I started Wednesday morning reading an online article addressing concerns over a New Orleans institution possibly being sullied. Reports of a Confederacy of Dunces film adaptation starring Zach Galifianakis caused red alerts among the book’s legion of fans, not because of the actor attached, but the possibility the project could cheapen the Crescent City artistic landmark.
Tonight I read about another New Orleans institution being not only sullied but possibly decimated. The likelihood of major cuts to the New Orleans Times-Picayune’s staff and print product represents a far greater blow to the Crescent City than even the most disastrous Confederacy of Dunces adaptation. Ignatius Reilly, himself, would rail against the Newhouse Family, owners of the Times-Picayune, for even entertaining the idea of gutting the proud paper. It would be a grave injustice to his constitution, no doubt.
Make no mistake, if the details of the New York Times’ report come to fruition a major American city will lose a significant voice.
Carr’s report saddens me, in particular, because one of my first memories is of reading the Times-Picayune’s sports page. I sat in the back seat of my parent’s Ford Escort reciting Major League Baseball box scores. From there, my dreams of becoming a sportswriter were birthed, in no small part due to the Times-Picayune.
