Comments after arrest out of line

As I read the Oct. 17 article followed by comments and the letter posted regarding Pastor Stoot’s arrest, I began to wonder if any of these people have ever dealt with Pastor Stoot.

I have. I’ve seen him take action during the holidays handing out food baskets to the community, I’ve seen him hold workshops for people who have lost their jobs and needed new skills. I’ve seen him with truckloads of toys for the community and clothing and diapers and toiletries items. I’ve seen him raise funds to help people pay their rent and utilities or the cost of a funeral. I’ve seen him take the choir to the Everett men’s shelter and women’s shelter to offer encouraging words and inspirational songs to those who may have lost hope and faith. When my electricity was on the verge of being turned off and I couldn’t put food on the table, Pastor rallied the parishioners and my lights stayed on and I had food on our table.

He has given so much to this community over and over again. The school – one of the best schools in the district where 4-year-olds are reading and writing at a kindergarten or first grade level. The community basketball court where kids, teens and adults have not only played basketball but have enjoyed Easter egg hunts and cookouts.

These people are all part of the community. They aren’t just black people. They are people. In my opinion people who say that he is “playing the race card” really show just how hateful and racist they are. Rev. Paul Stoot, Sr. is an honorable man and like any honorable person he should be treated with respect. I respect Paul Stoot for everything he has done for me, for my community and for everything he will continue to do no matter how he is treated or abused by the same community he loves.

Yolanda Jackson

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, July 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Authorities search for victims among the rubble near Blue Oak RV park after catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The half-mile stretch occupied by two campgrounds appears to have been one of the deadliest spots along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas during last week’s flash floods. (Jordan Vonderhaar/The New York Times)
Editorial: Tragic Texas floods can prompt reforms for FEMA

The federal agency has an important support role to play, but Congress must reassess and improve it.

Comment: Reforms to involuntary committment law can save lives

Washington state should consider changes New York made to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

Comment: Medicaid reforms will keep it for those most in need

Beyond the ‘sky is falling’ claims, the BBB’s reforms to Medicaid are fair and necessary to save it.

Forum: ‘The vibrations hit you deep. You can feel it in your body.’

How the far-off cadence of a marching band’s drums caught a 10-year-old’s ear with the rhythm of the beat.

Harrop: Trump Country should brace for less federal disaster aid

Red states have been among the largest recipients of FEMA aid. Trump says he’ll end that help.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, July 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Retain Escamilla, Binda on Lynnwood City Council

Escamilla was appointed a year ago. Binda is serving his first term.

The Buzz: What the mainstream media don’t want you to know

They’re not, but we just liked how that looked at the top of the page and thought you’d read it.

Schwab: Yes, your Medicaid’s gone but you can gloat over gators

What Trump is taking from the social safety net, he’s adding to the cruelty against working immigrants.

Congress’ passage of tax cuts bill marked shameful day for GOP

This July 3 was one of the most shameful days in American… Continue reading

Tell senators to keep vaccine aid by rejecting recissions bill

The Senate could vote on a Trump administration-proposed rescissions package before July… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.