The American Spectator : Moving About the Country

Text Size

Moving About the Country

By Ben Stein on 6.24.11 @ 6:09AM

Your are free to discover Southwest, while there’s still time.

Tuesday
I respectfully apologize to Professor Alfred Kahn, who died recently. I know his lovely daughter, Hannah, a powerfully gifted dancer, so the apology goes to her.

Prof. Kahn, as head of the FAA under Jimmy Carter, led deregulation of the airlines. I have long railed against the overcrowding, lack of decent service, and general failure of what airlines should be like, and I laid the blame for that at the feet of the deregulators, especially, Professor Kahn.

I was wrong and he was right. I know that because in the last few weeks, I have discovered the miracle that is Southwest Airlines. Incredibly low fares. Top grade service. Above all, friendly, smiling flight attendants, male and female, and all levels of service way beyond what I could have expected.

One of my pals, a super-smart man at a mortgage company, told me that Southwest had a policy of hiring the happiest people they interview. It pays off. The friendliness with which us passengers are greeted is phenomenal. I am a fool not to have started flying them sooner.

Just in the past few weeks I have flown them to Phoenix, to Denver, and to Nashville. The service is impeccable and the flights are right on time. I only wish (as I said) I had discovered them sooner. They are what deregulated airline travel should be. (Did I mention they serve no real food, hence no disappointments?)

So, I was wrong and I am grateful that there is a Southwest. As their ads say, “You are now free to move about the country.” It would not have happened without Professor Kahn.

By the way, I also have some other words of praise. In Nashville, wifey and I stayed at the Hermitage in downtown Nashville. It is as good as a hotel can be. Beautiful rooms, fine service, friendly people, overwhelming lobby.

Now, here I swerve off course a bit. About four years ago, I went to an exhibit of photos of the Civil Rights Era at the Nashville Public Library very close to the Hermitage. I have long wanted to get a book of those photos or blow-ups of some of them. I would pay a pretty penny for those if any reader knows where to find then.

In the same vein, I beg my readers for help with a quote from something I read in high school. It is from a poem and it says something like, “No matter how much you paint your face, you cannot add one moment to your allotted hours, NOR CALL BACK TIME IN ITS WINGED FLIGHT.” (Paraphrase.)

If anyone knows where this comes from, please let me know. Thank you.

Wednesday
A spectacularly beautiful day here in Beverly Hills. I swam in the morning, had a modest breakfast, then went off to lunch with my old pal, Michael Shamberg. He is a successful producer and a great guy. We disagree about almost everything, really just everything, from gluten allergies (which I do not believe are real) to eating sugar (I am for it, he’s against it) to who gets credit for TARP.

But, he is a thoroughly likable and talented guy. Plus, like moi, he spends large amounts of time in gratitude for the amazing life we get to live here in America. It is beyond belief, absolutely beyond all imagining, how great our lives here in the USA are. BEYOND BELIEF.

My wife and I are on our hands and knees in gratitude all day and night.

At the beginning of the Battle of Midway, a number of U.S. pilots flying obsolete, pitiful bi-plane torpedo bombers with torpedoes that didn’t work attacked the mighty Japanese fleet. It was a suicide mission. They were all shot down and killed. They knew they would be. But they distracted the enemy enough for the U.S. dive bombers to get into position to deliver the death blow to that Japanese armada. How can we ever thank those men and their families enough? How?

I get to swim in my warm turquoise pool of a life thanks to them and millions like them.

Page: 1 2 >

About the Author

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (89) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

DAVID MENARD| 6.24.11 @ 7:14AM

Torpedo Squadron Eight did not fly "bi-planes"
during the Battle of Midway! There were no such
aircraft in use by any regular USN sqdn after 1940.
The planes that were all shot down were Douglas
TBD-1 "Devastators"which did not live up to that
name. You can google the name and see what I am
talking about. Have a great day!

