow onto everyone present except my son!
His first reaction is: "It was an accident."
But we try to have a rule in our house which is that first people are supposed to apologize and we are not supposed to say something was an accident if it resulted from recklessness or carelessness.
Now what Cheney did was at a minimum careless (perhaps reckless). Can you imagine the media's spin if thise were Gore? I am certain it would be more like (and frankly, appropriately) "Vice President Carelessly Shoots Hunting Partner."
I think these guys should be held to at leat five-year-old standrds.
immanentize |
02.13.06 - 6:23 am | #
Dick Cheney's spokesperson said Cheney "spent the afternoon at the hospital" (visiting the guy he shot).
Not quite. On the teevee, the hospital spokesmouth said "fifteen mintues".
Non stop lying.
Steve Kelso |
02.13.06 - 6:26 am | #
flaming lips...my favorite
mcg |
02.13.06 - 6:30 am | #
The mindset of the Bushit/Bigtime Crime Family is beginning to resemble the decadence of the last french kings and queens.
"If they can't afford chicken, let them eat quail."
I guess Big Dick got carried away with the spirit of that tainted era and wanted to conduct his own experiment with that 'off with their heads' meme.
Is this Dick's sad-ass Karma finally showing up to the party a day late and a dollar short.
.
Gentleman Jim |
02.13.06 - 6:31 am | #
Bit a bullshit goin on about the great reporting delay eh?
Property owner gooper says "why things was jest so busy round here ya know- that we jest didn't think about it fer a while"day).
Cheney people say: "why we thought it'd be courteous an Texan ta let that property owner do tha reportin"
Texans may vote gooper- but they can sure smell bullshit- an this is bullshit.
rwcole |
02.13.06 - 6:34 am | #
Just woke up on the Pacific coast. Hary is still alive. Oh well. Still, in the Olympic spirit, he could have taken one for the team, and cashed in his chips overnight. Still might, though. "USA! USA!..."
If that sounds a tad cold blooded, just remember any friend of Dick's is a sonofabitch. No exceptions.
Sonoma |
02.13.06 - 6:36 am | #
TBogg
" leave the quail, take the cannoli"
obligatory apologies if already posted
clare boothe lucid |
02.13.06 - 6:40 am | #
Betcha Cheney figured out at the last minute that the hospital had a mandatory reporting obligation for gunshot wounds- and finally reported it?
rwcole |
02.13.06 - 6:40 am | #
Why are Cheney and Bush always on a trip or vaction?
We are a nation at war,shouldn't someone spend some time at the White House?
Bush takes off to speak to invitation only group,then returns back to DC. How effective would any employee be if they were always traveling?
How much work would get done?
How many full days have Bush and Cheney spent in DC?
TANK |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 6:41 am | #
Hunting-related accidents rare, state data show.
In 2004, Texas' 1 million-plus hunters were involved in 29 hunting-related accidents, four of which were fatal. The overall accident rate, in 2004 2.7 per 100,000 licenses sold Texas Parks and Wildlife Department records show.
Statistically in Texas, shotgunners tend to be involved in the most hunting accidents — 19 of the 29, or 65 percent, in 2004.
And that's because their shotshells contain an average of 250-300 pellets. So, getting hit by just a few would count as an accident. But a face and chestful? Seem to be the rarest of rare.
fred |
02.13.06 - 6:42 am | #
At least on CNN, one of the crawls reads "Police are investigating but BELIEVE it to be an accident" (caps mine), though the lower crawl still says "accidental" before shooting.
My question repeated from the first thread on the subject yesterday: if there is an investigation shouldn't the CM avoid an adjective before "shooting" or if one is used, used, say "apparant", "alledged" or "presumed"--something like that?
Also, at one point yesterday a party of four was reported. That probably means Armstrong as #4, but I'd want to see some follow up on that.
And seriously...two men and two women without spouses anywhere around. More and more like Cheneyquiddick all the time.
froggermarch |
02.13.06 - 6:44 am | #
emptywheel, your deciphering of Scooter's (Nixon's) lawyer Jeffress' latest installment of closing the barn door AFTER the horses have run off ("No, we did not say that we wanted everyone to know that Dick routinely orders his lieutenant to leak classified information, we did not say that! We really don't want that information to be public! No we don't! Do you understand? We don't want that information to be public!!!) is looking more and more precise. Dick (go fuck yourself) Cheney goes ballistic with the newscycle, decides to go to Texas and "spray" a shotgun for its therapeutic purposes. Gotta love those wordsmiths in the WH.
