I'm not heartsick for the VP, I'm proud of him. Accidents happen in this imperfect world of ours. Sometimes they happen due to a momentary lapse, or due to outright negligence. However, most of the time they just happen for no reason than a confluence of random circumstances. This hunting accident was just such a situation.
There is something perverse in us human beings. Something that likes to be very judgmental of others, to second-guess, and to revel in their human failings -- even though we are subject to the same failings.
Leaving the matter of media notification aside, the Vice President has handled this near-tragedy with his usual class and dignity. He is an intensely reserved man and a rarity in this media-besotted age in which we live. Not only doesn't he seek out the media spotlight, but he tends to shy away from it. Many modern politicians and other public figures would trample their own mothers in their haste to run to a microphone at the slightest excuse. Dick Cheney is not now, nor has he ever been such a media whore.
I may be a minority of one in this opinion, but I applaud the Vice President for NOT thinking first and foremost of himself and the public relations aspects of this accident.
We maybe in the minority of 2 because I agree with you
You are not alone.
I applaud the VP for his reserve and disrespect and distrust of the press. He did what he needed to do and took care of his friend first.
It's just unbelievable to me that even most of the commentators on FNC seems to think that he could have issued a press release earlier, as though that would have made any of this different or better. The last thing on his mind has been the media.
We've become a celebrity culture and everyone seemingly wanting their 15 minutes of fame. There are those of us who run in the opposite direction of that and the VP is one such man.
But knowing and seeing how upset he was today, all these days after the accident, I am grieved for him because it's something he'll never forget or forgive himself for. He has handled himself with class and dignity, and I expected no less from him.
I hurt for his hurt but I also feel much pride in this man for the very thoughts you put forth in your post.
Thank you!
Excellent, excellent post.
Bravo.
[...I applaud the Vice President for NOT thinking first and foremost of himself...]
Beautifully said. Our Vice President is in a class above the rest. How
uncommon to hear such forthrightness. A Patriot AND a gentleman.