The news of David Halberstam's death has me thinking not only of his many, many works, but of one specific quality that ran through all of his writing: truth. Getting at the truth, in all its ugliness, despite the risks.
Every Halberstam interview, article or book I've read has always left me with the distinct feeling that I need to do more. In my writing, in my life, in the way I research and present both truth and fiction. He raised the bar for anyone who cares about his subject matter (from war coverage to his love of sports) and anyone who is in the business of writing. While I will miss the wisdom that would, no doubt, have been imparted in his unfinished and unwritten works, his published work has had a profound effect on me. His passing reminds me how important it is to ask the hard questions, to seek out the truth regardless of how buried (intentionally or no) it may be.
My brief coverage of Halberstam's passing is up at LAist. I've included links to his many works - consider this an excellent time to read or re-read him.
Update: Glenn Greenwald at Salon has an excellent piece up about Halberstam's brand of journalism and meaty links & context for still other meaty links.
