Dick Cheney's VAD

The Wall Street Journal reports that Vice President Dick Cheney had surgery yesterday to implant a device to help his heart pump blood.

"In a statement, Cheney said he had a Left Ventricular Assist Device implanted, which he said will improve heart function and enable him to resume an active life. The operation was done at Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute outside of Washington, D.C.

"In his statement, the former vice president, who is 69 years old, noted that he has dealt with heart disease for decades, having suffered his first of five heart attacks at age 37.

“ 'A few weeks ago, it became clear that I was entering a new phase of the disease when I began to experience increasing congestive heart failure. After a series of recent tests and discussions with my doctors, I decided to take advantage of one of the new technologies available,' he said.

"He said the operation went 'very well' and said he is now recuperating, and thanked those who had included him in their thoughts and prayers."

Readers' comments, even in the Journal, show that politics trump all.

To wit . . .

• Suspicious wrote:  Well on his way to actually becoming Darth Vader. 
• Anonymous wrote: Pumpous ass (and heart) 
• Hell is awaiting Cheney.. wrote:  Hell is preparing a huge cauldron of superheated spiced red hot oil to fry this vermin. The later he goes the hotter the oil would be. 
• Misterra wrote:  Can some enterprising hacker find a way to hack into the pump and shut it off, please? 
• Denman wrote:  Let’s pray that the pump fails. 
• Anonymous wrote: Every heart beat and every breath he should feel like the last one of a man being waterboarded. 
• Andrew wrote: May he die a slow and painful death. Even the worms will stay far away from his vile cadaver.

Some have kinder hearts: 

• E Nelson wrote:  Ah the eloquence of the left. I wish Mr Cheney a speedy recovery.
• If They Only had a Brain wrote:  Of course all clear thinking and intelligent Americans wish Mr. Cheney a speedy recovery and as many long years of retirement as possible. Isn’t it amazing how Conservatives never wish their political foes physical harm or death, only political failure, while the Left is rife with nasty and hateful idiots who take great delight in wishing all sorts of calamity on anyone they don’t like. It’s just another reason why the Left must lie about who they are and cannot tell the truth about Conservatives who, like Mr. Cheney, have a far bigger heart towards their fellow man than do Liberals/Progressives with their constant stream of death wishes. 
• Linda wrote: Wow, I am truly sickened at the responses on here wishing Vice President Cheney ill will. Everyone has their personal opinions of politicians, it is their profession not their life. Judge not lest ye be judged. I am a Cardiovascular Intensive care RN that takes care of patients that have these Left/ Right Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD’s or RVAD’s) placed and I can tell you that they are not only placed in patients that are wealthy, many of them have been unable to work and live on disability because of their failing hearts. Vice President Cheney I wish you the very best I know this is a complete lifestyle adjustment. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for the best possible outcome. I am also praying for all of the people on here who have made such distasteful remarks that God works in their lives.