Opinion
America’s continuing obsession with race | Walter Backstrom
I was talking to a kindergarten teacher recently. She showed me a textbook that they use. In that…
Opinion
My first honest prayer | Walter Backstrom
Recently, I spoke to a group of middle school students and told them that from this day forward,…
Opinion
The cost of unsportsmanlike parents | Walter Backstrom
A woman was once arrested and charged with second-degree assault for throwing a slice of cheese pizza at…
Opinion
In the presence of heroes | Walter Backstrom
A hero is defined as a person of extraordinary character — a person who goes above and beyond…
Opinion
How not to teach black children | Walter Backstrom
Black kids score the lowest on standardized tests. I have raised this question to administrators and teachers, and…
Opinion
With divorce, children have the most to lose | Walter Backstrom
Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means that no one is at fault when a marriage ends.…
Opinion
Why God and fathers matter | Walter Backstrom
We live in a society where the roles of a father continue to diminish. I watched an episode…
Opinion
Government and the race card, part 2 | Walter Backstrom
Several weeks ago, I wrote an article questioning why our city decided to help two minority groups and…
Opinion
A light to guide me home | Walter Backstrom
I once spent five days living, sleeping and eating with the homeless. I talked to Metro bus drivers,…
Opinion
From a father to a daughter | Walter Backstrom
Most of my life, I have traveled the world, having fun and acting silly — until I became…
Opinion
Letter to a young black man | Walter Backstrom
It seems sometimes I grew up in a different country than you. I grew up in a time…
Opinion
Governor, will you say yes or no this time? | Walter Backstrom
I am a pro-life conservative. I believe in lower taxes, less government, etc. This time, I support tax…
Opinion
I survived Black History Month | Walter Backstrom
This is Feb. 28, the last day of Black History Month. I always have conflicting emotions because of…
Opinion
Walter Backstrom’s interview with God
Last night, I dreamed I had an interview with God. God: So you would like to interview me?…
Opinion
Before Barack, there were all the other fathers | Walter Backstrom
On Election Day, there were pictures of Barack Obama and his family: A very attractive African American father,…
Opinion
Music is the soul of society | Walter Backstrom
To understand the soul of any society, listen to its music. I grew up listening to what is…
Opinion
There’s enough cash, but not enough courage | Walter Backstrom
Gov. Christine Gregoire decided that support for schools should be cut by millions of dollars. I am trying…
Opinion
Teachers remain keepers of the dream | Walter Backstrom
One virtue that separates America from the rest of the world is our commitment to public education for…
Opinion
Martin Luther King, how I wish that you were here
When President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in as our 44th president on Jan. 20, I can imagine you…
Opinion
Would Jesus take I-5 or a helicopter?
Recently, the hearing examiner in Federal Way approved a proposal that would allow a heliport for Pastor Casey…