Latest news with #Légiond'Honneur


Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Printemps hosts Perelman Performing Arts Center announcement of DVF as next Icon of Culture
Having only been in lower Manhattan for under four months, Printemps New York is proving its good neighbor status and dedication to the Financial District. The French retailer opened its doors for an event to kick off the buzz for this fall's annual Perelman Performing Arts Center, aka PAC NYC's Icon of Culture Gala. Hosted by PAC chair and former Big Apple hizzoner Michael R. Bloomberg; supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Karlie Kloss; and Printemps Americas CEO, Thierry Prevost, the cocktail announced iconic fashion legend and Légion d'Honneur recipient Diane Von Furstenberg as the 2025 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at the upcoming October black-tie event to benefit the newly opened arts center. The event marks the second Icons of Culture fundraising gala. The kickoff event was held in the new French store—designed by French architect Laura Gonzales that defies the department store moniker— in its famous Red Room shoe salon and adjacent bar, one of five food and beverage locales in the store. While Von Furstenberg was out of town and unable to attend, DVF Studio's CEO, Graziano de Boni, and his wife, Valerie, and VP of philanthropy, Luisella Meloni, showed up in support of the pioneer female fashion designer. Von Furstenberg is being honored not only for her contributions to the city but her 50-year impact on fashion and her role as a mentor and advocate for girls and women around the world. Speaking to a crowd which included Fern Mallis, Derek Blasberg, Drena De Niro, Samantha and Caleigh Perelman, and Born This Way Foundation president and co-founder Cynthia Germanotta, and Lady Gaga's mother. Bloomberg called von Furstenberg "a towering figure in the arts and culture here in New York," adding, "She's one of the most influential names in fashion, an industry at the heart of our city's economy. She's been a tireless advocate for the industry and a generous philanthropist with her leadership on public projects like the High Line and the Statue of Liberty Museum. She's deeply committed to our city, and her support and investment have helped build a bright future here." Following his remarks, a visibly pregnant Karlie Kloss, a longtime collaborator and friend of von Furstenberg, spoke about her relationship with the designer. "I first met Diane when I was 15 years old in New York, and I remember being enamored with her elegance, her confidence, and her style. Diane has been one of my fiercest champions and greatest teachers throughout my career. I've learned so much from her, but especially to be unapologetically myself. She has shown us all what a purposeful life looks like, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Kloss. Thierry Prevost, CEO of Printemps Americas, emphasized the brand's commitment to the downtown neighborhood: "Printemps is proud to contribute to the renewal of Lower Manhattan, a neighborhood whose vitality owes much to the vision and leadership of Mike Bloomberg. We're equally honored to host PAC at Printemps New York ahead of their October Icons of Culture Gala. This year, they have named Diane von Furstenberg - an icon of fashion and culture, and a woman whose bold spirit and lasting influence personify the values we stand for - as the 2025 award recipient." Provost reiterated the sentiment of Printemps's chairman Jean-Marc Bellaiche, who spoke to at the store's March opening about the area that "boasts Casa Cipriani, a performing arts center, fashion brands like Altuzarra and the cool crowd over at WSA, another architectural gem, the Beekman Hotel, good schools, green spaces, and Jean Georges Tin Building." At the time, Bellaiche doubled down on his conviction of the area. "We are convinced that this is a neighborhood of tomorrow. It's up and coming. It's more and more residential. The people and businesses that were here are different than 15 years ago. Now, it's not just bankers; it's fashion, it's tech, it's media, and it's all here. It's a vibrant community that is becoming more attractive for any New Yorker," he said. The 108th mayor of New York City was the connector for the event and spearheaded bringing the creatives together. Bloomberg's dedication to the area began when his term started in January of 2002, as the city was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. The then-mayor and his administration were determined to bring the area back together and make it bigger and better, developing the typically work-only area into a 24-hour neighborhood with housing, parks, and new businesses. Part of the plan was the arts. The idea came to fruition with the help of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, who made the first central pledge, and Ronald Perelman, for which it was named. PAC NYC brings vibrant dancers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and other creators from across New York City for performances and exhibitions.


Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Printemps hosts Perelman Performing Arts Center announcement of DVF as next Icon of Culture
Having only been in lower Manhattan for under four months, Printemps New York is proving its good neighbor status and dedication to the Financial District. The French retailer opened its doors for an event to kick off the buzz for this fall's annual Perelman Performing Arts Center, aka PAC NYC's Icon of Culture Gala. Hosted by PAC chair and former Big Apple hizzoner Michael R. Bloomberg; supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Karlie Kloss; and Printemps Americas CEO, Thierry Prevost, the cocktail announced iconic fashion legend and Légion d'Honneur recipient Diane Von Furstenberg as the 2025 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at the upcoming October black-tie event to benefit the newly opened arts center. The event marks the second Icons of Culture fundraising gala. The kickoff event was held in the new French store—designed by French architect Laura Gonzales that defies the department store moniker— in its famous Red Room shoe salon and adjacent bar, one of five food and beverage locales in the store. While Von Furstenberg was out of town and unable to attend, DVF Studio's CEO, Graziano de Boni, and his wife, Valerie, and VP of philanthropy, Luisella Meloni, showed up in support of the pioneer female fashion designer. Von Furstenberg is being honored not only for her contributions to the city but her 50-year impact on fashion and her role as a mentor and advocate for girls and women around the world. Speaking to a crowd which included Fern Mallis, Derek Blasberg, Drena De Niro, Samantha and Caleigh Perelman, and Born This Way Foundation president and co-founder Cynthia Germanotta, and Lady Gaga's mother. Bloomberg called von Furstenberg "a towering figure in the arts and culture here in New York," adding, "She's one of the most influential names in fashion, an industry at the heart of our city's economy. She's been a tireless advocate for the industry and a generous philanthropist with her leadership on public projects like the High Line and the Statue of Liberty Museum. She's deeply committed to our city, and her support and investment have helped build a bright future here." Following his remarks, a visibly pregnant Karlie Kloss, a longtime collaborator and friend of von Furstenberg, spoke about her relationship with the designer. "I first met Diane when I was 15 years old in New York, and I remember being enamored with her elegance, her confidence, and her style. Diane has been one of my fiercest champions and greatest teachers throughout my career. I've learned so much from her, but especially to be unapologetically myself. She has shown us all what a purposeful life looks like, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Kloss. Thierry Prevost, CEO of Printemps Americas, emphasized the brand's commitment to the downtown neighborhood: "Printemps is proud to contribute to the renewal of Lower Manhattan, a neighborhood whose vitality owes much to the vision and leadership of Mike Bloomberg. We're equally honored to host PAC at Printemps New York ahead of their October Icons of Culture Gala. This year, they have named Diane von Furstenberg - an icon of fashion and culture, and a woman whose bold spirit and lasting influence personify the values we stand for - as the 2025 award recipient." Provost reiterated the sentiment of Printemps's chairman Jean-Marc Bellaiche, who spoke to at the store's March opening about the area that "boasts Casa Cipriani, a performing arts center, fashion brands like Altuzarra and the cool crowd over at WSA, another architectural gem, the Beekman Hotel, good schools, green spaces, and Jean Georges Tin Building." At the time, Bellaiche doubled down on his conviction of the area. "We are convinced that this is a neighborhood of tomorrow. It's up and coming. It's more and more residential. The people and businesses that were here are different than 15 years ago. Now, it's not just bankers; it's fashion, it's tech, it's media, and it's all here. It's a vibrant community that is becoming more attractive for any New Yorker," he said. The 108th mayor of New York City was the connector for the event and spearheaded bringing the creatives together. Bloomberg's dedication to the area began when his term started in January of 2002, as the city was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. The then-mayor and his administration were determined to bring the area back together and make it bigger and better, developing the typically work-only area into a 24-hour neighborhood with housing, parks, and new businesses. Part of the plan was the arts. The idea came to fruition with the help of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, who made the first central pledge, and Ronald Perelman, for which it was named. PAC NYC brings vibrant dancers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and other creators from across New York City for performances and exhibitions.


Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Printemps hosts Perelman Performing Arts Center announcement of DVF as next Icon of Culture
Having only been in lower Manhattan for under four months, Printemps New York is proving its good neighbor status and dedication to the Financial District. The French retailer opened its doors for an event to kick off the buzz for this fall's annual Perelman Performing Arts Center, aka PAC NYC's Icon of Culture Gala. Hosted by PAC chair and former Big Apple hizzoner Michael R. Bloomberg; supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Karlie Kloss; and Printemps Americas CEO, Thierry Prevost, the cocktail announced iconic fashion legend and Légion d'Honneur recipient Diane Von Furstenberg as the 2025 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at the upcoming October black-tie event to benefit the newly opened arts center. The event marks the second Icons of Culture fundraising gala. The kickoff event was held in the new French store—designed by French architect Laura Gonzales that defies the department store moniker— in its famous Red Room shoe salon and adjacent bar, one of five food and beverage locales in the store. While Von Furstenberg was out of town and unable to attend, DVF Studio's CEO, Graziano de Boni, and his wife, Valerie, and VP of philanthropy, Luisella Meloni, showed up in support of the pioneer female fashion designer. Von Furstenberg is being honored not only for her contributions to the city but her 50-year impact on fashion and her role as a mentor and advocate for girls and women around the world. Speaking to a crowd which included Fern Mallis, Derek Blasberg, Drena De Niro, Samantha and Caleigh Perelman, and Born This Way Foundation president and co-founder Cynthia Germanotta, and Lady Gaga's mother. Bloomberg called von Furstenberg "a towering figure in the arts and culture here in New York," adding, "She's one of the most influential names in fashion, an industry at the heart of our city's economy. She's been a tireless advocate for the industry and a generous philanthropist with her leadership on public projects like the High Line and the Statue of Liberty Museum. She's deeply committed to our city, and her support and investment have helped build a bright future here." Following his remarks, a visibly pregnant Karlie Kloss, a longtime collaborator and friend of von Furstenberg, spoke about her relationship with the designer. "I first met Diane when I was 15 years old in New York, and I remember being enamored with her elegance, her confidence, and her style. Diane has been one of my fiercest champions and greatest teachers throughout my career. I've learned so much from her, but especially to be unapologetically myself. She has shown us all what a purposeful life looks like, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Kloss. Thierry Prevost, CEO of Printemps Americas, emphasized the brand's commitment to the downtown neighborhood: "Printemps is proud to contribute to the renewal of Lower Manhattan, a neighborhood whose vitality owes much to the vision and leadership of Mike Bloomberg. We're equally honored to host PAC at Printemps New York ahead of their October Icons of Culture Gala. This year, they have named Diane von Furstenberg - an icon of fashion and culture, and a woman whose bold spirit and lasting influence personify the values we stand for - as the 2025 award recipient." Provost reiterated the sentiment of Printemps's chairman Jean-Marc Bellaiche, who spoke to at the store's March opening about the area that "boasts Casa Cipriani, a performing arts center, fashion brands like Altuzarra and the cool crowd over at WSA, another architectural gem, the Beekman Hotel, good schools, green spaces, and Jean Georges Tin Building." At the time, Bellaiche doubled down on his conviction of the area. "We are convinced that this is a neighborhood of tomorrow. It's up and coming. It's more and more residential. The people and businesses that were here are different than 15 years ago. Now, it's not just bankers; it's fashion, it's tech, it's media, and it's all here. It's a vibrant community that is becoming more attractive for any New Yorker," he said. The 108th mayor of New York City was the connector for the event and spearheaded bringing the creatives together. Bloomberg's dedication to the area began when his term started in January of 2002, as the city was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. The then-mayor and his administration were determined to bring the area back together and make it bigger and better, developing the typically work-only area into a 24-hour neighborhood with housing, parks, and new businesses. Part of the plan was the arts. The idea came to fruition with the help of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, who made the first central pledge, and Ronald Perelman, for which it was named. PAC NYC brings vibrant dancers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and other creators from across New York City for performances and exhibitions.


Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
The slippery slope of political iconography
Earlier this month Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, decided to swap out his usual American flag lapel pin. Instead of the stars and stripes, he pinned a gold medallion in the shape of President Donald Trump's profile, about the size of a quarter, to his blue suit and wore it to meet with a Georgia congressman, Buddy Carter, and later to a meeting at the Justice Department. He then memorialized the meetings on the social platform X. The pin was noticed by Benny Johnson, a conservative YouTuber, who posted a shot of it on X along with the line 'Do you even understand the level of fit that Brendan Carr has?' to his 3.6 million followers. Carr reposted it. And so a mini social media moment was born. Rumors flew across the internet that Trump was requiring members of his administration to wear the pins. 'Fake news' wrote Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, in an email a few days later. Carr has not been seen wearing the pin since. Yet the mere fact that someone who worked for Trump thought it might be a good idea to display his boss's likeness on his lapel, no matter how briefly, is notable. Especially because it is not the only Trump likeness popping up in the administration. Trump's face also graces an example of what he has called the Trump 'Gold Card': a mock-up of the proposed green card for those willing to pay $5 million, which Trump unveiled the same day Carr modeled his Trump lapel pin and which Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said should come into effect in the next week or so. 'It's a real departure from the norm, especially because of the precedents,' said Richard Thompson Ford, a professor at Stanford Law School and the author of 'Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History.' 'To the extent such symbolism matters, it portends a change. A shift from the veneration of the rule of law, to the veneration of an individual.' When asked why Carr wore the pin, and where he got it, a spokesperson for the FCC emailed back, 'Chairman Carr has focused on delivering great results for the American people.' Then he added, 'The New York Times has chosen to focus on … lapel pins.' However, lapel pins of all kinds, whether the flag pin, the Légion d'Honneur in France, the poppy in Britain or the multiple color-coded ribbons for different causes, have long been repositories of meaning. They sit at the knotty place where history, the culture of consumption and the power of merch meet. A Brief History of the Lapel Pin Lapel pins have long been beloved tools across the political spectrum. At the 2024 State of the Union address, Democrats wore lapel pins to show their support of abortion rights, to protest gun violence and police violence, or to support Ukraine, while Republican lawmakers sported pins paying homage to Laken Riley, the college student who was killed by a migrant. Because they are worn close to the heart, and on view for anyone to see, they have become de facto signs of value systems and allegiances. Not to mention 'a way to distinguish between the in group and the out group,' said Joshua Arthurs, an associate professor of history and museum studies at the University of Toronto. The pins have their roots in military culture, with its practice of wearing the insignia of rank and status on the front of the chest. In Benito Mussolini's Italy, for example, Arthurs said a wide variety of lapel pins was often on display, including '1919 pins' that differentiated original members of the fascist party from those who joined later, and who often wore pins with elaborate party insignia. But they became particularly potent in China under Mao Zedong, where wearing a lapel pin in the form of Mao's profile became a widespread sign of commitment. 'The person becomes the embodiment of the cause,' said Karl Gerth, a professor of Chinese Studies and history at the University of California, San Diego, and the author of 'Unending Capitalism: How Consumerism Negated China's Communist Revolution.' The implication being, he said, that loyalty to the state is loyalty to the person, or loyalty to the person is loyalty to the state. Such prominent symbols, Arthurs said, suggest familiar displays of patriotism shifting into something like a 'secular religion.' One built around a charismatic figure, the power of ritual and iconography. Or stuff. 