It Takes an Extraordinary Egotist

to talk about the white male ego, but there's no better expert than Norman Mailer.

This is a man who always has something to say whether or not it is worth saying. When he was young he was one of America's finest writers. But he had a hell of a personal life, and suddenly he started selling out his talent to the highest bidder. He needed the money for ex-wives and children. Next thing one knew, Mailer was a self-styled expert on Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, women's rights, the whole nine yards.

I do have to admit, though, Mailer is right in this column.