[LibWrangler]

When Wilson wrote the op-ed, everyone naturally assumed there was some sort of paper trail and written documentation prepared BY HIM, which the administration had ignored.

He later wrote that it was common protocol for Cheney to be briefed verbally four times or more removed.

I don't believe that.

[wickedpinto]

4 times removed is nothing depending on what measure you are using. Likely it works this way.

Investigator ----> Analyst ---> Briefer ----> VP

That isn't a far separation. so a silly derision when speaking about bureaucracies as big as ours.