The point to note here is the system failing. Somebody comes along and implies to be authorized to give the order that he actually gives - but is not formally authorized at all. He gets away with it because the implication is not verified and counter-checked.
Of course, Cheney is a lying cheating manipulating bastard, and always was, but the system failure is the far more important thing to take from this news.
Bush should have cut his wings after this and show him his place. I'm sure he didn't, though. When has a hand puppet ever bitten the hand of the puppet masters?
I miss Bush, slamming and slapping Obama is all nice and well, but it just does not feel like kicking Bush around.