You have written lately, eloquently as always, about the power of narrative. Hundreds of Democratic losses and humiliations set forces in motion that led to Fitz, which in turn have led to the opening of many other narratives that Big Dick and his pals didn't like. Still many miles to go in our journey, however, along a very dangeous path.
John Casper |
02.13.06 - 6:45 am | #
rwcole | 02.13.06 - 6:40 am | I lost track of how many zingers came from you last night, but my sides still hurt.
John Casper |
02.13.06 - 6:47 am | #
If anyone knows the carelessness of what Cheney did it's the NRA. The NRA is made up of hunters and they stress safety at all times. If they didn't, they would have to face even more critics than they do already. But my point is, is that if anyone knows about the safely violations that had to have occured, it would be those in the NRA.
cathy |
02.13.06 - 6:50 am | #
Immanentize:
Excellent point re careless vs accidental. I believe "accidental" is also frequently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan to describe checkpoint slaughters and vaporized wedding parties.
ralphbon |
02.13.06 - 6:50 am | #
They like to shoot caged birds so much, I hear Tyson's and Purdue are looking for a couple good chicken killers in their factorys in WVA and Arkansas.
Ha...seems like he took that chicken hawk stuff to heart.
Oops..I forgot , he doesn't have one.
John |
02.13.06 - 6:53 am | #
immanentize | 02.13.06 - 6:14 am | Another great catch immanentize, that diagram should be in reports filed by the Secret Service. It's not totally out of the realm of possibility that someone was shooting video. It sounds as though Dick was pissed off at the 78 year-old "showoff" (major props to Tortise above at 3:31) bagging two birds with one shot. Maybe some ambitious Secret Service agent thought Dick would like video of himself bagging two with one shot.
John Casper |
02.13.06 - 6:55 am | #
If Mr. Whittington does not get "his side" of the story out soon, Cheney will go with one of his two "narratives:"
"Dick Cheney, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE"
or
"NSA reveals al Quaida links to Texas Lawyer."
John Casper |
02.13.06 - 7:03 am | #
Why the 22-hour coverup???
Why the 22-hour coverup???
Why the 22-hour coverup????
And another question, a couples-weekend for two ol' white farts not with their wives...whaddya suppose the RW "values" crowd would say if this were a Dem politician?
And, as a sometime hunter, what these guys were doing is NO WAY hunting, anymore than that shoot-the-ducks carny game is hunting.
Prairie Sunshine |
02.13.06 - 7:21 am | #
Here's a photo of their hunting companion, the ambassador:
IMO, drinking was involved in this whole affair, but I think it may be more than alcohol...
"l'amour, l'amour,
tourjour l'amour"
Let me throw this out. This situation is all the more curious because we now
a. have the third party, who is heretofore not mentioned, revealed to be the appointed ambassador blah blah blah(what is her background/history/crony connection?), but importantly FEMALE.
b. have two men out at the ranch on a lunch/dinner date and shooting quail (not to mention shooting the breeze) with two ladies.
c. have a 18-24 hour delay in reporting, thus giving time for the couples to get the stories straight.
d. have Dead-eye Dick making sure we know that he shows up at the hospital with the victim's wife....GREAT PR!!!!
(Where was victim's wife before all this?)
(Where was Lynne Cheney?)
(We know that Armstrong is divorced, so we don't need to find out about her husband.)
(and what of Ms. Swiss-Miss?)
Excuse me if I'm reading too much into the tea leaves, BUT if this find band of "sport" enthuisiasts wish to keep their hunting "affairs" private, we are fooling ourselves if we think anything like the truth will be coming out of their mouths.
neojoe |
02.13.06 - 8:04 am | #
OOPS, "fine band" not "find band"
neojoe |
02.13.06 - 8:09 am | #
Poor dick was confused...he thought they said "We're going out and shoot some peasants!"....Is there a two lawyer limit in Texas? I'm not sure plugging a barrister is even a crime down there. Two old cowboys, out alone in the woods, in their annual bacchanalia of buckshot and booze....Brokeback Massacre!
stromthurmonuclear |
02.13.06 - 8:13 am | #
Well Raw story has a hell of a story up on their website.....
