Party Crashing as an Art Form?

I have followed very carefully the stories following the Salahi's party-crashing ways. It's fascinating how the story has moved over the past week to the point where the Office of the Virginia Attorney General is now investigating their charity. What follows is a list of things I like about this whole situation.
1. People were actually incensed at bad behavior from an etiquette perspective. I have been very concerned that basic etiquette is dead in our society, or at best a dinosaur that is resurrected for people who think it's quaint. Attending an event uninvited where invitations were issued is clearly an etiquett violation and these people are being severely criticized from almost every sector of society.

2. Charities get away with a lot, saying that they are to benefit some specific group and are thus above careful examination because of the good of the cause (and, yes, I include religious entities here). To me, no organization should be above careful examination in their actions and finances simply because of a mission statement. The careful examination of the Salahis' charity is occurring because their antics got them noticed, and what is being discovered will bring out more bad behavior on the part of these people.

3. There is still something to be said for dressing and acting the part. So often I am told that appearances matter too much and that we should not be so focused on how people look and act but on their talents. The Salahis' talents clearly lay in looking and acting like they fit in. He looks good in a tux - she is attractive, trim, and can wear both formal and informal clothing like a model. Her hair and makeup are good. This is how they get in places, and get all those photos, bringing me to the next item....

4. Photos on the internet are not always what they seem. Information on the internet is not always correct. Our practical minds know this, but many see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe.

5. This is NOT an example of hind sight, but there is no substitute for careful planning and implementation. Clearly, there were a lot of slip-ups, but the worst transgressions were by the Secret Service and Desiree Rogers. The Secret Service did not check credentials, and Ms. Rogers did not do her job. She should have been working the event, not acting as a guest. For me, who has as much fun planning an event as attending, the emphasis that the party crashers have had on the importance of thorough planning is a type of vindication to my lifestyle!

Lastly, many of us addicted to pop culture might be enjoying more proof that the lifestyle found in the film "Wedding Crashers" actually exists. Party crashing just might be an art form to some, but it appears to have some intense consequences!