For the Birds

This concerns VP Dick Cheney's visit to our fair city of Tallahassee, graft capital of Florida. My comments are non-partisan. However, as this was a hunting visit, I will point out that on this account alone we know he's a Republican, for not only does he hunt, he takes glee in it.

I was trapped on the Interstate because its blockage was unannounced. It was blocked to protect Cheney while he was going North to hunt and kill enemy combatant birds.

My criticism involves the use of government funds and personnel assets so that Cheney could kill birds. Previously, I have questioned the use of Air Force 2 for personal uses such as campaigning, and now this. Killing birds is not a function of Vice Presidential duties; therefore, why do the taxpayer dollars pay for his transportation? Federal, State, local police, Secret Service and FBI assets were utilized to provide security. All of this cost money.

What was the actual cost for Mr. Cheney's little shoot 'em up? I am gratified only to know that it was not all roses for Mr. Cheney, as he could not waterboard the birds after they were shot. What a bummer. Hopefully though, his eyes were doing a little better than we hear were those of the shooters on Pat Tillman's fratricidal Ranger squad, so as to stave off any more unfortunate events.

If public officials want to pursue personal hobbies, then let them reimburse all levels of government for the expenditures required for their security.