Consistency Test

Over the weekend, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a man in the head and chest while on a hunting trip. The man is currently hospitalized with birdshot still in him. This could potentially bring criminal charges to our VP, as he is the one who pulled the trigger.

I bring this up because many politicians accuse other politicians of being lenient to their friends, just like some people accuse dorm staff members of being lenient to fellow staff members. So I'll take this test of consistency: do I think Cheney did something wrong? Should he be held accountable, or was it just an accident? Some people may say no, it wasn't his fault the guy got in the way. But my answer is yes.

I like to shoot. Last fall, I got my NRA rifle and shotgun instructor certifications. As I was in the Boy Scouts as a kid, I also did some shooting there. The three NRA SUPER-MEGA-ULTRA-DON'T FORGET THESE-UBER-IMPORTANT rules that you learn are:

1. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Mr. Cheney was following Rule 3 because he was ready to use the gun. When you're hunting, you don't have time to load the gun when you see your target, especially with fast-moving targets like birds. So many hunters have their guns loaded while out hunting. However, he (obviously) did not keep the muzzle (where the bullet/pellets come out at the front) pointed in a safe direction. This violates Rule 2. I suppose he was following Rule 1, as he was trying to shoot the flying birds. But Rule 2 is pretty important. As much as it pains me to say it, Cheney is completely responsible for this incident. It would seem that he can't really avoid being charged with at least something. I pray that the wounded man will recover and that everything will work out in the end. What a terrible circumstance for our dear Vice President.