Publius| 6.24.11 @ 10:50AM

A correction that in no way detracts from Ben's point.

lydia | 6.27.11 @ 8:55AM

I am a 28 years old doctor, mature and beautiful.and now I am seeking a good man who can give me real love , so i got a username Andromeda2002 on--s'e'ek'c'ou'ga'r.c óm--.it is the first and best club for y'ounger women and old'er men, or older women and y'ounger men,to int'eract with each other. Maybe you wanna ch'eck 'it out or tell your friends!
Nausea from reading Ben? The solution is so shockingly simple that I'm surprised you didn't think of it: Don't read Ben.

mary morin| 6.27.11 @ 8:28PM

ew, beautiful where? and mature in what universe?

Ed| 6.24.11 @ 11:18AM

Actually, the U.S. Navy did use a biplane in WWII. The Curtiss SOC Seagull was a float plane that was launched off of cruisers and battleships. It was later replaced by the Vought OS2U Kingfisher. Today, the Seahawk helicopters have taken over their role in providing air cover to non-carrier surface ships.

Dean| 6.24.11 @ 2:04PM

Perhaps Ben was thinking of the British Fairey Swordfish. Old and slow, the "Stringbag" still did yeoman work during World War II. A Swordfish planted the torpedo in the Bismarck's stern that disabled her steering and enable the Home Fleet to catch and sink her. Swordfishes also carried out the daring attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto, a mission that inspired the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Alan Brooks| 6.24.11 @ 6:37PM

"I get to swim in my warm turquoise pool of a life thanks to them and millions like them."

That's all that matters, Ben (Franken) Stein's swimming pool. Now we know why people become Nazis: because of swinish little meatballs such as Stein-- the guy who consoled Gulf state victims of BP with "well, we need the oil".
Very tactful. When you are at someone's wake, you don't say "well, someone has to die to ameliorate the over-population threat"

ggoblue| 6.24.11 @ 7:05PM

you stupid f---.

the people of the gulf states wish wish wish they still had the jobs that come from the oil.

Alan Brooks| 6.24.11 @ 10:15PM

"the people of the gulf states wish wish wish they still had the jobs that come from the oil."

Yes, if only the BP rig hadn't blown up, caught on fire, the jobs would still be theirs'!

Hank Rearden| 6.25.11 @ 12:04AM

Alan, you aren't smart enough to be posting here. You are way out of your depth. Stop embarrassing yourself.

Todd Wiens| 6.26.11 @ 3:00PM

How sad and what a waste. I read Ben's column as often as I can. Each time, I scroll down through the comments. Alan, why do you waste a minute of your life reading what Ben writes? It is obvious that you do not agree with him. Why would you waste the tiny amount of time that you have on Earth reading something that you know you will not like. Then, taking time to respond. I just do not understand. I have been reading Ben's columns for several years. I have never felt the need to comment. There are plenty of people doing that. But really Alan, move on. Surely there is something else that you really enjoy, really love doing. Just go do that. People should come to this site to read a few thoughts from someone they admire. I don't seek out and read anything from anyone at MSNBC, because I value the minutes of my life. I also know that my disagreeing with them would in no way change their minds. So Alan, stop peeing in everyone's lemonade. Love your life. Thank God for it. And use it for building, not destroying.

Ore Gone| 6.26.11 @ 6:17PM

That is a great comment and probably the best I have read about the nasty people who comment just to be mean. Thank you for the thought. Much appreciated!

mary morin| 6.27.11 @ 8:49PM

yeah, that's good. hard to understand how people can think they have the right to judge others. scary. wouldn't want to be them on Judgment Day!

Ken (Old Texican)| 6.24.11 @ 7:40AM

Good save, David.
Southwest Airlines just has always done a LOT of things right...across the board.
Just get a bite to eat before boarding.

Gazinya| 6.26.11 @ 1:41PM

One of the brightest was giving the employees stock in the business. Simple, be nice and earn more money. Be nasty and join a union, then go broke.

Gary| 6.24.11 @ 8:13AM

I thank God for you, Ben Stein.

