Enough is enough, there are a few voices representing the Christians of greater Willmar area that seem to think they represent Christianity as a whole. I am embarrassed to write while living in Willmar I attended the Harvest Church where Brent Waldemarsen is the pastor and Wayne Cook used to be a co-pastor. Cook and Waldemarsen are attempting influence local opinions on candidates, and taxpayers shouldn't have to fund this propaganda.
There are plenty of people that disagree with the ideology of different churches, but this ideology is not imposed on them. Waldemarsen and Cook have crossed the line by plunging themselves into the political scene. Which is fine, but if you want your church to have a political view, then taxpayers shouldn't be funding your church. Don't forget this country was founded with the ideals that everyone has inherent rights and freedoms.
Why should someone have to pay taxes for an organization that is attempting to take or restrict their rights? These churches cannot have it both ways, either waive your tax-exempt status or act like a tax-exempt organization. And on the same note, shame on the West Central Tribune for giving these two pastors coverage other than the opinion page. This is my opinion, it has no place but the opinion page. Why is Cook's or Waldemarsen's opinion worthy of front-page coverage?
Dustin Sharstrom
Willmar
