* * * * Every now and then the hack
whose business it is to comment upon the way of the world is bowled a googly, a ball that breaks both ways, cannot be left alone, and is exceedingly difficult to play. Into this category I put a notice now being exhibited in the United States Embassy. It reads: "Non-immigrant visa applicants should be afforded the privilege of stating to what race they believe they belong." Does one welcome this as a sign of racial tolerance ? Does one speculate about the proportion of applicants who are uncertain of their nationality ? Does one conjure up a picture of what happened before this concession was granted ? (" Of course, we don't-disbelieve you, Mr. Nussbaum, but I am afraid this is no place to refer to your Scottish ancestry. . . . Hey, Joe, tell that little guy in the sheepskin to stop saying he's a Tibetan ; he's only spoiling his chances.") Does one—. But, no: I see now that I should never have attempted a stroke at all.
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