For sure it's treason, Carol. But don't forget...what George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson did in 1775 and 1776 was ALSO treason in its time. It was high treason against the British Crown, which was THE sacred established authority of the society in which they lived. They were all risking execution for high treason. That's what revolutionaries do.

The neoncons are engaging in a revolution.

When a revolution is won, the people who technically committed treason in order to accomplish it are hailed as heroes and visionaries, and their treason is seen as a noble "fight for freedom". When it is lost, they are executed and regarded as criminals and traitors forever after by their society.

Dick Cheney and his pals expect to win. If they do, they will be remembered as visionary heroes by their followers. If not, they will be damned. It's a calculated risk.

Treason, like beauty, is strictly in the eyes of the beholder...and the winners get to say who committed it or who didn't. Every time.