Carl Walker-Hoover was only 11 years old when his mother discovered his hanging body at his Massachusetts home on April 6, 2009.  

His mother, Sirdeaner L. Walker, said that her son had in the previous weeks and months suffered taunts and threats from classmates who made fun of him, insulted him, called him gay, and tormented him ever since he first began attending his new school back in September.

 Carl was a good boy, especially for a 6th grader.  He prayed every morning, and attended church every week.  He played on the football team.

The threats and taunts evidently became so much that Carl complained to his Mom the somewhat uncomfortable facts.  Carl's mother did all of the right things, like contacting teachers, going up to the school, building confidence and love into her boy.  Nothing changed.  The threats increased, and culminated with a young girl threatening to kill him. 

Then one night it stopped, finally.  His mother was cooking downstairs, and when she called for Carl to come down to eat, he didn't respond.  She went up to check on him, and found him hanging at the landing from an extension cord tied around his own neck, where she daily kissed him before he left for another day at school.

I for one am ashamed of the words and feelings that I have had in the past which, taken collectively with all others, contribute to the culture of hate and indifference towards gay people.   Though I didn't know Carl, and would never intentionally try to hurt a gay person, I take personal responsibility for adding to the climate which caused this 11 year old boy pain.  I have opposed gay marriage, categorized homosexuality in the past as unnatural and wrong, and have made crude remarks in my blog from time to time.  I am ashamed. 

This subject is too often a source of scorn and juvenile humor which is the same that he faced at his school, from his own classmates.  As a role model to other people who lack the heart or conscience to change, I refuse to contribute to such bigotry and senseless judgement any longer.

I can only imagine what depths of agony brought poor Carl to climb the stairs to his bedroom, and tie an extension cord around his neck--rather than go eat another meal with his Mom who he loved.   

Carl Hoover-Walker, though only 11 years old--the object of hatred and abuse by people who in another world might have been his friends, said that he wanted to be President--so he could change the world.

We should all try to help Carl in that endeavor.  I know that it is never too late.

To view the report on Carl's tragic death, click the following link;

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/bullied_to_death_anderson_coop.html