Okay, I am SO glad to see the Prowler’s note on the Claude Allen case, to the effect that maybe, against what seemed like all the evidence, Allen may actually be innocent. I have read about Allen for a number of years of course, and had heard nothing but great things about him. So it was that I was absolutely delighted last Wednesday, as I was being led to a table at a Union Station restaurant, that I saw my friend, the incomparable John Gizzi of Human Events and, when saying hello to him, was introduced to Mr. Allen himself, who was dining with Gizzi. I had never actually met Claude Allen before, but just about the first words out of my mouth were: “I STILL think you should be a judge!” As Gizzi reported in that column linked above, Allen showed no signs whatsoever that any sort of boom was about to be lowered on him. He was relaxed, cheerful, friendly, engaging — and that was just in the two minutes I spoke with them before moving on to my table.

Obviously, when the news came out, just over two days later, about Allen’s arrest, I was particularly stunned because I just couldn’t imagine somebody’s demeanor betraying NO hint of scandal to come if they actually were worried about, well, what ended up happening. I really, really, REALLY hope that the arrest was indeed a case of mistaken identity, or something like that. I just don’t want to believe that Claude Allen could be not only so dishonest, but also so reckless as to risk a charmed career for such petty and despicable activities.

So here’s hoping everybody takes a chill pill and waits to see how events unfold, before jumping to conclusions. And here’s hoping that all of Allen’s friends stand by him at least unless and until the charge is proved accurate, and that the friends of his wife and family stand behind them always and comfort them in this time of distress.