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LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG.

Article Excerpt
Byline: The Register-Guard

Cheney shooting badly handled

We've seen and heard a plethora of tasteless jokes regarding Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of a hunting buddy. They seem all the more tasteless now that we realize how seriously wounded the victim was. In fairness to the writers, however, let's not forget the first releases of information downplayed the gravity of the accident, making it less offensive to target Cheney with political humor.

Let's also not forget that the handling of the incident from the onset could hardly have been worse. Had you or I been involved the same accident, law enforcement representatives would have been immediately involved investigating the circumstances of the accident, including a likely blood test of the shooter to determine the possibility of alcohol or drug involvement.

Had such an open, forthright approach been taken, Cheney - assuming there were no incriminating circumstances - would have been cleared of the cloud of suspicion which now exists.

Being vice president should not exempt an individual from normal police procedures when one is involved in such an accident. If anything, a responsible political leader should have insisted upon such procedures. Such actions would have protected Cheney's own self-interest, demonstrated that he didn't consider himself above the law and set a good example for the rest of us should we be involved in such an accident.

It's unfortunate Cheney thought otherwise.

GARY CRUM

Junction City

Constitution...

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