Occam's Tool| 6.24.11 @ 4:13PM

Mr. Stein: Go to the Civil rights Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. You can find all the photos you desire there.

Occam's Tool| 6.24.11 @ 6:54PM

By the way, Ben, you should have stayed in the OpryLand Hotel when in Nashville.

lydia | 6.24.11 @ 8:42AM

The planes that were all shot down were Douglas
TBD-1 "Devastators"which did not live up to that
name. You can google the name and see what I am
talking about. Have a great day!
I am a 28 years old doctor, mature and beautiful.and now I am seeking a good man who can give me real love , so i got a username Andromeda2002 on--s'e'ek'c'ou'ga'r.c óm--.it is the first and best club for y'ounger women and old'er men, or older women and y'ounger men,to int'eract with each other. Maybe you wanna ch'eck 'it out or tell your friends!

KyMouse| 6.24.11 @ 9:42AM

Lydia, you're channeling Mr. Menard. A mature and beautiful doctor should be able to come up with her own comments.

MATT M.| 6.24.11 @ 10:05AM

...and better grammar.

Patzer| 6.24.11 @ 9:01AM

Ben must be thinking of the British Swordfish bi-plane torpedo bombers from Sink the Bismarck.

Jerry Moss| 6.24.11 @ 10:08AM

Ben . . .

Perhaps you were trying to recall a quatrain from
Omar Khayam's Rubaiyat:

Come, fill the cup, and in the fires of Spring
Your winter garment of repentance fling;
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To Flutter - and the Bird is on the Wing.

Or . . .

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on; nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.

wally| 6.24.11 @ 10:15AM

I think there was also one survivor to the torpedo attack. And they were not supposed to be going in alone- the co-ordinated attack did not have much co-ordination. Fog of War.

God Bless Ben Stein.

Bill| 6.24.11 @ 11:38AM

Ensign George Gay, who, floating in the sea, was passed by Japanese warships on both sides.

Gay was awarded the Medal of Honor for his exploits that day.

Hank Rearden| 6.25.11 @ 12:09AM

Wally, you are thinking of Ensign George Gay who was the only Devastator pilot in is squadron to survive. He crashed and was rescued after the battle.

Skippy| 6.25.11 @ 5:17PM

And watched the entire battle from his tiny liferaft.
Front row seats indeed!

Anthony| 6.24.11 @ 10:16AM

Gee, why would a self absorbed, egocentric, name dropping, corny, trite, pampered, and spoiled nebbish like Ben Stein need to go to a shrink?
Oh yes, " I just love talking to my shrink". Says it all, eh Ben?
Hey Ben, I suspect the feeling ain't mutual, but at $300 an hour, some folks will put up with anything. Hey, do you get a pedicure at the same time?

wally| 6.24.11 @ 10:21AM

That time of the month again, Anthony ?

Anthony| 6.24.11 @ 10:39AM

Yes Wally, actually I do suffer from a bit of nausa when Stein writes. Apparently, you'll stomach anything. Maybe Stein can muse with you, I bet you're a whole lot cheaper than a shrink.
P.S. Ben, you misspoke when you said "I just love talking to my shrink"; what you ment to say was "I just love hearing myself talk". So does Wally.

Publius| 6.24.11 @ 10:53AM

Nausea from reading Ben? The solution is so shockingly simple that I'm surprised you didn't think of it: Don't read Ben.

I really think you like to tear down those you secretly envy. Don't worry; it happens all the time. Perhaps you should seek professional help.

Anthony| 6.24.11 @ 11:43AM

Dear Pub, if you think I secretly even Mr. Stein, you need to see his shrink as well.
But you're right, I should just stay away from this drek, which I usually do, but sometimes... oh well... ta ta.

wally| 6.24.11 @ 11:53AM

Yes, maybe go get yourself some spelling lessons and leave us adults alone.

