This week we learned that Dick Cheney ordered the declassification of the National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq for the express purpose of sliming its political opponents.  What is so extraordinary about this story is its demonstration of the Cheney Administration's utter contempt for national security, and its subjugation of the national interest to political expediency.  Did it harm national security to declassify the National Intelligence Estimate?  Who cares, the Cheney Administration says, we need to declassify it so we can leak select portions that bolster the President's political fortunes.