<p>I think that Cheney made another dumb mistake. Our generation in Oregon (+50’s), all (even the gurls) were indoctrinated in gun safety. I still remember mine in 2nd or 3rd grade. </p>
<p>So armed with a hunting license, a frequent hunter, and knowledgeable of a weapon of mass destruction (shotgun vs a covey of quail), would a person be personally and perhaps greater consequences be liable for this type of misfortune? What would happen if the situation of the shootee becomes much, much more serious?</p>
<p>Since some of the persons involved are not resident to this state, but who specifically crossed states to participate in this sport, and are entertaining a foreign national with credentials, and doing so on taxpayer’s expense; Is this a federal case and not a state case?</p>
<p>Former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater criticized Vice President Dick Cheney Tuesday for delaying the release of information about his hunting accident on Saturday, saying Cheney “ignored his responsibility to the American people.”</p>
<p>OK, from a civil law standpoint, yes he could be sued for negligence. Of course it is never that simple: did the other person assume the risk by engaging in an inherently dangerous sport? This is a fact questions that would have to be litigated.</p>
<p>From a criminal law standpoint it is doubtful any charges would be filed, although depending on all the facts, I could concieve of a “reckless discharge” being filed by a DA out to make a name for him/herself.</p>
<p>The more the White House hides, the more I’m starting to believe that the Veep had challenged the Ol’ Geezer to a duel at 30 paces, right there in the middle of South Texas hobby ranch. They probably had the them music from Bonanza playing on the limo CD changer.</p>
<p>Okay, there are rumors going around about ANOTHER reason for the delay, but as they are just rumors, well, I will not share until it comes out…but they are interesting to say the least</p>
<p>Apparently(todays news), the companion was behind, Cheney, opposite of direction of travel. Cheney heard noise, swung around, shot at noise, who was wearing, dayglow hunter appareal. </p>
<p>the excuse proffered: victim didn’t announce himself as he approached Cheney from behind. I don’t hunt so I don’t know the protocol but how can safety and protocol not be closely related in hunting???</p>
<p>Look, the Vice President thought Mr. Whittington was a quail. In this post 9/11 world, he could not afford to take chances. So what if the intelligence turned out to be wrong. Shooting Mr. Whittington was the right thing to do and totally within the framework of the No Quail Left Behind policy.</p>
<p>Okay the story is that there was a single woman hunting with them during the weekend- yet that diodn’t come out until today</p>
<p>You got to old guys hunting and maybe or maybe not it was all innocent- no drinking, no hanky panky, no politics with lobbyists, it could be all above board, but when you delay like that, well, it looks funny to say the least</p>
<p>The “delay” was perfectly logical. I’m basically nobody, and even I don’t talk to press without a PR person with me, and preferably they do all the talking for me. Only a foolish person would talk to press without professional guidance. Cheney had no press with him. </p>
<p>I’m also a single woman - actually an incredibly drop dead gorgeous single woman - who travels on overnight business trips, dines with, etc. married gentleman, and not a single one of us ever does or even slightly hints at anything improper, even though there are often many social components to such trips. In many cases their wives know me, and they certainly trust me, and they trust their husbands. I do not see anything wrong with single women hunting with married gentlemen, and I object to the insinuation (comments like that that are often injurious to the career trajectory of single women). </p>
<p>Lots and lots of people are registered lobbyists, it’s very normal to have alcohol in a car in such an environment; the license wasn’t “inadequate”; the sticker requirement was new this year and in any case a staffer neglected to get it for him - but the staffer didn’t know, because no one at the licensing office told him at time of registration. </p>
<p>CGM, it was a HUNTING ACCIDENT. I know you wish desperately it were far more, but, it just isn’t.</p>