I am reading Michael Kelly's "Things Worth Fighting For: Collected
Writings", ISBN:1594200122. Kelly was a columnist who was killed in
2003 while covering the US-Iraq war. I appreciate his point-of-view
(which I consider balanced), his ample humor, and his knack for
surprising me with the direction he takes in many of his columns.

I'm nearing the end of the book, and I realize that I want to read
more from him, but of course there isn't anything to come. I know that
there was only one Michael Kelly, but are there any columnists alive
in the United States today who write in the spirit of Michael Kelly?

Have you ever read any of John Leo's essays?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0765800381/

http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1229
Rick Loomis, LA Times

bob --

In my opinion, Michael Kelly was a one-of-a-kind treasure because of
all of the attributes that you mention, plus his enthusiasm and
curiosity.  As for the "spirit of Michael Kelly,"  I am hopeful that
his important, but relatively brief, role as editor of the Atlantic
Monthly in invigorating that venerable magazine will be continued by
its current editor, Cullen Murphy.

The "jury is still out" on that question, but there are hopeful signs
that Kelly's spirit is still felt there (although his personal
contribution is sorely missed).  To test this proposition, just pick
up any recent copy of the Atlantic and compare it to its closest
competitor, Harper's.  I think you may find, as I do, that the choice
of material and the quality of the writing in the Atlantic still
reflects Kelly's high standards, eclectic curiosity and the lack of a
partisan political agenda.  As for Harper's, well, you decide.


markj-ga

I agree with you about Michael Kelly....such a loss.

Two Kelly-like writers I would recommend to you are:

1. Hendry Hertzberg, staff writer for The New Yorker magazine.
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/?040607ta_talk_hertzberg 
(for a smaple)

2. Leonard Pitts, syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald, and
winner of the 04 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. A calm and reasonable
voice in these clamorous times.
www.miamiherald.com

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