OK, so I took a break from packing to check out Krugman's latest. There's so much wrong with it that I really don't have the time dissect it thoroughly -- but one thing that just caused my jaw to drop.

[S]ome months ago an academic colleague � a man with strong Democratic connections � urged me to write a couple of columns praising the Bush administration. "What should I praise?" I asked.

There was a long pause � funny, isn't it, how "balance" becomes a goal in itself? � but eventually he came up with something: "How about its commitment to free trade?"

Paul, I don't think anyone's asking you to be balanced. I think we'd just like you to be somewhat fair on occasion. If the New York Times ever decides to give you the heave-ho, then just submit your columns to the Democratic National Committee. I'm sure Terry McAuliffe can give you a job.