In response to
Public Discourse, Without the 'Hard Zinger'

Robert Reech in Slidell, Louisiana
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 11:40 AM

As a 53 year old white American Southerner, I feel as though I have lived through more fundamental societal changes than just about anybody, ever. I can remember (barely) when blacks weren't allowed to eat in white restaurants; however, more importantly, I remember the overall assumptions that informed such policies from listening to the adults around me, and from witnessing my world, albeit through the eyes of a child.
I wonder what those people, from so very long ago, would think now, if they were still living, upon realizing that some of the most restrained, even-handed, and truly thoughtful editorial commentary across recent decades have come from two black editorialists -- namely William Raspberry and Thomas Sowell. I have not agreed with everything either has said -- I don't agree with everything anyone says. However their sober, unpretentious, and SINCERE AND THOUGHTFUL insight into the current malaises that affect our society have put most of the 'old guard' pundits to shame, in my opinion.
I hope that the loss of William Raspbery can be quickly replaced (although I very much doubt this). Few people are going to realize, I fear, what an unrectifiable loss the death of William Raspberry will mean for serious, civil, sane, and THOUGHTFUL public discourse in the life of this very troubled nation.