Submitted by Amy Hawkins from Houston, TX

Q: Today in the Houston Chronicle, there was an article explaining that if the U of H raised its admission standards, then there would be "less diversity." My question is do you find it insulting that the first thought upon raising admission standards is that minorities will not be able to make the cut? I had hoped we as a society were beyond that type of thinking. This hurts my heart.

Answered 11/11/09 13:15:19 by Leonard Pitts

A: Yes, indeed, it always bothered me when people say that - not simply because it's insulting, but also because I think it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing black and brown kids in their sense that academic achievement is not for people who look like them.

Submitted by Father Ed McElduff from Bethlehem, PA

Q: Dear Mr. Pitts, Thanks for your ongoing commitment to true justice by informing the public on the horrors of the death penalty. My provably innocent "Son," Paul William Scott, has been on DR for 30 years, even after the real killer confessed and was released in 1994 and while eight jurors later swore in affidavits how deceived and misled they were by the prosecutor. Any insights on how our committee can garner rightful public outcry and support for the DP suspension proposal below, which thus far 3 FL legislators expressed interest in, would be appreciated. Gov. Crist recently called for a statewide, scope unknown Grand Jury probe. "Since I have been governor, unfortunately, I have had to remove over 30 people from public office." He further added, "It's obvious to me that something's wrong with the system." Inconceivably, FL will continue executing with one arm of justice while simultaneously undergoing an investigation on the other. Now that the body is admittedly corrupt and the FL justice system is impacted and tainted to any extent, citizens must insist upon a 'do no irreparable harm' standard by suspending the Death Penalty. A victory on this vital front will renew hope for ultimately burying the death penalty.

Answered 11/11/09 13:09:07 by Leonard Pitts

A: I have no suggestion off the top of my head, though if you've already managed to enlist Florida legislators in your cause, it sounds like you're doing quite well without me.

Submitted by Denise from Anchorage, AK

Q: I would have liked to know where to direct my support of the Innocence Project (re: the case discussed in your most recent article). How can people who are disgusted by this display of might-vs-right make their voices heard? Who can we email/write/call?

Answered 11/11/09 13:04:24 by Leonard Pitts

A: The Innocence Project is housed in the Medill School of Journalism ad Northwestern University: 1845 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL, 60208-2101. Ph: 847-491-2050.

Submitted by Mark Danowsky from Philadelphia, PA

Q: I find it interesting (although not at all surprising) that there has been much talk the last few days of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's poor performance as an army psychiatrist. However, I have heard no consideration at all for the implications of what it means for a person to go into the psychiatry field. I mean, doesn't his interest in being a psychiatrist reveal that he has compassion for others and, at heart, good intentions toward humanity?

Answered 11/11/09 13:00:26 by Leonard Pitts

A: I think that's a bit of a stretch, actually.

Submitted by Erik from Madison, WI

Q: Mr. Pitts, have you seen Michael Jackson's "This Is It" (the new film directed by Kenny Ortega)? I'm far from a huge Jackson fan, but I was completely amazed by this film. MJ's talent - even at age 50 - was astounding....

Answered 11/11/09 12:59:31 by Leonard Pitts

A: I saw it over the weekend. What I came away with was a renewed appreciation of how much work goes into making a thing seem effortless. And his attention to detail was a wonder to behold.

Submitted by Adam_W from Miami, FL

Q: I was on vacation in Orlando last weekend when my friends dragged me into a comic book shop (actually, I think that was the name of it: A Comic Book Shop). I purchased my first comic books, or graphic novels, in years. Specifically, I picked up Watchmen by Alan Moore, as well as a couple sequels he did with the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I know you're a big Marvel guy, but do you experiment with indie comics at all?

Answered 11/04/09 14:02:17 by Leonard Pitts

A: Sometimes, but rarely. Usually, it's something I've heard incredibly good things about, or some artist or writer whose work I'm stupid for.

Submitted by Exile from Nottingham, UK

Q: I was fascinated by your "Good Hair" column, as I had no idea how much of an industry there was out there making millions off this. I'm curious - and I ask this as someone who's not yet a parent - about what practical advice you'd give for parents on something like this. Philosophically, I suppose it's great to tell an African-American teenage girl "Look, you're beautiful and you shouldn't let yourself be tempted by an industry that makes a profit off you thinking you're not." Practically speaking, that's probably a recipe for lots of slamming doors and high-decibel exclamations on how unfair you are. So, how do parents cope when they're up against multimillion dollar industries?

Answered 11/04/09 13:57:07 by Leonard Pitts

A: I wish I had a pithy, failsafe answer, but I'm afraid I don't. I wrestled with that question during all the years of raising my kids. I dealt with everything from sibling jealousy toward their brother who had so-called "good" hair to an elder relative who singled him out for praise for the same reason. I just kept repeating my mantra: Good hair is any hair that covers your head.

Submitted by Scott from Indianapolis

Q: I think Plato and the Romans may have had it right. A caste of leaders who enjoyed position, provided that it came without wealth, nepotism and was carried out in dignity? Imagine. A sense of gravitas in a citizen body who earned their rights by service to the state? Shocking. With respect to you and disrespec to some quarters of the media, I believe we have an educated public - but having opinion fed to them from every quarter, far too many have forgotten how to form their own opinions and ask their own questions. Is it too much to ask that the extremists on all sides to simply SHUT UP for just one week? Send them all on a cruise. I'd gladly pay far more than a dime, if it just got them out of the personal space of this country and gave it a week... just one week... to breathe.

Answered 11/04/09 13:26:47 by Leonard Pitts

A: Good point. I tend to agree.

Submitted by Chris Chipman from Greenville, SC

Q: On one of your previous Q&A comments you made a comment about a set of parents being disappointed if their musical genius child grew up to be an auto mechanic. You then said that you meant no offense to auto mechanics. I believe you when you say that but it strikes a bad nerve with me, because I have read backhanded comments in your columns before about non college educated people. I absolutely hate to defend Rush Limbaugh because I find him a blowhard, but any column you mention him, you mention the fact that he was a college dropout, almost to suggest that he is less of a human for that characteristic. The man has been extremely successful without a college education, as are many people without degrees, myself (an auto mechanic) included. I read the paper daily, have a variety of interests, and am involved in my community. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I think I'm a lot more "educated" than many of my college educated friends.

Answered 11/04/09 13:15:20 by Leonard Pitts

A: Well, in the first place I've mentioned Rush Limbaugh's lack of a college diploma exactly once. But I do apologize if you found the reference disparaging to your profression.

Submitted by Mary from Washington

Q: Dear Mr.Pitts, I just wanted to let you know how moved I was after reading your column on "Good Hair" and black beauty. It is obvious you are a talented writer. More than that you have a tender soul. Thank you for making my Sunday morning so heartfelt and inspirational. Well done.

Answered 11/04/09 13:05:58 by Leonard Pitts

A: Thank you. I appreciate the kind words.