Poet and NYU professor Sharon Olds has rejected an invitation from Laura Bush to dinner at the White House. I think we owe her a debt of gratitude for her strong words--which she has made public--and for not succumbing to blandishments that might have seduced a lesser person. Please follow me below the fold for the text of today's New York Times item.

For what it's worth, I recount the experience of a close friend who flew from Fort Lauderdale to LaGuardia airport in New York on American Airlines. Somehow, unfortunately, on the ride to the airport he lost his wallet, including his driver's license and credit cards.

When he arrived at the airport, he was quite certain he would not be allowed to fly. No ID.

However, upon arriving at the American Airlines ticket counter and telling the agent his tale of woe--and expecting to be turned away...

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