We on the right complain, justly, that the fellow traveling or outright communism of famous people is ignored in their obituaries–a grace not extended to those who dallied (or worse) with the totalitarian right. A partial exception seems to be this morning’s long obit of Philip Johnson in the New York Times. Paul Goldberger mentions that Johnson was absorbed in right wing politics during the thirties, supporting Huey Long and Father Coughlin. But he also says Johnson spent time in Louisiana and Berlin. Yo, Berlin, as in ‘hood of Hitler? Inquiring minds would like to know more.

I don’t think this should dominate Johnson’s obits. He seems to have repented to a degree, and his claim to our attention is in any case his architecture. I know that’s controversial too. I do love the Four Seasons.