Peggy Noonan has the incredible transcript of Ashley Smith’s seven hour encounter with killer Brian Nichols (a must read) and concludes with her usual eloquence and insight:
It is an idiot’s errand to follow such testimony with
commentary. It’s too big. There is nothing newspaper-eloquent to say. We have
entered Flannery O’Connor country, and only geniuses need apply.Here are mere facts. They were together seven hours and each
emerged transformed. He gave himself up without a fight and is now in prison.
She reported to police all that had transpired, the police told the press, and
now she is famous.
Tuesday evening on the news a "hostage rescue expert"
explained that she "negotiated like a pro." Actually what she did is
give Christian witness. It wasn’t negotiation. It had to do with being human.It is an amazing and beautiful story. And for all its
unlikeliness you know it happened as Smith said. You know she told the truth.
It’s funny how we all know this.