Frekki| 6.24.11 @ 11:52AM

I like reading Ben, I enjoy his view of the world. If you don't then stop reading him. If you can't say something nice, go f yourself.

Occam's Tool| 6.24.11 @ 4:14PM

We don't make $300.00/hr, Anthony. Not even close.

Occam's Tool| 6.24.11 @ 4:17PM

Of course, I'm a board certified MD who accepts insurance, like most of the poor slobs I know. A Master's level therapist in LA who doesn't bill insurance probably could charge more. And Ben distrusts medications.

Jack B. Nimble| 6.26.11 @ 4:06PM

Skuse me Doc: Of course, you made a typo, right? . You meant to state that you are certified bored, not "board certified." How else would a duly credentialed MD have time to engage in the labyrinth of the blogosphere? It is a branch of therapy unto itself.

Hank Rearden| 6.25.11 @ 12:15AM

Anthony, I can see you were badly brought up, but you should stop embarrassing yourself and your family.

Charles Curran| 6.24.11 @ 10:20AM

Ben. Google Book of civial rights era photos, lots to chose from. Then go to www.alibris.com used book site. Should be reasonable.

Rita| 6.24.11 @ 10:48AM

Mr. Stein: Perhaps the poem you are thinking of is Andrew Marvell's beautiful "To His Coy Mistress." I hope this helps. In any event, it's a lovely read. ~

Had we but world enough, and time,
This coyness, lady, were no crime.
We would sit down and think which way
To walk, and pass our long love's day;
Thou by the Indian Ganges' side
Shouldst rubies find; I by the tide
Of Humber would complain. I would
Love you ten years before the Flood;
And you should, if you please, refuse
Till the conversion of the Jews.
My vegetable love should grow
Vaster than empires, and more slow.
An hundred years should go to praise
Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze;
Two hundred to adore each breast,
But thirty thousand to the rest;
An age at least to every part,
And the last age should show your heart.
For, lady, you deserve this state,
Nor would I love at lower rate.

But at my back I always hear
Time's winged chariot hurrying near;
And yonder all before us lie
Deserts of vast eternity.
Thy beauty shall no more be found,
Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound
My echoing song; then worms shall try
That long preserv'd virginity,
And your quaint honour turn to dust,
And into ashes all my lust.
The grave's a fine and private place,
But none I think do there embrace.

Now therefore, while the youthful hue
Sits on thy skin like morning dew,
And while thy willing soul transpires
At every pore with instant fires,
Now let us sport us while we may;
And now, like am'rous birds of prey,
Rather at once our time devour,
Than languish in his slow-chapp'd power.
Let us roll all our strength, and all
Our sweetness, up into one ball;
And tear our pleasures with rough strife
Thorough the iron gates of life.
Thus, though we cannot make our sun
Stand still, yet we will make him run.

jay hoenemeyer| 6.24.11 @ 11:00AM

" Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it ." The TBD was actually a rather handsome aircraft , only v. much underpowered and made slower by carrying its torpedo in an open mount . That was a result of asking the aircraft to be also a level bomber .The torpedoes did not run true because they were calibrated for the magnetic fields off Newport , Rhode Island and not for the magnetic currents of the South Pacific . Both these errors were the result of living off a peace dividend that was nonexistent and ignoring the realities of the onrushing cataclysm . Taking nothing away from their heroism , the nation should not ask its warriors to fight with blunted swords . And yet.... having stripped $400 billion from the defense budget ,Obama wants another $ 400 billion of muscle cut . After all it's not his' base' who will have to follow Mehle and Wade and McCluskey and Waldron into the fire .

Gene Clevenger| 6.24.11 @ 11:34AM

How about this: "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these." Matthew 6:27-29

Humphrey Dumfries| 6.24.11 @ 11:54AM

Ben,
Not sure it's what you're looking for, but here's a poem (with virtually no references online) that includes time's winged flight:

Summer is the season by which to mark
The passage of your years, not spring nor fall
Nor icy winter gripped in frozen pall
Spinning from the year’s longest stretch of dark.
Only Earth’s celebration of the sun
Gives warmth to your warmth, light to your light
That time cannot dim in its winged flight
As life’s better half starts its fateful run.

