Yesterday’s Sunday offerings of political talk included presidential advisor David Axelrod with John King.  Mr. Axelrod took exception to the loose talk of former Vice President Dick Cheney, and his highly critical comments concerning President Barack Obama’s decisions concerning the Gitmo detention facility and the use of torture.

We’re no fan of the former vice president, to be sure, and never have been.  We were highly critical of the Bush administration in general, and took our shots at former President Bush, also.  But, give credit where credit is due – - the fellow has gone quietly into the night.

Not so the former vice president.  He just can’t be quiet, almost as if he refuses to accept the fact he “grabbed his hat” on the way out the door more than two months ago.  It was alarming to read some reports last week that in the months leading up to the new administration, Cheney’s office “planted” friendly faces in government positions of responsibility – - “moles,” if you will – - people sympathetic to the Cheney philosophy and who could keep him in the loop.

If that is true, then Mr. Cheney intends to become the National Gadfly. The US Constitution is silent as to that position, although Cheny, no doubt, has some sense of its duties and authorities.  He’s never failed to claim expertise on constitutional law, and cited it often while in office to justify the then White House’s unilateral grab of powers.

The extent to which he undermines the United States with his chirping about national security shortcomings of the Obama White House is something he had a lot to say about when he was in office. Any criticism of “his” administration’s national security measures offered aid and succor to our enemies, those intent on destroying America, when he was in office.  Apparently, that only counts when the criticisms are leveled at him.

As a private citizen, Mr. Cheney is entitled to opine about anything, just like any other private citizen.  Whether he should, though, is the question.  Obviously, his former boss believes it is wisdom to be silent.

If there were such a position as “Gadfly General,” it is unlikely at best Mr. Cheney could get himself elected.  He really ought to take a lesson from former President Bush, and go quietly into the night.  He adds nothing to the national debate on the substance of his remarks, only to the national debate on whether he should just shut up.

David Axelrod is right.  Mr. Bush has behaved like a statesman.  Mr. Cheney has behaved like the fellow kicking and screaming and shouting and needing to be dragged out of the job he no longer has.  Technically, he didn’t get fired.  Technically.  But the Obama election did represent, in part, a repudiation of Mr. Cheney’s policies.  And the latest polls, showing the president’s continued support from the majority of Americans, is that further repudiation Mr. Cheney should see so clearly.

Just go away, sir.  Your time is over.  None of us likes the creepy relative who refuses to leave.