I am re-posting a diary from two months ago because not only has Dick Cheney continued to up the ante in the "torture-gate" fiasco, but it increasingly appears that the cold-hearted geezer really has something to hide. In addition, the present argument over the CIA's veracity as it applies to Nancy Pelosi's recent accusations, is strangely reminiscent of the aftermath of the Iran-Contra scandal during the glorious years of the Reagan regime. It appears that the closer we get to the truth of what went on in the Bush White House, the level of panic among the GOP hightens, and the shrillness of their rhetoric escalates accordingly. The GOoPers are circling the wagons as we speak.
You know it and I know it; Dick Cheney is one of the most diabolical individuals to have ever served in American government. President Obama was absolutely correct in calling Cheney out on "60 Minutes," back in March, but I am concerned that his present indifference in pursuing an investigation of Cheney’s role in illegal rendition, imprisonment, and torture of suspected terrorists, and alleged involvement in ordering and planning the assassination of perceived enemies, may preclude the possibility of any future accounting of Cheney’s single-handed policy-making in this regard. Simply stated, the snarling "Dickster" may sooner than later, take his secrets to the grave.
In 1987, William J. Casey, CIA Director under Ronald Reagan, and principal architect of the arms-for-hostages deal which became known later as the Iran-Contra affair, died of brain cancer. His untimely illness prevented him from testifying before a Congressional panel, as part of an investigation, that if carried to its logical completion, may have precipitated the impeachment of Saint Ronnie. Many of Reagan’s soldiers fell on their swords but were later pardoned by George H.W. Bush. But it was Casey, and Casey alone, that could have brought Reagan down. No one could have possibly known that he would have been suddenly stricken and thus, unable to provide damning testimony, and there was no guarantee that he would have cooperated. But as the old saying goes, "strike while the iron is hot." In retrospect, it appears that the Reagan-appointed Tower Commission slow-walked the investigation and absolved Reagan of any culpability; a conclusion that surprised no one. Over time, and with the clarity of hindsight, a more accurate version of events has emerged. Had Casey lived to testify, and had he cooperated, we might have known then what we know now.
There is a lesson in this for President Obama and his Congressional allies. Dick Cheney is marked with a short expiration date. Given his history of cardiac problems, his obesity, and most importantly, his incessant anger, it would not surprise me to hear that bookmakers have him at very long odds to survive past the next presidential election. At the very least, Cheney should be deposed, under oath, ASAP. Otherwise, the only one that will hear his testimony will be William J. Casey (because something tells me they are going to be neighbors).