Written Pyramids

Journalists are not supposed to take gifts from sources.

I am pretty good about that. I won't let them buy me coffee or pay for my frozen lemonade as we walk off of the National Mall in the middle of a Washington summer, despite the fact that the source rightfully points out that he makes a lot more money than I do.

But I have a weakness for pens. If there are pens at a conference I am covering, I always end up taking one. And then feeling sort of guilty.

The pens, as far as I can tell, do not affect my sympathy, but there's a slightly bitter taste in my mouth when I find them in my pocket or in my bag.