I am always up for a good laugh---particularly at the expense of a public figure such as a politician and particularly at a time when both Republicans and Democrats are aggressively penning serious and somber accounts of our political landscape. A little relief from this grim picture is was what I was looking for when I picked up self-help guru Jeremy Hutchins’ Loving the Cheney Within and, as shameful as it is to say, the book delivers.
Hutchinson’s opinion of Cheney is clear as he paints the portrait of a power-hungry, egotistical and immoral man. From there he draws upon his self-help background to suggest ways to remedy these character flaws. His suggestions include trying to love and pet animals, as opposed to “blasting away defenseless little creatures” and incorporating spiritual elements into one’s life such as planting a zen garden---rather than information.
This is a small book with limited text and rudimentary drawings offering a unique satire of Cheney’s actions, politics and, of course, his personality. Yes, it’s rude, yes, it’s crass and yes, some would say its downright offensive. But, the thought must continue, yes, it’s satire and that’s exactly the point.