The Breakfast Table

E Coli, Jim Fallows, and TV

Dear David:

Here’s the case for big government: page A19 of my New York Times, runs a Reuters report that hamburger patties sold at Costco in 24 states have been recalled because of E coli. Frozen hamburger patties, and 4th of July weekend coming… . Think there’s too much government? Think that food is too clean, that plane is too safe? Costco! I love Costco!

Who fired Jim Fallows? We predicted it, of course, right here, along with every other wag worth his or her salt. Does he hate Mort or what? And there’s Harry Evans saying, I fired him. Ouch all around, I think.

Speaking of ouch, I hear from my trusty Matt Drudge, who reads the Washington Post before I do, that Linda Tripp is eager to tell her side. She says it’s been tough on her kids, and that I’m sure of, but still the question remains: Who turns the tape on their best friend at the advice of their literary agent?

New Census data show women surpass men in college graduation rates now, but the data on earnings are much more stubborn. I’ve looked at all the studies of law school graduates, where the gap begins almost immediately and grows with years out of school; men get promoted to partner, according to one New York study, at 3 times the rate of women. My question: how much is choice, or dare I say it, lack of ambition. And if we’re less ambitious about our careers, are we wrong? Isn’t family more important?

From the New York Times front page, pointing out that the talks at the summit were largely symbolic: “It was the live television access to the Chinese audience that made the summit a breakthrough, according to American officials.”

Television is good. Wasn’t that ABC’s slogan for five minutes?

Later.

Susan