Yes, let forty summers mark the solstice
Where the light must bow to lengthening shade
Reaching deep into each of our true hearts.
No cold of night shall find force to halt us
Nor loss of youth and outer beauty fade
Our love that forms a one of many parts.

More of it here:
http://eo-eo.facebook.com/topi.....topic=3722

Bill| 6.24.11 @ 12:13PM

I thought maybe the poem was Robert Browning's "Andrea del Sarto" ("a man's reach must exceed his grasp/else what's a heaven for?"), but it's doesn't appear to be that one.

Michael| 6.24.11 @ 2:26PM

Three comments. 1) Ens. George Gay won the Navy Cross at Midway, not the CMH. 2) The Swordfish was used by the British until 1944!! 3) There is a museum at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, named for one of the TBD surviviors. A gunner, he was grounded because of wounds and became a UDT member for the rest of the war. He found out they limit UDT members in the Navy after the war and he joined the Army for Korea and Vietnam. I can't think of his name but he had an incredible combat record. During a 40 year career.

Michael| 6.24.11 @ 2:27PM

(Continued) during his 40 year career. I just wanted to mention him.

PODBAYDOORS| 6.24.11 @ 2:35PM

Ben, 35 years ago I was one of the kids who was convinced it was in my stars to be an artist, musician, songwriter and poet. Meanwhile, I managed to tread a path no one takes much anymore... I worked my way up from the bottom in manufacturing, now as director of engineering at my employer of 28 years. Thus, I posit that there is hope foe even the most misled generation.

PODBAYDOORS| 6.24.11 @ 2:35PM

gearjammer| 6.25.11 @ 9:39AM

Have not many a great artist held a real job while advancing their art ? Anyhow, Nancy Pelosi loves these kids and wants them to get everything for free as they produce great works.

Slingshot| 6.24.11 @ 3:00PM

"Then home for a nap (best part of my day). My ancient Brigid slept with her old, pitiful head on my shoulder as I slept."

Is Brigid his wife? Sounds like a rather sad old lady.

Occam's Tool| 6.24.11 @ 6:56PM

Brigid is his Dog. Who is Dying.

Skippy| 6.25.11 @ 5:20PM

And who loves him unconditionally regardless.

MJ| 6.24.11 @ 3:19PM

The paraphrase is from The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám.

zenga| 6.24.11 @ 3:41PM

ben: i'm no big admirer of you. in fact, i hesitated to read your article for that reason. something made me curious. so i read it, and enjoyed it very much. wish you and yours the best. thanks for sharing.

Gary| 6.25.11 @ 12:27AM

zenga,

You sound like a nice guy. Perhaps you can teach Anthony some manners. In the meantime all we can do is pray for the dumbass.

It's not his fault, you see. It was his childhood environment that made him that way. There must be a government program somewhere that will coddle him.

gary siebel| 6.24.11 @ 3:48PM

Lots of inadvertent humor in the AmSpec today. You obviously are so out of touch it's laughable. But that's just how it has always been with the wealthy minority.

Oh please do tell us, did that "supersmart" guy in mortgage have the wit to anticipate the crash?

btw. Midway was won by exploitation of heavy doses of sheer luck. The idea that the hapless torpedo bombers distracted the Japanese enough so the dive bombers could get through has been debunked by history. That portion was luck, as was catching the refueling planes on the carrier deck. The fortunes of war have been recognized as unpredictable and shifting since at least the Iliad.

Hank Rearden| 6.25.11 @ 12:24AM

Gary, I've got news for you...luck counts. And I don't think the point about the torpedo bombers is that they intended to draw the Japanese fighters down, but that that was the result of their attack.

Skippy| 6.25.11 @ 5:21PM

I would always rather be lucky than good.

