Cheney criticises everyone who isn't him

In an interesting paradoxical article in the NY Times, Dick Cheney is quoted thus:

"I do not believe it is wrong to criticize the war on terror or any aspect thereof," Mr. Cheney said in an appearance before the American Enterprise Institute here. "Disagreements, arguments and debate are the essence of democracy, and none of us should want it any other way."

The vice president said "energetic debate" on important issues is the sign of a healthy political system, and one of the reasons he has stayed in public life.

But moments later, he described as "dishonest and reprehensible" any suggestion that President Bush or anyone in his administration had manipulated intelligence to exaggerate the threat posed by Saddam Hussein.

"Some of the most irresponsible comments have come from politicians who actually voted in favor of authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein," Mr. Cheney said.

So, let me get this straight:

• People who question the morality of a war, when new evidence comes to light that the reasons for that war were exaggerated are "dishonest and reprehensible".


• People who support a war based on certain evidence and then change their mind when that evidence vanishes are irresponsible.


• "Disagreements, arguments and debate are the essence of democracy", but people who disagree with the Bush White House are reprehensible (as well as dishonest and irresponsible).

H'okay, you win. Obviously there's no reasoning with you, Mr. Cheney.