DRs Cillaliz and Jane - RE: Frank Rich's Op-Ed piece... I think your viewpoint all depends upon where, when and "how" you grew up. -Just read some of the 370+ comments (so far). And some of the comments/stories are quite moving.
Sadly(?), I do have to agree with Mr. Rich in regards to the whole racial make-up and dynamic of Washington, DC, itself. Having grown up just outside the DC line, and worked many years in DC proper, the racial dynamic in DC is truly something unique, for better or worse. And with all the new development going on right now in some formerly impoverished areas of the city, well... It will be interesting to see how the Nation's Capital will evolve during Obama's administration.