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The Pulitzer Prize-winner and ASNE Distinguished Writing Award for commentary recipient in 1997, Eileen McNamara was described by Roy Peter Clark as having "eyes and ears of a curious neighbor, the feet of a dogged reporter, and the heart of an Irish storyteller."

This is an apt description of all writers of social commentary.

Often they begin their careers as reporters, trained to get the facts and follow the leads. Community is their beat - and they care very much.

Some relate their lives' stories. Others observe local people and remain alert for national events which may anger, sadden or puzzle their readers.

Some times their voice grows pedantic or plaintive as one in a wilderness, but most often it is a friendly and concerned one talking over the backyard fence or down the apartment stairwell.