Faced by controversy regarding its links to the bin Laden family and high-ranking government officials, the Carlyle Group has has named Chris Ullman, a former official with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, as its vice president for corporate communications.

On November 7, former President Bill Clinton gave a speech at Georgetown University on foreign policy and globalization in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11. Within 24 hours, Clinton's words had been twisted into the nonsensical allegation that the former president had blamed slavery and America's treatment of Native Americans for the attacks.

"The president of the United States is encouraging us to buy," observes marketer Chuck Kelly. "Broadway stars donate their time to film a commercial asking us to visit New York City. The Federal Reserve Board chairman tells us that the best tonic for the economy is for consumers to invest in it by spending money. Could any marketer ask for more?" Kelly argues that America is "embarking on a journey of spiritual patriotism" that "is about pride, loyalty, caring and believing" -- not to mention, of course, selling.