Earlier this summer, Steve Howards was walking with his young son in Beaver Creek, Colorado, when whom should he see but none other than Darth Cheney and his Imperial Guard.   Being no fool and recognizing an oportunity when one materialized, he stepped close to the Dark Lord and stated his feelings about Iraq.  Needless to say, his feelings were contrary to those of Lord Cheney.
Secret Service Agent Eric Zahren had this to say:

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Cheney was walking outside when the agents charged with protecting him noticed the man, identified as Steven Howards, who “wasn’t acting like the other folks in the area,” Zahren said.

“His behavior and demeanor wasn’t quite right,” Zahren said. “The agents tried to question him, and he was argumentative and combative”

Being argumentative is impermissible in Darth Cheney’s America.    

One can only wonder just what constitutes not “quite right”.  Or perhaps that simply refers to one’s political leanings.  In any event, Mr.Howards was arrested and detained.  

Now he has filed a lawsuit.

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According to the lawsuit filed at U.S. District Court in Denver, Howards and his son walked to about two-to-three feet from where Cheney was standing, and said to the vice president, I think your policies in Iraq are reprehensible,” or words to that effect, then walked on.

Ten minutes later, according to Howards’ lawsuit, he and his son were walking back through the same area, when they were approached by Secret Service agent Virgil D. “Gus” Reichle Jr., who asked Howards if he had “assaulted” the vice president. Howards denied doing so, but was nonetheless placed in handcuffs and taken to the Eagle County Jail.

Yes, of course.  Now it’s all too clear.  Approaching Lord Cheney with a 7 year old is the equivalent of an assault and the true path to instilling fear within him.

Having a 7 year old of my own, the power is palpable.