Readers? They always have something to say

I often write that I receive a lot of response from readers around the country about my columns. I decided to share some of their thoughts with readers this week. Except where noted, the comments, listed below the headlines of the columns they were reactions to, come from readers in greater New Haven.

“Responsibility? I am not your baby daddy”

Dear Mr. Walker, Thank you! Where the hell has the New Haven Register been hiding you? Your article was a spot on view of this never ending situation. This has been the best editorial I have read in the last ten years! Maybe the NHR could be the ground breaker of honest journalism, a beacon of hope. Maybe a name change, THE NEW HONEST REGISTER, LoL.

Mr. Walker, May I be the 1st if not one of the 1st to say...YOU NEED TO BE MAYOR !!!!

“Dead end? A tin cup awaits many seniors”

My wife and I are getting to that age where more and more of our friends are either opting out of Connecticut due to the unbelievable taxation or sticking it out and going through their savings.

“Protest? Leave the N word at home”

I agree, by using the N word on the streets, as a greeting, in songs and in performances demoralizes everyone in attendance.

“Dreams? They die hard”

Where the hell do these kid killers get ahold of guns? And how to stop the slaughter? I wish I knew.

Another reader: Mr. Walker, I read your column this evening, and I did two things. I cried, and I prayed. I live near Knoxville, Tennessee, and this area has the same problems you discussed.

Another reader: For years I have seen nothing but negativity from major black “leaders.” Sharpton and Jackson keep playing the victim card. It’s not your fault. It is racism, white supremacy, the cops, the govt, etc. But I never hear work hard, get an education, obey the law, and you can do it yourself.

“Americans? It takes guts to get to glory”

Dear Mr. Walker. Many people must have been heartened by this article reminding us of the goodness of the American spirit despite episodes of ugliness. Your column definitely lends weight to my periodic dilemma of whether to keep subscribing as the content of this paper continues to diminish.

“Entitled and trapped. Welfare roles on.”

I read this in the Middletown Press, Opinion section. Please run for Governor.

Another reader: Can’t begin to tell you how good it makes me feel, that someone in your position has the moral courage to challenge a rotten system.

From another reader: People like you, broadcasting the same old story that it’s a totally abused system, may consider looking outside your box. Or instead of complaining, see how you can help those folks get off welfare.

“Illegals? Where is the dream for Americans?”

James: You have hit the nail on the head. American’s fiber is being torn by the continuance of attacks, violence, hatred and push to socialism. Illegals mean they broke the law.

“Released? Handcuffed in freedom’s circle”

You’re a good man for what you did for that kid. I wish I had that in me to do the same.

“Addicted? The color of skin matters.”

From a prisoner incarcerated at the FCI in Bennettsville, S.C: I wish to say as a person of color and an addict, I am one of the casualties . ... the only help we received was a severe prison sentence.

“Prison? Reentry is not so easy”

Thank you so much for your brutal honesty. I have been following your column and I enjoy the way you write . ... My very own son turned voraciously to drugs and within a few short years, and 18 rehabs, he had lost his life at age 20. I saw how he was looked at and perceived, and I also knew how we raised him. Suburbia IS the new home for heroin.

And while comments for my columns run overwhelmingly positive, there are always readers to keep me in check should my head get too big — like this reader responding to “NAACP?” Go, Scot, go.”

What a petty little snob you are. I wonder if you have taken the time to peruse the top of the Republican ticket?? Diverse, are they? If watching Len Fasano, and old squinty-eyed Themis Klarides in photo-op after photoop ... have fooled you into believing Republicans are for diversity, you aren’t paying attention.

It was signed: 80 yo white woman, who is all for diversity, but averse to silly attitudes.

Like I said: Readers? They always have something to say.