Negligence

I spent most of yesterday driving, and I checked in sporadically with the talk radio shows. Nearly every host spent his entire shift talking about Vice President Cheney's weekend hunting accident. Cheney accidentally shot his friend Harry Whittington on Saturday, and the story didn't break until Sunday. The White House press corps has been throwing a conniption ever since. Their objection? They weren't notified in a timely manner.

The whole situation is absurd. It's currently on the front page of every major news website, and it has been a lead story for the past three days. Tonight will be no different. Let me be clear: This is a story of absolutely zero consequence.

Is there anyone who honestly believes Cheney intentionally shot his 78-year-old friend? Is there anyone who thinks Cheney was criminally negligent, or impaired by drugs or alcohol? Does anyone believe that charges should be filed — that if Whittington dies, Cheney should be impeached?

Of course not. This was a hunting accident, nothing more. It has no political ramifications. It doesn't affect our national security or our international relations. This is a story of absolutely zero consequence, yet it has dominated our national press for three days and counting.

What the hell.