Comments? Readers add a personal touch

It is that personal connection between my readers and myself that keeps me going — as do the many comments I could not include here.

It’s been more than a year since I have turned this column over to readers to hear what they have to say about what I am writing.

Everyone doesn’t agree, but I have always considered that to be a good thing. Even I have conflicts in my own head about decisions I have made or opinions I espouse.

And yet, I hope I continue to grow as a columnist. Here is what readers statewide are saying:

Danbury

“Your article on CEO’s and Hourly Workers was spot on. I’m glad to see someone speak up for the people struggling to feed their families while CEO’s reap all the benefits. Excellent job! We need more journalists like you!”

“Please reconsider your position on vaccination. It is based on emotion, not science. And please consider that your emotion-based (not sciencebased) anti-vax rant has the potential to hurt others besides yourself. I’m not sure that it was ethical for you to publish this piece.”

Bethel

“Mr. Walker, the problem with ‘bad parenting’ is, as you very well know, a monumentally serious problem not only because of its frequency but also because of the fact that the victims are

so vulnerable.”

Bethany

“Mr Walker, welcome back (at least to the NH Register)! We missed you. You’ve improved the Register immeasurably! Thanks.”

Ridgefield

“Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for writing columns that are hope-filled, positive and inspiring. Please keep doing what you’re doing. You’re the voice that cries our(t) from the desert.”

Old Greenwich

“Yes, the current health situation is a reminder of how little progress we have made in my lifetime toward racial justice. There are, if it’s any comfort to you, millions of us whites who have hoped for greater progress, and made some efforts however inadequate, to overcome the terrible bias that survives in our society.”

Greenwich

“Your article that was published in Sunday’s Greenwich Time tells it all. This article needs to be published in larger markets across The US. The NY Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, LA Times, etc. Thank you for that article.”

Stamford

“I read your article appearing in The Advocate on Sunday July 12. It was not only timely but also necessary. It was very well reasoned and very well written. We must never forget the message of Black Lives Matter but it is also necessary to address the insidious nature of Blacks killing Blacks. You did it with

amazing clarity.”

Norwalk

“Just wanted to send you kudos on your commentary in The Hour. My family & I are also fortunate that we are all well & not in financial crisis. However, I absolutely share your perspective! I feel so abnormal behind a mask & trying to dodge other people when out for a walk or in the supermarket.”

Fairfield

“No one talks about how CT as a so-called ‘Sanctuary State’ puts black people (in particular) in a position of last chosen because most immigrants end up flocking to more accessible, lowerincome communities. We compete for affordable places to live, quality education, and eventually wellpaying jobs. No one talks about how diversity worked against us by creating competition at every level.”

“Never, in my recollection, have I been so affected by an essay as in reading ‘Angry? Yes, I Guess I Am.’ Since reading your first column I have admired your eloquence. My father and my maternal grandmother were immigrants from Italy and suffered discrimination. But no-one beat them. No-one killed them.”

Westport

“I just wanted to tell you it was a pleasure to read your article today. The educational bureaucracy in every town is one of the major problems and has

been for many years.”

Bridgeport

“I look forward to your column each week. Lately you seem a little sad, well I guess there’s a lot to be sad about.”

“As an eye doctor on our illustrious city’s West side, I see many children and adults who hail from fatherless family units so I paid particular attention to the shocking statistics you presented . ... I plan to post copies in my waiting room as food for thought.”

“When City leaders decry violence and blame children and laws focused on giving those children support and services along with accountability — instead of sending them to adult jail — but then refuse to adequately fund schools or community activities, services, interventions that would create opportunities for those same children to succeed — our young friends understand completely that they don’t really matter to ‘leaders.’

Stratford

“I don’t watch White House briefings because the President reminds me of what I used to say to my son as a teenager: ‘I know you’re lying; your lips are moving!’

Milford

“Discrimination, yes. Self checkout is not for me. I would be one to watch as digital coupons, cr cd, shop-rite card, plastic bags and small counter to scan items n bag would be a total disaster as cameras watching me.”

West Haven

“I was happily surprised to see your name in the ‘Register’s’ Sunday paper! Your articles are the best, in my opinion, and we all need to see you on a regular basis! Do NOT stop, please!”

New Haven

“Did you see the news a 26 year old was released from Whalley jail on the 13th and died in Hartford hospital 2 days later of corona virus... Of course the DOC spokesperson wanted to emphasize he was not in custody when he died as though that absolves them from responsibility. I failed to mention he was pretrial and so before he was even convicted he received a death sentence.”

Hamden

“Please, Mr. Walker, don’t let fear and suspicion, based on one negative experience of yours and on an appalling national disgrace that happened many years ago, influence your decision to get the vaccine.”

Seymour

“Hi James. Just read your ‘Nomads’ piece in today’s paper. As always, an honest & insightful commentary. Nice job (again)”

Woodbridge

“Yes, I would like women to be running our country! And thank you for sharing your thoughts about the topic and women.”

Ansonia

“I too have been around a long time and very seldom respond to articles and blogs. I found your article very refreshing. I do read a lot but find myself an outsider to many commentators and pundits. Your article was spot-on and prompted me to follow your blog.”

Middletown

“Wonderful story, Mr Walker. Yes, the past is the past, but, it can still radiate warmth. Thank you for a heart warming article.”

Easton

“Regarding Race? The Charade Is in Full Spin, James Walker’s uniquely honest and powerfully insightful column in June 21st Hearst CT newspapers, one word says it all: Wow!!!”

And for me, I saved the best for last because it sums up the relationship I have with many readers.

New Haven

“For the past two weeks I have not seen your column in the New Haven Register and have been disappointed. Are you OK? Has the paper refused to print your column? Are you too much of a realist? This has saddened me. Please respond.”

It is that personal connection between my readers and myself that keeps me going — as do the many comments I could not include here.

It proves to me that when I sit down to write a column, what I have to say does matter.

And when I don’t, that matters, too.

Comments? Readers add a personal touch.

James Walker is the host of the podcast, Real talk, Real people. Listen at https://anchor.fm/real-talkreal-people. He can be reached at 203-605-1859 or at realtalkrealpeoplect@ gmail.com. @thelieonroars on Twitter