Minor Heart Attack

Harry Whittington, who suffered a shotgun blast to the face, shoulder, and chest from Vice President Dick Cheney, was moved back into the ICU today. One of the lead shotgun pellets lodged next to his heart caused an irregular heartbeat, and, ultimately, a "minor" heart attack. That's the scary, personal news.

Atrios points out the disregard on the right and in certain wings of the media for the seriousness of this injury up to this point here and here.

The scary Administrative news, however, is of the kind we all have come to know: complete disregard and non-disclosure.

For 22 hours, the White House concealed the fact that Vice President Cheney had inadvertantly shot a 78-year old man, Harry Whittington.

The White House continues to withhold critical information from the press. In a press conference today, hospital administrator Peter Banko said that the White House had been informed that Mr. Whittington suffered a heart attack between 9:30-10AM this morning.

But at today’s White House Press Briefing, which started after 12PM, Scott McClellan didn’t tell the press. CNN confirmed that McClellan “was notified [about the heart attack] just before the briefing.” But McClellan suggested to reporters that he had no new information

And this is the reason that Cheney's hunting accident is of vital public interest. It is another, deeply disturbing event where The Administration can play out their efforts of non disclosure and negligence to their public. In this event they remain emotionally and intellictually detached and disengaged while refusing to disclose any relevent information, or acknowledge any wrongdoing or error. It wasn't Cheney's fault, his hunting buddy, dressed in bright orange, snuck up on him; etc.

The same story as any of their screwups. Just that this time... Cheney shot a man in the face.