I do wish, however, that Mr. Ashbrook (or a caller) had at least challenged Mr. Petit at several points. Mr. Petit’s stunt was not only illegal (involving trespassing, which apparently is acceptable if done in the name of “art”–perhaps a defense that peeping toms could use), but it also diverted police resources that could’ve been put to better effect, say, fighting actual crime in the city at the time.

It is this same kind of unwillingness to challenge a guest at any turn that contributed to the Margaret B. Jones debacle several months ago. I commend Mr. Ashbrook for holding a program after the initial interview with “Ms. Jones” to discuss the issue–something I didn’t see much of in the rest of the media–but lessons must be learned.