Saletan's writing reveals that he has probably experienced second hand the frustration that is felt by shorter than average people. In fact, this experience seems to be the only research besides the testimonial in this article that went into forming his opinions about the ethics of this surgery. This is uncharacteristic of Saletan; unless, his attempt is to rable rouse and stir up controversy amoung his readers. Truthfully, I expect he will eventually do the work that he is morally oblligated to do as a scientific journalist and learn about the hard facts. Saletan has made mistakes before but before this case is shut I will bet he finds at least one study showing that height is indeed functionally important and not simply a matter of personal asthetics. Economics is a dismal science; because it brings to light our darker ambitions. Ultimately, people pay taller people more in the business world just like strip club owners will often pay for their dancers to get boob jobs. Follow the money.