On ABC World News Tonight this evening, I was struck by a quote

Cokie Roberts reported that the president said he admired Pope Benedict XVI for his "moral clarity" when he spoke. I can only assume that the president wants us all to reflect on how the president also speaks with the same clarity. I suppose that you do, Mr. President, no matter how wrong you are.

Of course, even when the president speaks with this "moral clarity", his actions--and those of his staff--reveal something else.

CDs listened to today:

• Alfred Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
• Alfred Hoose: Gestures And Intimations
• Nirvana: Nevermind
• Cuong Vu: Vu-Tet
• Gustav Mahler: The Symphonies, disk 5
• Deerhoof: The Runners Four