Image in Cheney’s Glasses Angered Me
When the blogosphere erupted in wild speculation this afternoon of an image reflected in Vice President Cheney’s sunglasses, my curiosity was piqued. What could all the fuss be about, I asked myself as I typed “Cheney” and “sunglasses” in the Google search box. When the image appeared on my screen, I was somewhat disappointed that all the fuss was for nothing. The image also angered me in a way that probably only a few could appreciate.
The image, upon first glance was recognized immediately. It’s is obviously a reflection of a persons arm casting a fly rod. No, the anger was not the realization that the image was not anything closely resembling the speculations that were running rampant all over the web. The anger resulted in the fact that I was reminded he was a fly fisherman. I didn’t really appreciate being reminded of that fact!
I, along with everybody else who partakes in this sport/past-time/hobby/stress relieving activity know what I’m talking about. Fly fishing, also referred to as “the quiet sport” is more of a mental activity than a physical one, but it is different things to different people. For me it’s my “Zen.” There is something very calming about listening to the sound of the river of creek you are standing in, and realizing that everything depends on your skill to present the pattern in just the right way as to imitate it’s living counterpart to entice the fish to take your offering. If you’ve done it right, and the fish strikes, you’ve got a battle on your hands! A hefty Cutthroat or Bull Trout on light fly gear is an invigorating thrill, and requires skill and tact to land your catch. And yes, I practice catch and release! But that’s not what this is about, well sort of.
The part that angered me the most about the picture is it made me want to “politicize” my favorite pastime. After it sunk in, all I could ask myself was “how could he be able to enjoy this wonderful pastime (which he obviously is, judging by the smile on his face) after all he’s done to bring shame to America. Lying about Iraq having WMD. Authorizing the use of torture by the CIA. His part in rallying support for the invasion of Iraq. His response of “so?” when asked about public opinion polls. The list goes on and on of all the things I don’t like and trust about this man.
Then I tried to justify his apparent pleasure of being able to partake in the art of fly fishing while he has sent the sons and daughters of other fly fishermen to war by telling myself “that he’s not human, and has no sole, so I shouldn’t be too shocked.” The image invoked feelings of anger, hate, denial, and then depression. I knew he enjoyed fly fishing, but over the past 7 years that fact had slipped my mind. It had been replaced by more relevant thoughts about who and what Dick Cheney is all about, none of which I respect.
But now that spring is in the air, my spare winter hours were spent tying this spring and summer’s hatch patterns, and the fly lines have been cleaned and conditioned, but as of today I feel an emptiness inside. The picture of Cheney has dampened my enthusiasm to get back out on the water this spring. He obviously doesn’t look saddened that our country is still at war, but this picture has reminded me that we are.
I always felt that I’d enjoy fly fishing until I was no longer physically able to do it. But after today, I almost feel as if I’m no longer emotionally willing to do it. There is a lot of truth to the old saying, “a picture speaks a thousand words.” And this picture is speaking thousands of words to me that I don’t like.
Technorati Tags: Dick Cheney, Fly Fishing, Image, Sun Glasses, Reflection
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I’ll bet Cheney also sleeps, eats, enjoys sex, watches movies, reads books, and a bunch of other things you two have in common. Are you giving all of those up, too? Or was this post about giving up fly fishing because Cheney is a fly fisherman as much hyperbolic political vitriol as those would be?
I don’t like the man, either. But there are several people I know who fly fish whom I want nothing to do with. I even like the Dixie Chicks’ music and a couple of movies Rosie O’Donnel has appeared in. But I don’t much care for their politics, antics, and/or hypocrisy. I can’t stand Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern. But if I wound out they fly fished it wouldn’t dampen my love of the sport one iota.
But if you’re serious about Cheney and fly fishing, you can donate all of your gear to Project Healing Waters. A bunch of those folks who were wounded as a result of this war would truly appreciate it.
It can be tough when you find out that someone you don’t like likes something that you do. What if s/he likes sex, or eating, or breathing, or walking their dog? Then you can NEVER do any of those things again! Dang this crazy world.
Get a grip!
Why do so many people seem to forget this. Support the Iraq war or not, NO ONE has been “sent” to fight this war. They VOLUNTEERED. To constantly imply that our sons and daughters were rounded up by our evil leaders and sent off to die , is intelectual dishonesty and makes the choice by every service person to serve their country, seem insignificant. If the reflection in Chenney’s glasses truly upset you that much, you need to take a look at your own reflection and maybe add a few more “Zen” hobbies. By the way, Chenney has two “soles” and one “soul”.
During WWII there was an infamous Nazi who loved
playing the violin. I have forgotten his name. He was assassinated in a small European town and, in retaliation, the Germans slaughtered every single
townsperson. One evil string-instrument player (two, if we count Nero) does not detract from the fact that most musicians are a credit to civilization.