Gary| 6.25.11 @ 12:30AM

Ah, class warfare. You must be one of the victims so loved by government.

Tom in Michigan| 6.25.11 @ 6:17PM

Actually the wholly inadequate torpedo bombers and torpedos employed by the US Navy at the time were the direct result of the Roosevelt Administration's drawdown of the military leaving not just the Navy but the Army and Marines unprepared for war. If FDR was so smart; why didn't he anticipate THAT - an event even more destructive than the mortgage meltdown?

Man, anything to run down the US!

Mutch Moore| 6.24.11 @ 4:24PM

Departing from doting, deifying, driveling, dramaturgical drones deserves due dispensation of dittos. In other words: I agree with Gary Siebel, there appears a pompous, potato head, out-of-touch theme surrounding this particular Ben Stein story. Though I have enjoyed reading his articles in the past.

PCC| 6.24.11 @ 7:02PM

Well, Ben Stein clearly is not everyone's cup of tea.

Personally, I enjoy his harmless and folksy diaries.

I'm ashamed to say that I enjoy even more the vitriolic comments he inspires.

Gary| 6.25.11 @ 12:38AM

How many people have you read who are as honest about his life and circumstances as Mr. Stein? Compared to the usual self-serving, blowhards, he's a breath of fresh air.

People here have nitpicked his facts when it's his good-natured wisdom that counts.

PCC| 6.25.11 @ 8:17AM

Dear Gary,

Yes, you're right, it's one of the charming aspects of his writing.

cheap t shirts| 6.25.11 @ 5:50AM

He found out they limit UDT members in the Navy after the war and he joined the Army for Korea and Vietnam.

cheap t shirts| 6.25.11 @ 5:50AM

He found out they limit UDT members in the Navy after the war and he joined the Army for Korea and Vietnam. http://www.summeringbrands.com

JimH| 6.25.11 @ 9:31AM

I'm surprised no one has responded to Ben's tribute to Southwest by mentioning their recently suspended pilot. He did not seem very happy.

beebop| 6.26.11 @ 11:21AM

This situation is just bunk. Can't criticize co-workers any more without getting some kind of "sensitivity" training? No wonder America is sinking like a stone. We are being manipulated by a bunch of thin skinned ninnies.

gearjammer| 6.25.11 @ 9:41AM

Would Ben accept the designation " national treasure" ?

Tom in Michigan| 6.25.11 @ 11:01AM

Well, heck Ben; if you want to thank one of those brave torpedo plane pilots, just dial up George H.W. Bush. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the Navy and was that branch's youngest pilot when he received his wings. He flew 58 combat missions during World War II. On one mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and was rescued from the water by a U. S. submarine. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.

Of course, the left - in typical hateful fashion for all their betters - call him a "wimp."

When you speak to him; do me the favor of thanking him on behalf of my family and me, too.

scotchieguy| 6.25.11 @ 1:36PM

He is self-absorbed, and a bit of a name dropper, but there is something satisfying about the guy. He seems really happy and grateful for the blessings life has bestowed on him. He seems like he would be a great guy to have a beer with. I agree w/ many of the posters here, if you don't like his columns, don't read them.

peterzpicts| 6.26.11 @ 2:40AM

I find it curious that a man of Ben's depth needs to spend his good money talking with a shrink? But if he enjoys it I guess its his call. Then again I am not much of a talker so it would be a waste of my money.

darudz| 6.27.11 @ 3:07PM

Remember, peterzpicts, people see a shrink because they are emotionally disturbed, and not because of their depth of knowledge and sophistication.

sunglasses| 6.26.11 @ 10:06AM

The torpedoes did not run true because they were calibrated for the magnetic fields off Newport , Rhode Island and not for the magnetic currents of the South Pacific.
http://www.summeringbrands.com

OLDRAY| 6.26.11 @ 12:59PM

I like Ben. His costant regard for our military rings a warm bell in my own heart and memories of comrades long dear in Tunisia and Italy. We forget too soon our lost ones in the many past wars, our fire and police heroes of 9/11, our present fine menand women in the services. Good man, Ben Stein.

