I have read commentary that calls this sort of entertainment the new minstrelsy--also including Martin Lawrence in the Big Momma movies, Eddie Murphy in drag, etc. The theory is that this drag scene de-masculinates the black male, making him unthreatening to white audiences, as a clown, and appealing to black audiences for the community-minded messages in the films.

I'm not sure if "they" are reading too much into it, but I think it's worth noting.

That said, I personally enjoy his movies, (I live in Atlanta, and I like goofy stuff anyway)

Everytime I read about this tragic event, I am reminded of my toddler's years in the 80's and early nineties. All the rushed mornings, chaotic schedules, sleeping babies.

I know that this could have happened to me. It makes me anxious to think about it. I didn't need an article about the complexities of memory to tell me that. I was just lucky. But then so are most people.

I like some of these suggestions here, clip cords, purse in the back, etc. Systems avoid accidents--if you still have little kids, use a system. The greatest danger is thinking it won't happen to you.

I think all competent, professional pilots deserve so much more than they are given. Thank you all for your measured, thoughtful responses. I never miss this column and I fly often for business.

Maybe I'm being romantic, but I like to believe that in every pilot there is a little kid who just wanted to FLY. That's brave and special.

We put so much trust in your hands, and you make air travel safer than anything else. Thank you.

One question--how badly would you be treated WITHOUT unions? It's just a damn shame.

There is no right time to have a baby--I skipped college and didn't know enough to marry the right guy. I had my kids in my early 20's, and spent years in single motherhood.

Now, in my 40's, I am married to the right guy, and have worked my way up the ladder to a great career.

My grown kids are awesome, and we had so much fun growing up together...I wouldn't trade a minute of it.

Now that I think of it, maybe there is no WRONG time to have a baby. YMMV.

Give the guy a break. Everyone knows the tide has turned, the tipping point has been reached. The President has to walk a fine line here. I think he is doing a fine job of inching reform through without scaring the old straight people.

Progress will continue to be made incrementally through the coming years, but we have to stay in office to see them through. All the republicans have left is religious wedge issues. Let's not give them any foothold.

Public opinion on gay marriage has changed over a very short period of time, support will continue to grow. I know that it may sound patronizing to say "be patient", but if you look at the progress in the last 30 years, you can see that the future is set, turning thousands of years of struggle on it's ear.

There is no end to fighting for human rights--you never get to spike the ball. As another triumph is celebrated, another right is denied, another group oppressed. And we march on.

I hear you, I really do. We are on the same side. Just a couple of things:

I didn't literally mean all straight old people. I live among progressives of all stripes. It was just a figure of speech.

As far as spiking the ball goes, I meant the big picture; after YOU spike the ball, we will still have FGM, indigenous peoples with endangered environments and women in burkhas. And after that human rights that aren't even on the radar yet.

Yes, the government is behind on gay rights because they are elected by a majority that is not quite ready to give all of those rights. All those private firms give benefits to their workers not only because they are open-minded, but because it is good business. If the stockholders ever thought differently, you may have seen slower progress there, too.

I see the President as a slow and steady strategist. I have no doubt that he is more of a supporter of gay rights than he lets on. Right now it's a poker game. Let him fix health care and then see where he can spend that political capital. Peace, friend.

No you get a grip. Thanks for inviting all these trolls in here to tell you they told you so while you wring your hands. I'm sure Sarah Palin will be happy to get your vote in 2012. Good luck with that!

Now proudly displayed on my Facebook...

Polanski has been given a pass with many people because:

He is 76 years old

He is a great director

He fled a crazy judge

The mom dropped her off

He's a holocaust survivor, who lost his parents

And the biggie:

HIS PREGNANT WIFE WAS BRUTALLY MURDERED BY THE MANSON FAMILY.

I WAS 13 when the rape occurred and I remember thinking, "that poor guy is still so screwed up..."

Intellectually, I know he is guilty and should be punished, but I find my emotions mitigating that. I REALLY try to be outraged, but I know I am not alone in feeling this way. I do think he should face justice, whatever that turns out to be.