Cheney, master of stealth, readies himself for the final act of 'imperial' vice-presidency

We can only hope and pray that it won't be the final act for the planet.

We seem to be pretty much helpless to do anything else.

Cheney, master of stealth, readies himself for the final act of 'imperial' vice-presidency - Independent Online Edition > Americas:

Whether giving a green light for the US to torture suspects to the point of 'organ failure... or even death', to rolling back environmental measures, or clearing the way for the invasion of Iraq, Cheney's fingerprints are all over the most controversial aspects of the Bush years.

After more than six years of his rule, the US is waking up to the reality that it has been a Cheney-Bush affair in all but name and despite being written off on numerous occasions, the Vice-President's ability to influence events remains unrivalled. Although he is approaching the final months of his career and will never run for office again, more surprises may be in store as he seeks to complete his agenda.

Cheney will have his heart pacemaker installed next month and even with mortality knocking on the door, there is every possibility he will engineer yet another foreign policy surprise, possibly against Iran.