OLDRAY| 6.26.11 @ 1:02PM

Sorry for the error in my post. Should be "long dead", but "dear' wasn't really so bad.

charles794| 6.26.11 @ 9:08PM

Seeing Jewish names of his friends in the article is reminding me of my childhood in central Europe: the few Jewish families around us had only Jewish friends, their children went to a Jewish school & used to have Jewish children around to play with; the Jewish shopkeeper on the corner had only Jewish suppliers; the Jewish doctor we used to go to had mostly Jews sitting in his waiting room...

GHD lisseurs | 6.26.11 @ 11:51PM

Bienvenue chez notre ghd france,ghd lisseurs professionnels fourlisseur en ligne où vous offre des stylers ghd variés, fers à lisser de bonne qualité et à prix fous-économisez jusqu'à 54%! Commandez maintenant.

anon| 6.27.11 @ 2:38AM

leticia olalia morales of 15501 pasadena ave #8 tustin ca 92780 submitted fake documents and paid 5000 dollars to obtain a US tourist visa. she also used fake employment records to obtain a work visa. she is now applying for citizenship.

weddingdresses | 6.27.11 @ 4:52AM

PGC| 6.28.11 @ 2:54AM

I do enjoy reading Ben's columns but I am more than a little aggrieved by his ignorant and gratuitous comment about gluten allergies. While I will grant that there is a current trendiness to the gluten-free lifestyle, these allergies are quite real in many people. After seven years of watching my daughter suffer almost constant pain and countless hospital visits, we finally tried a strict gluten-free diet. Within a month she was pain free and has been ever since.

Scrapette Jones| 7.1.11 @ 5:52AM

Happy Fourth, Ben. And congrats are additionally in order to you as it appears that you were right to be our conscience about presumption of innocence, aka Strauss-Kahn. A pat to Bridget, xoxo

ghd australia | 7.12.11 @ 10:00AM

http://www.ghdoutletshop-au.com

Latest Headlines

Back in the Fray

Kyle Peterson|86 comments

The IRS Immigration Fraud Scandal

Jeffrey Lord|96 comments

Obama’s Climate of Intimidation

Matthew Sheffield|55 comments

Whither Suburbia?

Steven Greenhut|23 comments

The Woman Who Wrote Liberty Valance

Bill Croke|28 comments

Not Super, But Pretty Good

Aaron Goldstein|17 comments

The Loss of Trust

Thomas Sowell|30 comments

Foreign Policy as Farce

Jed Babbin|87 comments

The Spectacle Blog

Thoughts on New U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks

Aaron Goldstein | 6:34PM

Thank You, Bobby Jindal

Matt Purple | 6:01PM

Buzzfeed Faces $3.6 Million Lawsuit for Copyright Infringement

Kaylin Bugos | 4:55PM

Democrat Dan Maffei Blames Budget Cuts for Girl’s Rape, Mother’s Murder

Robert Stacy McCain | 4:12PM

Pro-Life is Smart Politics

Rich Lizardo | 4:01PM

Gerson, Wehner, and the Losing Old Ways Crowd

Jeffrey Lord | 2:46PM

Are Young People Souring on Obama?

Matt Purple | 2:24PM

Boehner to Enforce Hastert Rule with Immigration Reform

Jordan Gonzalez | 1:10PM

FLASHBACK TO: 1995

Pope Culture

By George Sim Johnston

A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck

By P.J. O'Rourke

Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
Dames at Sea

By John Corry
In the Absence of Guns

By Mark Steyn

In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
The Metaphysical Martini

By Werner J. Dannhauser
Counting the Costs of Clintonism

By Robert H. Bork

The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
Chuck McHagel

By George Neumayr

It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted

By Douglas Bartholomew
It’s the Best Time of the Year

By Mark Steyn

The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
The Bush Crack-Up

By Brit Hume

Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?