There's no vacation from lying

Dick Cheney surfaced today in an appearance probably timed as a distraction from Week 3 of Dubya's 5 week vacation. There was nothing especially remarkable about his speech to decorated war veterans, once one has accepted his usual standard for dishonesty and his own "other priorities" approach to military service when he had the chance. Set in the context of last year's presidential campaign though, one thing does stand out:

Vice President's Remarks at the 73rd National Convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Springfield, Missouri

... Members of this order come from all regions of the country, and from every walk of life, but you share a distinction that all citizens recognize and respect: The medal you wear is the oldest decoration in the American armed forces, created by General George Washington and originally named the Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart is the only award that comes not through any recommendation or approval, but as a matter of right to those wounded in combat. ... You put your life on the line for the United States of America. You bled in freedom's cause, and you have the nation's gratitude.

All citizens respect? Not the ones at the Republican National Convention in New York City last year.