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Posted on Wed, Feb. 20, 2008

Those pillars of the newspapers

By DAVID HOUSE

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Recent controversy over a Colleyville elementary school's inclusion of Spanish in its curriculum inflamed readers of all stripes -- English-only advocates, foreign-language advocates and "patriots" who view Spanish studies as a curse of illegal immigration.

This was a local issue thick with argument, emotion and entrenched views -- a natural web of conflict in need of perspectives beyond straight coverage. That's what Star-Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy provided, and in doing so, he exemplified the value of a columnist as an agent of understanding.

In a Feb. 10 commentary about the controversy ("Spanish-haters either forget or ignore history of our state"), Kennedy put the situation in various contexts and raised two compelling points:

Latino civil-rights organizations support teaching English to all children.

Spanish holds a revered place in Texas history. One example Kennedy noted: "After the Battle of the Alamo, the heroes' funeral was conducted entirely in Spanish by Texas officers."

His column drew heavy reaction -- "the most positive response ever to a column about Spanish or immigration," Kennedy said. "People called up, crying. One reader wants to write me a poem. Two left messages in a mixture of Spanish and English. Very humbling."

A metro daily's credibility rests on many cornerstones, but none is more important than its high-profile columnists -- writers for readers who relish commentary rich with expertise, passion and compelling insight.

Columnists personalize a paper. In their quality of thought and literary personality, those at the Star-Telegram range from gruff, booty-kickin' brawlers to polished students of business and politics. They're all gifted with encyclopedic knowledge and rampant curiosity that finds hidden angles on developments.

Contrarians, they make enemies. An e-mail from "American Patriot" demanded: "Fire Bud Kennedy! He is a racist radical who is in favor of the invasion of illegal aliens from Mexico!"

On the other hand, "Bob" wrote of the Feb. 10 column: "Thanks, Bud, for decreasing the ignorance, teaching a bit of Texas history, and bringing civility to the situation."

Readers ask many questions about Kennedy. This seems like a good time to share some of them and Kennedy's answers. There's too much for one column, so we'll make this a two-part look at one of the Star-Telegram's top columnists who's also a virtual institution in North Texas.

What attracted you to the Spanish-class issue?

"I thought we had a good news report, but I felt like somebody should stick up for the Grapevine-Colleyville schools.

"Like it or not, the officials and trustees decided that every kid needs a little basic Spanish. It's only two days a week and only half the year. And then along came these parents saying the district should cater to their whims, all the time accusing the district of catering to other parents."

What influences you most when you're looking for a topic?

"I try to check the talk shows and blogs to see what everybody else thinks is important that day. And I've been known to call friends at work and ask what the topic of the day is around the water cooler. If there's one dominant news story, whether it's local or national, I try to think how it relates to readers in Tarrant County."

What determines a columnist's credibility?

"What counts is whether you treat readers like neighbors and friends, and whether you have a stake in the community. I'm not some itinerant radio host who just came in with my suitcase. I grew up here, I went to public schools and college here, and I have followed local and Texas politics since I was in high school.

"Readers might disagree with political comment, and since I'm almost a radical centrist, folks from both sides disagree. But if you hate me today, I might make you laugh tomorrow. I hope I'm never predictable."

Radical centrist? Hmm. We'll take a look at that and more in the March 5 column.