If You Speak Up, then the Quail Will Win

Well Jon Stewart sure didn't disappoint. But watching the Cheney-shooting-a-guy-in-the-face story play out in the news cycle, it amazes me that right there in there, again, is the root of all the trouble that people seem to have with this administration.

This is a nothing story. It's so obviously a hunting accident, unfortunate, but not anything sinister. (EDIT: Well, except if you have something against shooting canned, pen-raised animals rather than actually, you know, going hunting -- the part of the story that isn't getting much play outside of The Daily Show. Thanks to Alex for that catch.) Point is, It's a one-day story.

Except the conduct of the administration makes it more:

• Wait a day to disclose something that they should have gotten out in front of immediately.
• Spin it so that you blame the victim, which leads to the refutation stories by wildlife officials.
• Keep the VP out of sight and unwilling to comment, insuring that you can't put it behind you
• Change your story a couple of times about how and when the President found out.

The mania this administration has for secrecy knows no bounds. How is it possible that these guys haven't learned in more than thirty years, that it's not the event itself, but the cover-up you have to watch out for?

In other news -- I know it's Valentine's Day, so before I tell you how much I love each and every one of you in my special way in my secret places, let me tell you that I love this post.

It's beautiful to see someone make an argument, and then see a bunch of commenters prove the argument for him.