'Clothing becomes very important,' Arthurs said, as 'a way to show you are a true believer' and a member of the tribe, whether or not it is officially required. This is part of the allure of the MAGA hat — and why Trump could sell off swatches of his mug shot suit like souvenirs. What's in a Face? Trump lapel pins are not particularly hard to get. One such gold-plated style is currently available on the official Trump 2024 store for $19.95, while another is on Amazon for $6.99; more than 300 of those pins have been sold in the past month, according to the e-commerce site. It's not hard to imagine why such a pin may seem attractive for anyone who has taken note of the amount of time Trump spends discussing appearance, and his dislike of what he considers improper dress (see his scolding of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit for his Oval Office meeting). The president obviously both pays attention to and cares what those around him wear. Indeed, it does not seem like a coincidence that so many Republican officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have adopted the de facto Trump uniform of blue suit, white shirt and red tie. It is also very clear that Trump loves gold (see the redecoration of the Oval Office). That he is concerned with his own likeness, as his recent complaints over a portrait that he believed was unflattering and that was briefly hung in the Colorado Capitol demonstrated. And that he values loyalty. What better way to show fealty than to wear a gold pin of his likeness? He does not have to actually instruct people to do so. They can figure it out all on their own. It's no different from young Bernie Sanders supporters getting tattoos of his face (as some proudly did after the 2016 campaign), or Barack Obama fans buying T-shirts with Shepard Fairey's Obama portrait on the chest — unless it becomes something more ubiquitous and bureaucratic. Which is where the gold card comes in. While presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln all have their likeness on the U.S. currency, that happened after they were either dead or at least out of office; in 1866, Congress passed a law that prohibited using the 'portrait or likeness of any living person' on legal tender. To have a leader put his face on an official instrument when the person is actually in power is, like the lapel pin, Ford said, 'a bad sign.' 'When Caesar put his face on a coin, it was a personal, rather than a civic, assertion of power,' Ford said. It was also when Rome moved from republic to empire. That is why Carr's pin matters. 'It's a reflection,' Ford said, 'of the mindset of someone working in the administration.' When that person is also the person charged with overseeing communications laws and regulations, it seems especially — well, pointed.


New York Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
The Slippery Slope of Political Iconography
Earlier this month Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, decided to swap out his usual American flag lapel pin. Instead of the stars and stripes, he pinned a gold medallion in the shape of President Trump's profile, about the size of a quarter, to his blue suit and wore it to meet with a Georgia congressman, Buddy Carter, and later to a meeting at the Justice Department. He then memorialized the meetings on X. The pin was noticed by Benny Johnson, a conservative YouTuber, who posted a shot of it on X along with the line 'Do you even understand the level of fit that Brendan Carr has?' to his 3.6 million followers. Mr. Carr reposted it. And so a mini social media moment was born. Rumors flew across the internet that Mr. Trump was requiring members of his administration to wear the pins. 'Fake news' wrote Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, in an email a few days later. Mr. Carr has not been seen wearing the pin since. Yet the mere fact that someone who worked for Mr. Trump thought it might be a good idea to display his boss's likeness on his lapel, no matter how briefly, is notable. Especially because it is not the only Trump likeness currently popping up in the administration. Mr. Trump's face also graces an example of what he has called the Trump 'Gold Card': a mock-up of the proposed green card for those willing to pay $5 million, which Mr. Trump unveiled the same day Mr. Carr modeled his Trump lapel pin and which Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said should come into effect in the next week or so. 'It's a real departure from the norm, especially because of the precedents,' said Richard Thompson Ford, a professor at Stanford Law School and the author of 'Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History.' 'To the extent such symbolism matters, it portends a change. A shift from the veneration of the rule of law, to the veneration of an individual.' When asked why Mr. Carr wore the pin, and where he got it, a spokesman for the F.C.C. emailed back, 'Chairman Carr has focused on delivering great results for the American people.' Then he added, 'The New York Times has chosen to focus on … lapel pins.' However, lapel pins of all kinds, whether the flag pin, the Légion d'Honneur in France, the poppy in Britain or the multiple color-coded ribbons for different causes, have long been repositories of meaning. They sit at the knotty place where history, the culture of consumption and the power of merch meet. A Brief History of the Lapel Pin Lapel pins have long been beloved tools across the political spectrum. At the 2024 State of the Union address, Democrats wore lapel pins to show their support of abortion rights, to protest gun violence and police violence, or to support Ukraine, while Republican lawmakers sported pins paying homage to Laken Riley, the college student who was killed by a migrant. Because