Submitted by Mark B. from Bradenton, FL

Q: As a journalist and a columnist, do you think the kinds of questions I am asking are relevant in instances like this? I don't see anybody on TV or in the newspapers discussing these matters. You say Mr. Jackson was intensely spiritual. What does that mean? Also, I'm sure you've read, "What good does it for a man to gain the world, but lose his soul?" Not that I'm saying that's what happened in this case.

Answered 07/01/09 14:00:06 by Leonard Pitts

A: As I said, I think questions about his spiritual fate are best left between him and his maker.

Submitted by Mark B. from Bradenton, FL

Q: I understand your response and agree? You seem reluctant to dicuss this, but to me, these questions are much more important, meaningful and eternal then who gets what or how much is he worth now that he's gone. Since you met him, and covered the music industry, is there anything that leads you to believe he recognized the diety of Jesus Christ?

Answered 07/01/09 13:43:22 by Leonard Pitts

A: I knew him to be intensely spiritual (and he was raised as a Jehovah's Witness) but I doubt in his last years he embraced any formal doctrine.

Submitted by Andrew from Kendall, Florida

Q: Mr. Pitts, judging from Michael Jackson's drastically changing appearance over the years, do you think he wanted to deny his African-American heritage?

Answered 07/01/09 13:41:50 by Leonard Pitts

A: I've always suspected that, yes. I also think he was trying to remove every trace of resemblance to his father, Joseph.

Submitted by newsjunkiejam from Miami, FL

Q: Hi Mr. Pitts. I just wanted tell you that I admire you for both your writing and the audacity to say EXACTLY what is on your mind. You have the courage to stand up to your critics (and boy, they can be pretty harsh sometimes). I wanted to know if the Herald has ever censored any of your columns?

Answered 07/01/09 13:37:14 by Leonard Pitts

A: Thank you. And, no.

Submitted by Mark B. from Bradenton, FL

Q: You don't believe in an afterlife? I thought you were a Christian?

Answered 07/01/09 13:26:01 by Leonard Pitts

A: Sure I do. And yes I am. Indeed, largely because I am, I consider rendering a judgment on Michael Jackson's place of eternal residence way above my pay grade. And yours.

Submitted by George from Miami

Q: Like you, (i think), I apreciated his gift to all of us, but, I somehow keep going back to the trials/accusations against him....I feel pity for him because he was never taught how to "grow-up/be a man"..Just looking at his dads' press conference, (I use the term "dad" loosely), & one can understand what he was up against...I hope his children are removed as fast as possible from that man..I would hate to see this mistake happen again..

Answered 07/01/09 13:24:31 by Leonard Pitts

A: Agreed. Joe Jackson is a real piece of work.

Submitted by Amy Rogers from Wichita, KS

Q: I would like to know whether newspapers have the right to re-title your columns. For instance, the latest column "Scorned, admired - and mourned" is titled in the Wichita Eagle "Michael Jackson, gone too soon." "The world witnessed the killing of Neda" is titled "Neda empowered social networking." ?????? I liked yours better...

Answered 07/01/09 13:17:29 by Leonard Pitts

A: It's pretty common, actually, for papers to write their own headlines.

Submitted by Mary Drolet from Atlanta, Georgia

Q: Dear Mr. Pitts, I have no question - I simply want to commend you for the column that I just read today (6/25) in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I watched the President's news conference on Tuesday with a friend. I commented then that as much of the very mention of the word "Twitter" makes me want to hurl, that it would ultimately defeat the mullahs. You said it so much more eloquently, even poetically ("vanity and inanity," "strictures and structures") today. I am a huge fan - I never miss your column. Thank you for your perception, wisdom and beautifully crafted writing. Mary Drolet

Answered 07/01/09 13:16:47 by Leonard Pitts

A: Thank you.

Submitted by Adam_W from Miami, FL

Q: I just read in your response to another reader that you never saw American History X. It was pretty raw, but one thing I appreciated was that Edward Norton's character was a 'studied' racist whose reasoning was carefully constructed, which I don't think I'd seen in any racist movie characters before. I only mention that because my actual question also refers to a movie of sorts. Did you ever see "Confederate States of America"? It's presented as a professional British documentary detailing the history of the United States in an alternative timeline where the South won. It included "commercial breaks," many of which are from actual racist products from American history. And speaking of the Civil War, are there any books on it that you recommend?

Answered 07/01/09 13:15:10 by Leonard Pitts

A: I actually have a copy of the CSA movie, but I've never looked at it. As for books on the Civil War, I'm afraid most of what I've read from that era has to do with the institution of slavery during the war, as opposed to a compendium of battles, which is not a major area of interest for me. If you'd like a list of those books, I'd be happy to oblige. And of course, I'm sure you're aware of Ken Burns' excellent 'Civil War" documentary.

Submitted by John from Bellevue

Q: What do you think of this paragraph from a piece by Salon blogger Glenn Greenwald? "The interrogation and detention regime implemented by the U.S. resulted in the deaths of over 100 detainees in U.S. custody -- at least. While some of those deaths were the result of "rogue" interrogators and agents, many were caused by the methods authorized at the highest levels of the Bush White House, including extreme stress positions, hypothermia, sleep deprivation and others. Aside from the fact that they cause immense pain, that's one reason we've always considered those tactics to be "torture" when used by others -- because they inflict serious harm, and can even kill people. Those arguing against investigations and prosecutions -- that we Look to the Future, not the Past -- are thus literally advocating that numerous people get away with murder."

Answered 07/01/09 13:09:56 by Leonard Pitts

A: I think I'd like to see some documentation from an authoritative source.