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    Articles by Walter Backstrom
    In the presence of heroes | Walter Backstrom
    In the presence of heroes | Walter Backstrom
    By Walter Backstrom • May 8, 2009 1:56 pm

    A hero is defined as a person of extraordinary character — a person who goes above and beyond what is…

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    How not to teach black children | Walter Backstrom
    How not to teach black children | Walter...
    By Walter Backstrom • April 24, 2009 5:33 pm

    Black kids score the lowest on standardized tests. I have raised this question to administrators and teachers, and they all…

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    With divorce, children have the most to lose | Walter Backstrom
    With divorce, children have the most to lose...
    By Walter Backstrom • April 16, 2009 10:59 pm

    Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means that no one is at fault when a marriage ends. It is…

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    Why God and fathers matter | Walter Backstrom
    Why God and fathers matter | Walter Backstrom
    By Walter Backstrom • April 9, 2009 10:43 pm

    We live in a society where the roles of a father continue to diminish. I watched an episode on “Oprah,”…

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    Government and the race card, part 2 | Walter Backstrom
    Government and the race card, part 2 |...
    By Walter Backstrom • April 2, 2009 10:55 pm

    Several weeks ago, I wrote an article questioning why our city decided to help two minority groups and no one…

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    A light to guide me home | Walter Backstrom
    A light to guide me home | Walter...
    By Walter Backstrom • March 27, 2009 2:39 pm

    I once spent five days living, sleeping and eating with the homeless. I talked to Metro bus drivers, the homeless…

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    From a father to a daughter | Walter Backstrom
    From a father to a daughter | Walter...
    By Walter Backstrom • March 19, 2009 11:02 pm

    Most of my life, I have traveled the world, having fun and acting silly — until I became a father….

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    Letter to a young black man | Walter Backstrom
    Letter to a young black man | Walter...
    By Walter Backstrom • March 12, 2009 11:07 pm

    It seems sometimes I grew up in a different country than you. I grew up in a time and place…

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    Governor, will you say yes or no this time? | Walter Backstrom
    Governor, will you say yes or no this...
    By Walter Backstrom • March 5, 2009 11:21 pm

    I am a pro-life conservative. I believe in lower taxes, less government, etc. This time, I support tax increases —…

    Read Story

    I survived Black History Month | Walter Backstrom
    I survived Black History Month | Walter Backstrom
    By Walter Backstrom • February 26, 2009 2:40 pm

    This is Feb. 28, the last day of Black History Month. I always have conflicting emotions because of this. I…

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    Walter Backstrom’s interview with God
    Walter Backstrom’s interview with God
    By Walter Backstrom • February 20, 2009 4:05 pm

    Last night, I dreamed I had an interview with God. God: So you would like to interview me? Me: Only…

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    Before Barack, there were all the other fathers | Walter Backstrom
    Before Barack, there were all the other fathers...
    By Walter Backstrom • February 12, 2009 10:48 pm

    On Election Day, there were pictures of Barack Obama and his family: A very attractive African American father, a wife…

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    Music is the soul of society | Walter Backstrom
    Music is the soul of society | Walter...
    By Walter Backstrom • February 6, 2009 12:36 am

    To understand the soul of any society, listen to its music. I grew up listening to what is commonly referred…

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    There’s enough cash, but not enough courage | Walter Backstrom
    There’s enough cash, but not enough courage |...
    By Walter Backstrom • January 29, 2009 10:43 pm

    Gov. Christine Gregoire decided that support for schools should be cut by millions of dollars. I am trying to understand…

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    Teachers remain keepers of the dream | Walter Backstrom
    Teachers remain keepers of the dream | Walter...
    By Walter Backstrom • January 22, 2009 9:58 pm

    One virtue that separates America from the rest of the world is our commitment to public education for all. Education…

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    Martin Luther King, how I wish that you were here
    Martin Luther King, how I wish that you...
    By Walter Backstrom • January 15, 2009 9:38 pm

    When President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in as our 44th president on Jan. 20, I can imagine you looking down…

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    Would Jesus take I-5 or a helicopter?
    Would Jesus take I-5 or a helicopter?
    By Walter Backstrom • January 9, 2009 12:16 pm

    Recently, the hearing examiner in Federal Way approved a proposal that would allow a heliport for Pastor Casey Treat, who…

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    For those who put themselves in harm’s way | Walter Backstrom
    For those who put themselves in harm’s way...
    By Walter Backstrom • December 31, 2008 6:42 pm

    Thank you to those who have lost their lives, and to those who risk their lives to protect us. When…

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    Only in the darkness can you see the stars
    Only in the darkness can you see the...
    By Walter Backstrom • December 24, 2008 3:13 pm

    We are in the midst of the holiday season, and for a lot of Americans, things don’t seem so festive….

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    God doesn’t believe in atheists | Walter Backstrom column
    God doesn’t believe in atheists | Walter Backstrom...
    By Walter Backstrom • December 18, 2008 7:13 pm

    I am mad as heck and I’m not going to take it any longer. Gov. Christine Gregoire, because she is…

    Read Story

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