In just reading Mario Rups comments on the Enola Gay decision, I would agree with his views, and add, this whole "affair" has given me great pause. I am dismayed by the Smithsonian's Secretary's admissions of poor judgement. What I have done with this outcome is to discuss the situation with the Museum Studies class which I lead today. I was leading a discussion on collections management, encouraging discussion of the many implications behind accepting a gift. I then referenced the Enola Gay exhibition, by way of stating that exhibition decisions, as well as acquistions, have many a hidden agenda and/or complication. A few of the students have been following the developments, but for those who have not, the relations were most enlightening. I suppose I was striving to introduce them to the fact that exhibition selection, and interpretation, is not a matter of mere aesthetics (this is an introductory class). One never knows where the inquisitors lie, but must be readied for their questions while doing one's job... My point being, whatever dismal outcome of this proposed exhibition, it served in part as fodder for thought for the students I sat with today. Barbra Brady [log in to unmask]