Americans want to be protected, but not at the cost of vitiating the values that make us Americans.

Journalism, spooked by rumors of its own obsolescence, has stopped believing in itself. Groans of doom alternate with panicked happy talk.

Yet it's true that looks matter in politics... It is also true that perfecting the outer shell has become an obsession in this country... Mitt Romney, Barack Obama and John Edwards almost always look good, and pretty much the same, in dark suits or casual wear. Fred Thompson always looks crepuscular and droopy. Often Hillary Clinton looks great, and sometimes she looks tired, heavier or puffier.

Women have become so obsessed with not withering, they've forgotten that there are infinite ways to be beautiful.

Tweetin' ain't cheatin'.

I find having a column a very difficult form of journalism. I'm not a natural like Tom Friedman and Anna Quindlen.

The Obamas, especially Michelle, have radiated the sense that Americans do not appreciate what they sacrifice by living in a gilded cage. They've forgotten Rule No. 1 of politics: No one sheds tears for anyone lucky enough to live at the White House.