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From the sidelines

If you've never read Leonard Pitts, check him out.

He is a syndicated columnist, who focuses on issues such as race and politics, employed by the Miami Herald.

He also won a Pulitzer Prize for a column about the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks, along with numerous other awards.

He has written two books, tours the country giving speeches, and is a college professor.

In other words: he's smart.

I've e-mailed him from time to time with questions or comments and he has always taken the time to reply, even if it is just a "thanks."

When I sent him a question during a live chat this past week, I eagerly awaited his response.

Knowing he is not a huge sports fan, I asked him if he felt sports writers, or sports writing, was important, or should newspapers focus on more important news issues.

In a way I knew he would probably say of course it is important, but maybe I needed some validation that writing about home runs and touchdowns is as important as war, politics, or the goings-on of the City of Marion.

His response:

"Are you kidding? First of all, any topic in which there is wide public interest is "important."

"Secondly, I consider sports writers, as a class, the best writers at any given newspaper.

"I was lucky enough to have grown up reading Jim Murray in the L.A. Times — read him faithfully, even though I didn't (and still don't) care about most sports.

"The writing was so visceral and colorful it demanded my attention. You should write on whatever topic calls your name, but I sure wouldn't feel the need to apologize if that topic was sports."

Now, I won't go as far as to say sports writers are the best writers at any paper (although it does sound good), but it did feel good for someone like Pitts, who doesn't care that much for sports, to write what he did.

It shows his open-mindedness, which many of his readers fail to realize because they are not, and his want for the newspaper industry to succeed in any way, shape, or form.

So, Mr. Pitts thanks for the answer. I know how well the Marion High School track and field team does at state is not as important as a war, but at least I am reminded people do care.

To ask a question or make a comment contact Mike at mnorris817gmail.com, or call (620) 382-2165.

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