they are worn close to the heart, and on view for anyone to see, they have become de facto signs of value systems and allegiances. Not to mention 'a way to distinguish between the in group and the out group,' said Joshua Arthurs, an associate professor of history and museum studies at the University of Toronto. The pins have their roots in military culture, with its practice of wearing the insignia of rank and status on the front of the chest. In Benito Mussolini's Italy, for example, Mr. Arthurs said a wide variety of lapel pins was often on display, including '1919 pins' that differentiated original members of the fascist party from those who joined later, and who often wore pins with elaborate party insignia. But they became particularly potent in China under Mao Zedong, where wearing a lapel pin in the form of Mao's profile became a widespread sign of commitment. 'The person becomes the embodiment of the cause,' said Karl Gerth, a professor of Chinese Studies and history at the University of California, San Diego, and the author of 'Unending Capitalism: How Consumerism Negated China's Communist Revolution.' The implication being, he said, that loyalty to the State is loyalty to the person, or loyalty to the person is loyalty to the state. Such prominent symbols, Mr. Arthurs said, suggest familiar displays of patriotism shifting into something like a 'secular religion.' One built around a charismatic figure, the power of ritual and iconography. Or stuff. 'Clothing becomes very important,' Mr. Arthurs said, as 'a way to show you are a true believer' and a member of the tribe, whether or not it is officially required. This is part of the allure of the MAGA hat — and why Mr. Trump could sell off swatches of his mug shot suit like souvenirs. Mr. Gerth called such items 'a way to show loyalty through consumption, one that spreads quickly.' It can be as simple as seeing one person wearing a pin, and, much as with any fashion trend, feeling nervous that if you are not also wearing the pin, you are not demonstrating your own fealty or belonging. In the Carr case, 'wearing this new pin communicates a higher level of commitment to President Trump,' said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist and a founder of ROKK, a public affairs firm. 'He will definitely stand out among political appointees as the first one to wear it and likely receive praise from the President.' If that happens, Mr. Bonjean continued, 'it could cause a wave of administration staff and MAGA loyalists to scramble and begin wearing the pins immediately.' What's in a Face? Trump lapel pins are not particularly hard to get. One such gold-plated style is currently available on the official Trump 2024 store for $19.95, while another is on Amazon for $6.99; more than 300 of those pins have been sold in the last month, according to the e-commerce site. It's not hard to imagine why such a pin may seem attractive for anyone who has taken note of the amount of time Mr. Trump spends discussing appearance, and his dislike of what he considers improper dress (see his scolding of President Volodymyr Zelensky for not wearing a suit for his Oval Office meeting). The president obviously both pays attention to and cares what those around him wear. Indeed, it does not seem like a coincidence that so many Republican officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have adopted the de facto Trump uniform of blue suit, white shirt and red tie. It is also very clear that Mr. Trump loves gold (see the redecoration of the Oval Office). That he is concerned with his own likeness, as his recent complaints over a portrait that he believed was unflattering and that was briefly hung in the Colorado State Capitol demonstrated. And that he values loyalty. What better way to show fealty than to wear a gold pin of his likeness? He does not have to actually instruct people to do so. They can figure it out all on their own. It's no different than young Bernie Sanders supporters getting tattoos of his face (as some proudly did after the 2016 campaign), or Obama fans buying T-shirts with Shepard Fairey's Obama portrait on the chest — unless it becomes something more ubiquitous and bureaucratic. Which is where the gold card comes in. While presidents such as Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln all have their likeness on the U.S. currency, that happened after they were either dead or at least out of office; in 1866, Congress passed a law that prohibited using the 'portrait or likeness of any living person' on legal tender. To have a leader put his face on an official instrument when the person is actually in power is, like the lapel pin, Mr. Ford said, 'a bad sign.' 'When Caesar put his face on a coin, it was a personal, rather than a civic, assertion of power,' Mr. Ford said. It was also when Rome moved from republic to empire. That is why Mr. Carr's pin matters. 'It's a reflection,' Mr. Ford said, 'of the mind-set of someone working in the administration.' When that person is also the person charged with overseeing communications laws and regulations, it seems especially — well, pointed.