So, let me continue my theme: the theme of, “People are always intruding partisan politics where they don’t belong.” And those people — in my experience — are typically on the left. I did a lengthy column on this — with loads of reader help — called “My Kingdom for a Safe Zone” (here).

Okay. Two afternoons ago, I was covering a gala concert at Carnegie Hall. This was in celebration of Marilyn Horne’s 75th birthday (and, by the way, for my “Horne-a-palooza,” go here). At lunch with friends beforehand, I said, “How long will it take before we hear the first political pronouncement from the stage?” The answer turned out to be twelve minutes.

The concert started at 2:05, and at 2:17 Frederica von Stade, the mezzo-soprano serving as co-host of the occasion, did a big shout-out to the Democratic party, complete with some kind of raised-arm fist pump. As she did this, she had a crazed-gleeful look on her face.

I don’t know about you, but I am particularly unkeen on arm gestures associated with party enthusiasm and loyalty . . .