15 February 2010 | The Dark One Still Speaks

Former Vice President (and real president) Dick Cheney just can't shut up, and he likes it that way.

Once again, Republicans show that they don't defer to made-up traditions about former White House occupants keeping their mouths shut while the new guys move in. Almost immediately, Cheney started bad-mouthing the Obama Administration and embarked on a slow campaign to sow fear and doubts in the minds of gullible voters.

Boo hoo, you might say, that's too bad. And indeed, when you're dealing with Republicans, you have to expect ever changing definitions of assholery because these fucks live on the hate and fear they spread since it's their lifeblood. But having said all that, why is Cheney giving our enemies the impression that we're divided and weak? By insisting that Obama has "forgotten we're at war," and damning talk of closing Guantánamo to, in their words, let the the terrorists run free in America, I wouldn't be surprised if the jihadis find this proof that America is a paper tiger. Lots of talk, lots of threats, but nothing to worry about.

Of course, making America look weak to score cheap points is the Republican way, and why shouldn't they pursue this? It works! Americans are terrified over the prospect of Guantánamo inmates being housed on American soil -- they ain't going to Club Fed, folks. The terror trial of Khalid Sheik Muhammad is not going to be held in New York after a quick about face by government and state officials in New York. Slowly and surely, having Dick Cheney look like an unsanctioned speaker (PUH-LEEZE!) is a load of bullshit: he's doing the dirty work because that's how he operates, and he's laying groundwork for the standard Republican charge that Democrats are weak on national security. How long do you think it will be before a Republican presidential candidate asks, "Do you feel safer under Barack Obama?" Chances are, having squelched health care, the Republicans will succeed in sowing enough doubt in the minds of stupid people to make that question seem legit.