I had the pleasure of a visit to the history room (archives) of Bethesda Hospital and was shown around by Eleanore Jahnke a 95 year old, 75 year veteran and former nurse at Bethesda.

There was in Jerusalem a pool called Bethesda. An angel of the lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and troubled the waters. Whoever stepped in first was healed of whtever disease he had. John 5:4.

In 1983 Bethesda Hospital celebrated 100 years of existence. Their origin in 1883 was in a location two blocks east of lake Como then from there to the residence of Henry Pratt Uphham at Ninth and Wacouta. While at that location and three additions later Bethesda expanded from capacity of 30 beds to 125. In 1932 they purchased a location on capital hill and have been there ever since.

In 1958 a very big event was the introduction of the first electronic heart pacemaker with surgery done by Dr. Sam Hunter and the patient was Warren Mauston, member of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. The pacemaker was developed by Earl Bakken founder of Medtronic.

Bethesda's first priority is patient care and comfort and still with the latest technology as is Mr. Bakken in his hospital in Hawaii.
Following are some quotes from the 100th aniversary book on this subect.
Nurse Nellie Sandin: " she knew just the right touch to comfort the very ill and the right words to say to the aching heart"
Esther Carlson Johnson class of 1932: " today as in 1898, Bethesda nurses continue a long tradition of excellence, for the comfort of the patient."
Dr. S. M. Loken offers thoughts on treating people: " we would talk to people and often that would make the feel better."
Rev. Richard L Hillstrom director of chaplaincy services: " important as medicine, surgery and good nursing care may be the needs of the mind and soul cannot be overlooked."
Donald C Mills, president of Bethesda Lutheran Medical Center: Bethedda's primary emphasis has remained unchanged-- that of providing family-centered medical care.

See column in Tuesday Pioneer Press by Thomas Friedman of the New York Times. Friedman sez
"deforestation actually accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than all the cars and trucks in the world." It is proven that we are getting warmer but Al Gore has yet to prove that we are causing it. He is making an invalid political point. Now Cal Thomas has joined Friedman with "Gore and company think government is the answer to all our problems."

In this you see the behaviour of a cult who believe we will be exterminated if we don't change our ways and alter the prosperous society that generations of Americans have built. Gore and his followers refuse any meaningful debate with any credible sceintist who is a sceptic. I report, U decide.

A group of three questions were asked of a group of Islam worshipers.

After you die how long do you want to be remembered?

By whom?

For what?

Universal replies:

For eternity

By Allah

Slaying the infidel.

Protect America Act of 2007, S1927, was poassed by house and senate recently. It is to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillence Act of 1978 to provide additional procedures for authorizing certain aquisitions of foreign intelligence information and for other purposes. The most significant purpose of the law is to listen in and observe communications from known terrorists and citizens of the USA. A month ago a federal appeals court authorized the procedure known as wiretapping, so the law will stand as constitutional.

The law passed in the house with a vote of 227 yea and 183 nay. By party vote Republicans 186 yea and 2 nay and Democrats 41 yea and 181 nay. Senate vote was 60 yea and 28 nay and all 28 nay votes were Democrats. Among the nays were high ranking Democrats such as Clinton, Kennedy, Obama and Reid. John Kerry failed to vote because he was ascared that he might flip flop.

I report, U decide. alanrph2@msn.com

This is quoted verbatim with (my additions) "A proclomation is herein issued from GOD (Allah) and his messenger (Muhammad) to all the people on the great day of pilgrimage, that GOD has disowned the idol worshipers (Jews, Protestants, Catholics etc) and so did his messenger (Muhammad). Thus, if you repent (join Islam), it would be better for you. But if you turn away, then know that you can never escape from GOD (Allah). Promise that disbelieve (against Islam) a painful (behead) retribution. Once the sacred months are past, and they refuse to make peace, you may kill the idol worshipers (Jews, Protstants, Catholics etc) when you encounter them, punish them (behead them) and resist every move they make."

According to the above, it seems that all of Islam can be called radical. My only experience with Muslim was a fine young man from Somalia who was totally dedicated to Islam and I believe to the point that he would fo anything that Islam would order. It is hard to understand that we have elected a Muslim, disciple of Minister Farhakan, Keith Ellison to represent us in US congress, Minnsota 5th
district. It makes me ascared.

I report, U decide