This could be a serious haymaker to the staggering Bushniks....
El Perro Patron - loved your poetry! just a FYI, after posting, either exit from Haloscan or *hit Publish* once again with a blank screen. That will prevent double-posting.
Kathryn in MA |
02.13.06 - 10:00 am | #
ReddHedd,
I love your work here at FDL! Especially good stuff on the October Skies-West Virginia mining accident angle. I usually just lurk about but I’m doing a missive here as I think there's a little a country boy can help out on. While I hesitate to suggest cutting Darth Cheney some slack on our "Have Fun with Dick and Maim" moment perhaps we really should. Dick is admittedly what seems to be the personification of evil. I grieve for all the many wrongs Bu$hCo has caused our world. Even if Cheney isn’t the “brains” behind this disaster of an administration I do loathe nearly everything I’ve learned about the man. He is a bully, a liar, a traitor, a profiteer, and apparently a really poor hunting buddy.
Still, after reading FDL and a few other efforts, I wonder if the ReThugs and the Freepers might not be able to make a little hay with some of our responses. They make lemonade out of lemons it seem all the time with the Mighty Wurlitzer. Maybe it is just a case of me being hesitant to give them any extra sugar to work with. Indeed seeing Dick in a bit of a fix is sweet, although I hate to see anybody, even a true believer on Big Hat or Big Oil land, hurt. It will probably be a badge of honor among his set so all’s well that ends well one can hope. Also, from what I know of the vic he could have likely gotten a heck of a deal on a funeral!
I'm writing from rural Alabama so I know a bit about bobwhites, which I guess is what is most common there in South Texas. If this was indeed a “canned” hunt I’d bet bobwhites were used as they are likely more obtainable and cheaper to boot. I've noticed some posts don't even seem to get the likely variety as their image demonstrated yet perhaps I'm being especially picky. “Buckshot” causes a grimace and the how high they fly comment means I need to invite rustbelt down to the Highland pines for a visit. One thing I do know is that birds, especially pen raised ones that may have very well been placed on this "hunt" rather than seeking out wild ones, do often hold very tight. The idea that any quail is especially spooky is not accurate based on my experience. Some wild coveys can get up before you get close yet I’d bet this Cadillac Ranch had the carpet rolled out for these high rollers. I bet they have a Jeep or truck rigged to move hunters about with seating areas (and coolers!) for hangers on and/or hosts. Again, this is a very Big Hat family from what I’ve learned.
Pointers or setters or other nose dogs locate the coveys and the hunter(s), usually no more than two or maybe three depending on how big the set looks, walk up to bust out the birds. Most do fly rather low but you often do shoot at or above eye level. It depends on the bird and the cover and … Good (and sober!) bird hunters locate everyone, especially the dogs, before the flush. Pen birds often set in close enough where they fly out amongst you. That could well be part of the issue here if Big Dick was being greedy, and we’d all imagine that couldn’t we, and not willing to let a spare wait until a proper time to work a good shot. With Cheney a bit hefty and abundantly dosed with a God complex I could see him shouldering up on a bird that was being contrary. Sort of like how he handled a certain former Ambassador that was being uncooperative?
In my youth I knew to let a kamikaze or sidewinder bird clear a bit and then, if and only if, a safe shot was there I’d take it. You lead little if any with a bobwhite as it is mostly point and shoot. If one is angling away to the side there’s some need to follow with your barrels and shoot as they pass the bird yet it is very instinctual to most experienced shooters. I expect Dick has burned cases of shells doing sporting clays and the like so surely he can shoot.
For him to use a 28 gauge, probably a high end over and under, is also perhaps bit of a snob thing even with his heart issues. It’s almost a size thing in reverse among the shotgun crowd. The barrel length was likely anywhere from a 26 to 32 depending on one’s tastes. I use a 28 with some longer screw in choke tubes for the rare Sporting Clays shoot and the even rarer hunt. You generally use a more open choke for bobwhites. Taylor’s husband might know weaponry yet a bird gun is a different animal, as is shooting behind nose dogs. Again, picking up singles is part of the “sport” so good hunters pass of the shaky shots. I enjoyed quail mostly for watching the dogs work so that would have been gravy to me. Maybe that is why the Mistress of the Armstrong Ponderosa was observing. I however expect she was a touch voyeuristic with the Prince of Darkness using his tiny weapon, even if apparently poorly handled.
