Readers Write 10/18

COLUMNIST

Give thanks for what Bisher gave readers

I was old enough to start reading the AJC sports pages just about the time Furman Bisher came to Atlanta, so I’ve read his columns for his entire career here. He can never be replaced, but we can all give thanks for his legacy, and his influence on a younger generation of sports writers.

Furman, we’ll miss you. I hope you have a great retirement.

Jim Chambers, Tucker

COLUMNIST

Hummer worthy
to carry the torch

Longtime readers of the AJC will mourn the retirement of Furman Bisher, whose perspective and personality will be sorely missed.

But he is not the only sports columnist with the gift of lyrical expression. Steve Hummer is the last of a disappearing breed of writers whose command of language is instinctive and true. Younger writers were brought up with sound bites and simple punditry, and these are the tools of the trade in this age of computers and Twitter.

However, we should recognize the masterful and consistently beautiful columns created by Hummer, who modestly writes of Bisher, “There is no one left who has had such an impact on his craft.” (“A career ends, and an era,” Sports, Oct. 11)

I beg to differ — and I hope that Hummer will continue to grace the pages of this paper for years to come. I’m even betting that he has an old Royal typewriter that still works.

Mary Waite, Kennesaw

COLUMNIST

The wisdom of Bisher’s writing shall be missed

Oh, my goodness. I am shocked and sorry that Furman Bisher has retired. I know little of sporting events. But, for nearly 30 years (since moving from Iowa), I have enjoyed reading his columns.

I shall miss the wisdom of his writing. Thank you for so many great years, Mr. Bisher.

Jeanne de Boer, Atlanta

MEDIA

Good riddance to political endorsements

I read that the AJC will no longer endorse political candidates. Since subscriptions have declined drastically, I am amazed you finally figured out the primary reason. Giving information is all voters want.

This newspaper has been so biased in the past, I will believe it when I see it actually happen! Congratulations, finally, on a good decision.

Jo Pate, Marietta

MEDIA

Pitts seems to confuse Fox opinion with news

Does Leonard Pitts know the difference between news and opinion? In “Why don’t I trust Fox? Let me count the ways” (Opinion, Oct. 8), he claims Fox is not a credible news source.

As evidence, he cites statements by Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck. Each of these programs is promoted by Fox as an opinion program, not news.

If Fox is not credible as a news source, where are the examples of false reporting from Fox’s news programs? Pitts might be more believable if his bias against Fox were not so apparent.

Robert Brown, Peachtree City