Next Time, Wait for the Messengered Invitation

Like Judy Howard Ellis, I have old fashioned values where party-crashing would-be "Real Housewives" are concerned. Though not a fan of the television entertainment programming concept called "unscripted drama," I can no longer ignore the cultural impact of reality TV. Balloon fathers, octomothers and attention junkies of all sizes and shapes have become an unavoidable part of the American landscape. Media writer Bill Carter estimated in the New York Times Sunday that over 10,000 potential reality stars have so far emerged in our culture since Survivor debuted 10 years ago.

While I don't really see the harm if, for the benefit of cameras, "housewives" turn over tables in New Jersey or get into "cat fights" in Atlanta, I have to wonder at producers' launching a "Real" franchise in the Capitol City. Personally, I think such unbecoming public behavior will seem odd and awkward in the sober monument-filled federal city where I've lived for 31 years, but if local women want to indulge in manufactured fame, I wish them the best.

That said, I really resent the people's house being treated as a prop by casting directors for Bravo TV's hit franchise. Bravo executives admit they paid a camera crew to film last Tuesday's preparations by the counterfeit cutups finessing their way into the president's party. The stunt was presumably to enhance the chances of Michaele Salahi, the wife, being selected to "rub elbows with the world's movers and shakers" and be featured as one of the "nation's most influential players, cultural connoisseurs, fashion sophisticates and philanthropic leaders" in the coming seasons.

That there are freelance celebrity entrepreneurs is hardly surprising in a time when every tweeting twit is touted. But, while talk show bookers dicker (six figures, seriously?) for a chance to interview the enterprising publicity hounds, I want to mention that the Senate government affairs committee (Carl Levin, are you listening?) has authority to look at that footage and interview the two social climbers for free. The blonde wearing a sari, whose talent for masquerade and hunger for publicity drove her to allegedly impersonate a Redskins cheerleader alumna, will surely get to tell how she pulled off last week's high jinks. I'm hoping, however, her moment in the spotlight will be at an oversight hearing to investigate misleading of federal officers. I confess to being an old Washington hand, but this tip for the wannabe reality star is just one housewife to another: When committee members question you about your visit to the president's party, remember, you're under oath.