Get Smart

Agent 86 and the Chief synchronize watches

In Part 4 of the Washington Post's series we learn that it is The Big Dick shaping our environmental policy (which will not be a surprise to you after Parts 1 through 3) without leaving a mark.

Cheney made his environmental views clear in public. But with some notable exceptions, he generally has preferred to operate with stealth, aided by loyalists who owe him for their careers.

Hoffman, now in another job at the Interior Department, said Cheney never told him what to do on either issue -- he didn't have to.

"His genius," Hoffman said, is that "he builds networks and puts the right people in the right places, and then trusts them to make well-informed decisions that comport with his overall vision."

And then shoots an old hunting buddy in the face to underscore the importance of making the "right" decision.

In Part 4, we learn that Christy Whitman (EPA), like Paul O'Neill (Treasury), was put in her job by The Big Dick, and later forced out of it after disagreeing with him over an issue.

The Chief and Agent 86, Maxwell Smart, use the portable Cone of Silence

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.