Professor Gingrich on the Nation's 'Annihilating Capabilities'

"So address but do not send your letter" to Walton, the lawyer emphasizes, underlining "do not send." Mail it instead to Jeffress so it can be packaged for delivery with all the others.

"Identify yourself in the . . . opening paragraph," Jeffress advises, and give "your personal background." For example, "president," "vice president" and so on. "This is essential if the judge is to give your observations the weight they deserve." So add "former governor of Texas," "Decider," "Uniter," "former secretary of defense" and so on.

"Describe how long, and in what context, you have known Scooter," Jeffress counsels, and talk of things "that relate to his public and private service and his qualities as a person, such as personal and professional integrity, helpfulness, generosity, commitment to his family . . . good deeds, dedication to our country or the welfare of others."

But remember, the qualities of good writing count: "Specific detailed examples of your experiences with Scooter are the most important aspect of any letter," Jeffress writes.

"It is acceptable . . . to express a view that Scooter's conviction for perjury and obstruction of justice is inconsistent with your knowledge of his character and integrity," Jeffress writes. Hitting the "underline" key again, he continues: "It is not acceptable, however, to criticize the jury, the prosecutors, or the court, or to denigrate any person involved in the process including the witnesses."

So no cheap shots at Tim Russert, Judy Miller or the white knight, Patrick Fitzgerald. Jeffress says "do not worry about length, so long as your letter is specific." We respectfully demur. Always worry about length. We'd guess Walton would prefer you write it tight, write it active, cut adverbs, no droning on and on. Deadline's May 1.

Are You an American? Are You for America?

March 17 was a sad day. On that Saturday, the most generically named federal political action committee shuttered its doors. That's right, Americans for America filed its last report with the Federal Election Commission. Hey, but on the upside, the name's available!