A reader writes to remind me of Rumsfeld’s Rules — of one of them, in particular (and to see a veritable booklet of them, go here). In Impromptus today, I cite George Shultz. Why? Because, when he was a cabinet secretary — as he was three times, in three different posts — he would bridle when an aide said, “The White House is calling.” Shultz would say, “Who in the White House?” Makes a big difference. I mean, could be the president, could be a press assistant.

I thought of Shultz when reading this sentence, in a news story: “The White House ordered the Justice Department on Thursday night to consider other places to try the 9/11 terror suspects after a wave of opposition to holding the trial in lower Manhattan.” I wondered if the president himself issued the order. Shouldn’t he have?

Anyway, this reader reminds me of Rumsfeld’s succinct Rule: “Don’t say ‘the White House wants.’ Buildings can’t want.” Let it be a rule for all! And that would include news reporters, too, I would think.