The lowest form of wit?

In today's New York Times there is an article about puns. He doesn't like them.

I thought anti-pun prejudice was a singularly American affliction-until I read this article, and discovered plenty of Brits have been anti-pun too.

As many of you know, recreational punning is an activity I rather enjoy. I defend the pun against Mr Tartakovsky's arguments. A well-executed pun requires quickness of wit, and flexibility of mind. A pun represents an attempt to forge a connection between two disparate things, and such efforts are key to the emergence of new ideas.

Of course, some of you just think all puns should be, well, executed. Talinn & Denise, this article is for you.