PETRI DISHES OF FAILED LIBERAL POLICIES? Yes, that is one of Ann Coulter's more pungent lines, describing California. But there might be something broader at work. Last night I was working on the railroad and listening to Matt Drudge (yes, it is a guilty pleasure, and if the weather is correct I can pick it up on KOA (850 kHz) out of Denver as well as old reliable WLS (890 kHz) in East DeKalb) broadcasting from Las Vegas, which is apparently attracting all the hot stuff from Los Angeles (hat tip: Newmark's Door). The phenomenon is manifesting itself in Europe. Liberal Order reports a net outmigration of people from The Netherlands. Perhaps we can expect a net in-migration of French comedians, who will not necessarily be seeking lower tax bills. Owen at Boots and Sabers has discovered some new shall-not-give-offense laws regulating the content of comedy acts. Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome.

Some people, however, are a bit slow to learn.

As a key component of the University's "New Vision for Campus Culture," the Colgate Board of Trustees and administration have demanded that all privately owned fraternity and sorority houses be sold to the school, or their chapter will no longer be recognized. Further, any student joining a non-recognized chapter may be subject to suspension or expulsion.

The Residential New Vision anticipates that University-owned Greek-letter houses will become the Broad Street Community and serve as "theme" houses. Current theme houses are designed as residences for students who want to live with others who share a common interest or background - Asian, African-American, Latino, homosexuality, creative arts, environmental activism, and peace studies.

Why doesn't drinking beer and speculating about hotties qualify as a theme that people might hold in common? It's not as if any of these other theme houses encourage intellectual development.