You don't need to shout out to let folks know where you are but if I was hunting with a new group I'd be cautious as I could be. A little whistle or wave is enough. A neophyte might not know this yet I expect this man had downed a few birds in his day. Also, somebody like a guide or farm hand should have been watching on this “seasoned” crew if they are all as old as it sounds. If a few Lone Stars or Shiner Bocks had been tipped then either or both might have been pickled before Counselor Whittington was peppered. If the cover was mesquite and/or cedar it could have been that somebody was screened. Maybe W needs to bring his chain saw down there from Crawford?
Best case from what I’ve read is that this is merely an accident. Maybe Dick was not appropriately licensed or was liquored up or he dropped his gun or wasn’t using safe and wise practices (five deferments from hunter safety training?) or … but I doubt there’s a criminal case. Especially in Bush, God and gun loving South Texas. From my time doing criminal defense practice I’d expect to walk Dick off without a scratch beyond perhaps a citation yet if it is private property there in Texas perhaps not even that. Again, I'm assuming he did not have a license simply from some reports. If Dick was drinking then the first thing a handler worth a damn would have had him do was down a shot or two of liquor, merely to calm his nerves of course, to throw off issues of intoxication. If an issue in fact on the alcohol, or whatever else, one can surely assume that Mrs. Carville and her crew got everybody together on the story. We’ll want more information if it is out there but getting all worked up and pondering seems a waste of time, especially when a fair number of people don’t apparently know the difference between a Pointer and a Poodle and mostly certainly when we've got bigger fish to fry. If I’m a Freeper or NRA wingnut reading some of this stuff then I’m think WTF are these leftist goobers thinking. Let’s not give them any more to work with folks!
Seriously, shotguns, even 8 or 9 shot, can make a mess. And for a final dose of seriousness I’ll tell you why I know this. My old Daddy, a former High Sheriff down here in the boonies, was shot three times with a 12 gauge loaded with 8 shot when I was a mere lad of just seven. Close range for two shots but the first one was from a ways off. Dad was working around our farm and the shooter, allegedly one of his old customers with a grudge coming off a three day drunk, closed on him easily after knocking him down with the first shot. I saw what these little pellets can do as the sawbones were picking shot out of him for well over a year. Lost an eye and was mangled in the left arm and shoulder. We’ve still got papers with holes in and blood on that he was carrying that day. Tough old coot that he was those gunshots darned near killed him. Dad got in his pickup, hooked up to a cattle trailer carrying a heifer to the vet, and tried to run over the SOB as he reloaded. He made it to a neighbor's house and stayed aware long enough to fix the horn where it would sound off so they'd know he was in a jam. The old man lived another thirty years and was even able to take some peace in visiting the gravesite for the man that shot him. So I likely do know more about both ends of a gun than most.
The main thing with Dead Eye Dick’s hunting buddy might be this old geezer’s age and connectedness plus the fact that his checks will likely clear at the hospital. If you’ve got a good goose pick ‘em clean.” as my Daddy used to say. Finally there’s the fact that since Aaron Burr no VP has shot a man. I’d make sure he got the best of treatment if I was with Bu$hCo or representing the Armstrong family.
Let’s get back to PlameGate and Katrina and NSA/FISA and Iraq and Iran and Medicare and Black Jack and The Hammer and NCLB and … Keep up the good fight FDL!
Captain Plaid |
Homepage |
02.13.06 - 10:13 am | #
How the hell do you see a covey of quail at 100 yards? You generally don't see them until they jump (from underneath your feet or the dog's, usually) and fly.
I know a lot of TX doesn't have ground cover like we do in NC, but it would be easy to miss a quail standing in the middle of the road at 100 yards.
The more they talk, the more BS I smell - usually first sign of a cover-up!
diogenes |
02.13.06 - 10:37 am | #
Who the hell is this Pamela Willeford? How old is she? Is she attractive? What connection does she have with Cheney?
Come on, folks. Dig!!
Cassius Chaerea |
02.13.06 - 12:08 pm | #
