Cheney’s Barriers Against Outsiders

Re “Cheney: The Man in the Bubble,” Opinion, Feb. 8: It is no surprise that Vice President Dick Cheney or anyone in this administration excludes outside opinions, as suggested by Orville Schell. President Bush himself has admitted to not reading the newspaper. Great leaders ought to take into account all views, especially opposing ones.

It is embarrassing for those in the administration to conduct themselves in this manner, because they appear out of touch with the views and concerns of Americans.

Patrick Burns

Newport Beach

Someone should introduce Schell to William M. Arkin (“Treasure Hunters Need Reliable Maps,” Opinion, Feb. 8). Schell believes that “it would have been reassuring just once to spot Cheney on a couch quietly talking with some European counterpart or having a cup of coffee with an Arab journalist” at the World Economic Forum. Just one or two more “events” to add to the 650 million events our intelligence agencies review every day, which help to form U.S. policies.

Bill Parker

Orange

One day you have Cheney duck hunting with Justice Antonin Scalia in Louisiana. Another day you have Cheney’s bubble swooping down on Davos, Switzerland, protected by an armada of American military might.

What do those events have in common besides Cheney? Unmitigated gall.

Bob Klein

Malibu