This editorial in the Charlotte Observer backs up what we said yesterday: it is, unequivocably, Cheney’s fault. The writer goes further, too, in exploring the other questionable aspects to this “hunt.” If he’s such an accomplished and avid hunter, he ought to know all the rules listed therein.

Of course, the White House continues to assert it was Whittington at fault, which is plainly bullshit, and is fortunately being called as such:

Several hunting experts were skeptical of McClellan’s explanation. They said Cheney might have violated a cardinal rule of hunting: Know your surroundings before you pull the trigger. “Particularly identify the game that you are shooting and particularly identify your surroundings, that it’s safe to shoot,” said Mark Birkhauser, the incoming president of the International Hunter Education Association, a group of fish and wildlife agencies. “Every second, you’re adjusting your personal information that it is a safe area to shoot or it’s not a safe area to shoot.” Safe-hunting rules published by the National Rifle Association and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department echo Birkhauser’s advice. “Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt,” the NRA says in the gun-safety rules on its Web site. “Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.”

There’s more feedback from real hunters here.