It is true that in the wake of the recent iPhone 3G launch, Rich Tehrani had trouble finding one.
But according to Top Muffin's iPhone 3G Availability Tracker -- which tracks which stores have inventory based on Apple's own information -- as of 12:45pm today, July 24th there were quite a few units available for purchase at Apple stores throughout the United States.
In fact if Rich really wants a black 16GB model, I might be able to hook him up.
For more on the availability of the iPhone 3G, check out this article.