"Nobody told me what to do," she told a Saturday fund—raiser here.

The implicit afterword: Nobody better try.

But then we learn The softly accented voice gives pointed advice to the Democratic Party, which she lately joined, formerly having spent 15 years as wife of a Senate Republican.

Yep, nobody told her what to do, she just adapted ideas and switched affiliations to be in sync with the current husband. How brave.  How independent.  How truly feminista!

Heinz Kerry flew into town on her own Gulfstream jet (the Flying Squirrel, named for a Sun Valley ski run) direct from a conference on global philanthropy at Stanford. 

And of course she discussed...you guessed it

She talked energy—efficient building design with Seattle Art Museum boss (and old friend) Mimi Gates. She dined at Wild Ginger and flew back east with takeout food from the Third Avenue restaurant.

Yes, yes, yes, I know, I know, I just know that her very own personal private jet is so—o much more energy efficient than any commercial jet could ever be.  And of course she didn't waste food——took the leftovers home.

As for her husband's definitive loss, well!

COUNTING THE VOTES: Heinz Kerry is openly skeptical about results from November's election, particularly in sections of the country where optical scanners were used to record votes.

"Two brothers own 80 percent of the machines used in the United States," Heinz Kerry said. She identified both as "hard—right" Republicans. She argued that it is "very easy to hack into the mother machines."

"We in the United States are not a banana republic," added Heinz Kerry. She argued that Democrats should insist on "accountability and transparency" in how votes are tabulated.

"I fear for '06," she said. "I don't trust it the way it is right now."

Nothing like a good loser bravely carrying on.

But of course she reserves freedom of expression only for those in agreement with her.

Last year, a few ultraconservative prelates said they would not allow the Democratic nominee to receive communion in their dioceses. The bishop of Colorado Springs declared that Catholics voting for pro—choice candidates were not welcome at the communion rail.

"The church has a right and obligation to teach values," Heinz Kerry declared. "They don't have a right to restrict freedom of expression, which they did."

And on and on she goes. Because she still has freedom of expression.  And lots of money.  And a private jet. And...

Ethel C. Fenig  3 8 05