This is in response to Mr. Al Helgerson’s letter to the editor of Sept. 11. I can understand the basic philosophical differences in the approach to health care in the United States, but to resort to name calling such as “right-wing, radical, religious zealots that are participating with rage” is just ridiculous. Mr. Helgerson is a teacher in our school district, and my children have sat under his teaching at Southwest Middle School. This kind of behavior is immature and bullying, to say the least, and would not be tolerated in any of our school classes or playgrounds.

I happen to know both Mr. Scott Bute and Ms. Nancy Overgaard very well, and both of these people are loving, caring, responsible, mature Christian Americans. Both of these people have given of themselves for the care of children and the poor.

Scott Bute has stood strong, fighting for the rights of the unborn. He has spoken on behalf of those who because of “choice” have no voice! He is a hard-working, loving husband and father and is man enough to speak and write in an intelligible, polite manner without calling people names. I respect him for that.

Nancy Overgaard is a woman to be commended! She, as an American Christian, has done much to further and better the lives of children around the world, continually giving of herself and her own resources to minister to people. She pastored a church in New York state and felt led to sell all of her belongings and move to Croatia. There, she not only held a high position in a theological seminary, but personally led teams to go to the poorest Roma (Gypsy) children in villages where no one cared about them. She has traveled extensively doing this same kind of ministry where almost no one else will go. She personally mentored a wonderful young seminary student, Manev Dragan, who happens to be the pastor of a mission that our church now supports in Veles, Macedonia. Anyone who knows Pastor Nancy knows that “religious zealot” or “right-wing, radical” doesn’t fit her style.

These are not “religious zealots” or part of the “right-wing radicals.” They are sound, stable, balanced individuals, and I am grateful for their lives and contributions to this great country and the world!

 
George Marin

Albert Lea