Included here is the full text of Vice President Dick Cheney's remarks on January 14. A few excerpts are included below, not as a substitute for reading it, but rather to convince you to do so. (I think the tone of the Chronicle story was rather distorted, as compared to the full transcript of the talk.)

Don Rumsfeld and I first met in the 1960s ... Don thought I was a detached academic type, and I thought he was a brash young politician. We were both on to something. (Laughter.)

... Terrorists were at war with our country long before 2001. And for many years, they were the ones on the offensive.

... We must do everything in our power to keep terrorists from gaining weapons of mass destruction. This urgent responsibility has required, above all, a shift in America's national security strategy.

There are certain moments in history when the gravest threats reveal themselves. And in those moments, the response of our government must be swift, and it must be right. ... The use of military force is, for the United States, always the last option in defending ourselves and our interests. But sometimes the last resort must be taken.

... Americans can be grateful every day for the skillful and daring service of our nation's intelligence professionals.

... By its very nature, freedom must be chosen ... but all who choose the path ... will have the friendship and support of the United States of America.

We cannot know every turn that lies ahead. Yet we can be certain that by the strength and character of this country, and by the rightness of our cause, we will prevail.

... [on immigration:] We think this is the right way to go. We expect it will generate a significant debate, as it should. These are important issues. They're controversial. And they're never easy for us to deal with as a government. But we think the issue needs to be addressed ...

... [on peace in the Middle East:] Arafat was in the White House and the West Wing more often than any foreign leader during the eight years of the Clinton administration. Bill Clinton did everything he could to try to put together a settlement and came fairly close. In the final analysis, Arafat refused to say yes.

Vice President Cheney's Remarks to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council