William Rivers Pitt, a prominent progressive journalist and anti-war activist, passed away on September 26, 2022, at the age of 51. He died of a heart attack, according to Truthout, the news site where he worked as a managing editor and senior writer for nearly two decades
Pitt was known for his sharp and insightful commentary on U.S. politics, foreign policy, media, and social issues. He was also a prolific author, having published six books and hundreds of articles on various topics. He was a vocal critic of the Bush administration and the Iraq War, and a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, and environmental justice.
A Passionate Writer and Activist
Pitt was born in Washington, D.C., on November 9, 1971. His father, Charles Redding Pitt, was a lawyer and a chair of the Alabama State Democratic Party. Pitt graduated from Holy Cross College in Massachusetts, where he studied English literature. He then worked as a teacher of English literature, journalism, grammar, and history at a small private school before joining Truthout in 2002
Pitt’s writing career began with his first book, War on Iraq: What Team Bush Doesn’t Want You to Know, co-authored with former weapons inspector Scott Ritter in 2002. The book was an in-depth examination of the Bush administration’s false claims about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and a warning against the impending invasion. The book became an international bestseller and was translated into 13 languages
Pitt followed up with his second book, The Greatest Sedition Is Silence: Four Years in America, in 2003. The book was a collection of his essays on various aspects of U.S. politics and society, covering topics such as the Enron scandal, the Fox News network, the Patriot Act, and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The book was praised by reviewers as a “powerful and eloquent” critique of the Bush administration and its policies
Pitt also published two more books in 2003: Our Flag, Too: The Paradox of Patriotism, which explored the meaning and misuse of patriotism in America, and The New American Revolution: A Movement for Democracy in a Land of Kings, which chronicled the grassroots movements that emerged in opposition to the Bush administration and the Iraq War.
Pitt’s fifth book, House of Ill Repute: Reflections on War, Lies, and America’s Ravaged Reputation, was published in 2006. The book was a sequel to his first book, and a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the Iraq War for the U.S. and the world. The book documented the human and financial costs of the war, the erosion of civil liberties and international law, the rise of terrorism and sectarian violence, and the damage to America’s credibility and moral authority.
Pitt’s sixth and final book, The Mass Destruction of Iraq: The Disintegration of a Nation: Why It Is Happening, and Who Is Responsible, was published in 2014. The book was co-authored with Truthout reporter Dahr Jamail, who had reported from Iraq as an unembedded journalist. The book was a searing indictment of the war and its architects, and a sobering account of the ongoing suffering and chaos in Iraq. The book was hailed by reviewers as a “masterpiece of investigative journalism” and a “must-read for anyone who cares about the truth”.
A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
Pitt was not only a writer, but also an activist who participated in various campaigns and causes. He was a member of the Progressive Democrats of America, a group that advocated for progressive policies and candidates. He was also a supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Green New Deal. He was a vocal opponent of the Trump administration and its agenda, and a defender of democracy and the rule of law.
Pitt was also a mentor and a friend to many fellow journalists, writers, and activists. He was known for his generosity, humor, and kindness. He was a loving husband to his wife, Alix, and a devoted father to his daughter, Lola. He was also a fan of music, sports, and literature. He enjoyed playing guitar, watching baseball, and reading books. He had a passion for life and a curiosity for the world.
Pitt’s death has left a void in the progressive media and the anti-war movement. He was a voice of reason, justice, and peace in a time of turmoil, violence, and lies. He was a source of inspiration, information, and hope for millions of readers and listeners. He was a champion of the truth and a fighter for the common good. He was a man of courage and compassion, who left his mark on the world.
He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
