DOES ANYBODY EDIT THE TIMES?

Paul Newman Is Still HUD (PAUL NEWMAN, 8/19/03, NY Times)

The Fox News Network is suing Al Franken, the political satirist, for using the phrase "fair and balanced" in the title of his new book. In claiming trademark violation, Fox sets a noble example for standing firm against whatever.

Unreliable sources report that the Fox suit has inspired Paul Newman, the actor, to file a similar suit in federal court against the Department of Housing and Urban Development, commonly called HUD. Mr. Newman claims piracy of personality and copycat infringement.

Even recognizing that he's Paul Newman and all, and that if his eyes weren't so dreamy he'd make the List of 10, someone should have had sense enough to reject this painfully unfunny column. Though we agree with his policy point, that HUD should be done away with. Posted by Orrin Judd at August 19, 2003 8:36 AM