Walter Backstrom need not apologize for being angry (“I’m mad as hell,” Aug. 15).

All of us should be. His facts indicate we have become so inured to throwing money at education and not getting desired results that we no longer care. Concerned citizens should build on his anger and “do something about” the issues he raises. When citizens become aroused, decision makers take notice and the system begins to move. People in the system — teachers, administrators and school boards — are smart enough to figure out how to achieve better results for students with existing resources. Backstrom is pointing out that money and smarts have not brought about the results that everyone in the community expects. The decision makers have some more work to do.

By the way, Backstrom has received some harsh criticism lately. He deserves a lot of credit for shrugging it off and expressing his convictions in the spirit of public service. Federal Way citizens should appreciate that.

Don Payne, Federal Way