Submitted by George from Miami

Q: In ref to the article today, I recently changed my party affiliation from Repub, to independent..While I agree with most stuff righty, Im turned off my the extremists in the party..I also agree with some issues on the left, but, Im also turned off by the extremist there..I dont see any hope..Do you?...In ref to the term limits, I believe we should have them..They stay too long, accumulate way-too much power...

Answered 10/28/09 13:45:21 by Leonard Pitts

A: I think if you changed the redistricting rules - and while you're at it, mandate public financing of campaigns, thereby reducing the influence of lobbyists - you get rid of the "too much power" problem. The problem I have with term limits is that it reduces institutional memory and deprives the legislative body of the experience of elders.

Submitted by rondoe from miami

Q: Mr Pitts It has been years since Janet Reno has been out of government! How do you feel about the way she did her job?

Answered 10/28/09 13:40:44 by Leonard Pitts

A: I don't really have strong feelings one way or the other.

Submitted by Josh from Miami, FL

Q: You would probably justify your personal attack on Rush Limbaugh on the basis he's an alleged bigot, who's made quite a few racially insensitive comments. Would you have objected to someone referring to Michael Jackson, while he was still alive, as "an OxyContin junkie who climbed to the top of the entertainment pile"? (He was an alleged pedophile who had made quite a few questionable statements about sharing his bed with young boys). Just curious.

Answered 10/28/09 13:27:18 by Leonard Pitts

A: As far as I know - and I may be wrong - OxyContin wasn't Jackson's drug of choice. Assuming it was, though, then yes, that line would certainly be a fair assessment. As someone who grew up a fan of Jackson's, I might find it harsh, but I surely couldn't argue that it wasn't true.

Submitted by chuck woodward from roseville ca

Q: why a new dime, a new penny is what I may add to the rush fund

Answered 10/28/09 13:21:36 by Leonard Pitts

A: Every little bit helps.

Submitted by Joy Salinder from Sebring, Fl.

Q: What is racism to you? The dictionary states:The notion that one's own ethnic stock is superior. Do you know what love is? I'm sorry for you. This Nation will never have peace and unity with people like you cramming your racist thoughts down our throats for your own personal gains.But lets get Fox off the air so people like you can control every means of public communication.You only know hate.If Chaney was black how would you feel?

Answered 10/28/09 13:21:03 by Leonard Pitts

A: The truly pathetic thing is that you actually believe the idiocy you spew. I'm sorry for you. And if "Chaney" - I assume the reference is to former vice president Dick Cneney - were black, I'd feel much the same about him as I do now: he's Darth Vader with a suit on.

Submitted by Ashley Rodriguez from Orlando, Florida

Q: Hello Mr. Pitts! As an English assignment we are to do editorial assignments on commentary/editorial writer/columnist and stay with the same person. I have chosen you because your work is exceedingly amazing. Throughout the course of this assignment I am to figure out your writing style and I have an idea but I can't find the correct word, could you help? At least a hint or two. Thank you so much.

Answered 10/28/09 13:19:05 by Leonard Pitts

A: Contact me via email (lpitts@miamiherald.com) and I'll try to help. Leave me a phone number.

Submitted by joe from miami, fl

Q: Prez Obama always projected a positive attitude during his campaign and early months in the White House. Now not so much. Do you think the reality of the job has finally gotten to him, or is the constant dragging through the political mud worn his cheery disposition? I didn't like Reagan but I remember he always had a sense of humor and tried to lighten the tone of his confrontations.

Answered 10/28/09 13:17:55 by Leonard Pitts

A: I think he's still searching for balance and has yet to find it. Every president I've ever known in my adult life has gone through a similar process.

Submitted by Robert Champlin from Dania Beach

Q: "Last week you make a big mistake. You assumed that I had read your article on Rush Limbaugh. Sorry pal, I wouldn't waste my time. I saw the title and realized that you were doing what other newpaper writers do, you quote someone who quoted someone. I trust you are aware that the TV newsoutlets have apologized to Rush could it be your turn? My question today is, "did you fact check the Rush quotes in you article, and I sure there were many of them and did you fact check the quotes you quoted? Have a nice day. r.c.

Answered 10/28/09 13:17:01 by Leonard Pitts

A: Actually, the mistake was probably in giving you the time of day. And here I go repeating it. But I can't resist asking you to back up your airy assertion that "TV newsoutlets" have apologized to "Rush." Care to tell me which outlets? When? And for what? My suspicion is that you can't. As for those quotes, I'm sorry, I know you'd prefer to believe otherwise, but they are authentic. But I don't know why you bother asking me to verify that for you; it's not like you'll believe anything that doesn't emanate from within your little media-political cocoon. More's the pity.

Submitted by Laz from Miramar, FL

Q: Mr Pitts, I hope all is well. As a person from the media how does it feel that the White House has attempted to marginalize a media source? It's very Chavez-like and even if you back the adminisration this should be alarming...but we know for this adminsration you'll be in good standing!!

Answered 10/28/09 13:12:32 by Leonard Pitts

A: As I wrote in today's column, I think it's a bad idea for the administration to fixate on Fox - or any other news outlet. That said, "Chavez-like" is, putting it mildly, a hysterical overstatement. Wish I was surprised.

Submitted by CaptainCritter from NJ

Q: "Will the last statesman please turn out the lights in the Capitol dome?" I don't think I could name any in the House and have doubts on the Senate. Isn't it time for term limits, if that's not just papering over the problem of how districting is done?

Answered 10/28/09 13:09:37 by Leonard Pitts

A: I don't think term limits are the answer, but I would enthusiastically support any rules change of the redistricting rules that disallowed political extremists from winning re-election time after time by the simple expedient of choosing their voters. If you can draw the lines such that your district consists entirely of voters who agree with you, it removes any inducement to compromise. But compromise is supposed to be the soul of politics.