Feedback: Weekly reader responses

I walk Belle Isle approximately five miles per day, every day, not because I have to, but because I want to. The Free Press had a Feb. 4 front-page article called "Heart and Sole" by Bill Laitner. I saved that article for a few reasons:

For one, the subject of the article, James Robinson (dubbed "The Walking Man"), lives in the Holbrook-Woodward area, the heart of what was once the best neighborhood in the city of Detroit, the North End. It's two blocks from what was once the best high school in the city of Detroit, Northern High. It's three blocks from what was once the best street to grow up in the city of Detroit, Leicester.

Secondly, I wanted to keep the article to hold it up later as an example of a man who lives his life with an attitude of "no excuses." An example of a real Detroiter. He's not extraordinary, yet he, like hundreds and maybe thousands of Detroiters, puts forth extraordinarily heroic efforts to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles just to get by a single day in the life without a mumbled word of complaint. It seems the higher up on the food chain we are, the more and louder the complaints. Sunday's article also included an excellent map that not only tracked his route, but highlighted the woeful lack of mass transit in metro Detroit.

Finally, we discuss race a lot in this city. I kept the article as a personal reminder to myself that, yeah, race matters; but, then again, does it really? A white reporter wrote about Robinson's plight. A white banker stepped in to offer a ride and friendship. A 19-year-old white college student proactively tried to do his bit in helping a fellow human. Help came from around the world, from all races, to assist a 56-year-old black dude, someone they didn't know and will never meet, make it to his job.

This is good stuff, and bodes well, countering those who are pessimistic about the future of humankind. Just know that Robinson is not alone. Go to any barbershop in the North End and you'll be regaled with, "Walking 21 miles? Man that ain't nuthin'! You should hear what Sister Sue gotta do every day to feed, clothe, get her kids to school and get back and forth to work ... now that's a story!"

Walk on, Mr. Robinson. —Ivory D. Williams, Detroit

The lead photo (above) in a slideshow about Sterling Heights' Tilted Kilt got dozens and dozens of Facebook posts:

• Tilted Kilt girls are better then Hooter girls ... But the food is better at Hooters, and the girls at the Kilt have better personalities than the Hooters girls in my humble opinion.

• Must not be a great place if you have to (un)dress like that to get good tips.

• Oh jeez ... the Hater Brigade is out in full force. I'll NEVER understand why some women are so hell-bent on tearing each other down. It's truly some sad trifling bullshit.

• Completely agree, especially since it's common knowledge that sex sells. If a man could make more money by showing cleavage you know we would do it!

• Just because they are dressed a little revealing doesn't make them trashy. How are you going to judge a girl by the way she looks? I bet some of these girls are a hell of a lot smarter then you are.

• To all you perfectionist judgmental fucks running your mouths about the looks of the girls, I have a fun free challenge for you! Post a pic of yourself in a short skirt and bikini top and let everyone critique you!

• It's funny how the majority of the negative comments are from women. If you don't like it, don't go there.

• They are just mad all of their husbands come up there.

• I don't care what people do, wear, or whatever. But how is dressing that way OK, but a women gets crap for breast-feeding her child in public. I mean I just don't understand why women feel like they need to be half-dressed to make money. I was a waitress for awhile and had to wear a terrible uniform. My work ethic, personality, customer service skills, and a smile made me great tips! Just saying.

• What happened to Metro Times? I mean, I know, but I want Michael Jackman to respond. Shame.