This very thing happened to me a few weeks ago, but thanks to some very young and talented doctors in Grand Island, it never entered my mind to get out of town.

First of all, thanks to Dr. Travis Hageman for convincing me at the age of 66 years old to have a colostomy. Thanks also to Dr. John Cannella for taking the time with my family and to explain that he had found a tumor that had to be removed. Then we met with Dr. John Goering who would do the surgery. He also went into detail and explained the operation.

Well, let me tell you everything he did worked to perfection. After recovery, off to room 505. There I met with and old friend from the past, RN Patty York. She took my hand and told me not to worry, I would be taken care of as long as it took. Let me tell you the care and compassion I got from the entire fifth floor nursing staff was far beyond anything I could have asked for. I was treated as royalty. My smallest wish was granted by them.

So my point is, for anybody that reads this letter, if you ever have to have any kind of hospitalization, check out the new crop of young and talented and very capable doctors and nurses we have here in Grand Island at the St. Francis Medical Center.

So again, I say thank you to Dr. Hageman, Dr. Cannella and Dr. Goering and Patty York. My wish for all of you is, may God bless all of you, as he has blessed me in my last 66 years.

C. Roger "Butch" Noakes

612 Plum Road

Letter had hints of racism

I would like to address the comment made by Bryon W. Myers III. He watched a video showing Barack Obama not holding his hand over his heart during recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. While I am disappointed in that myself, it was the comment about spacing off-woolgathering-that upset me most. Then to refer to his church as "more attuned to Negritude than Christianity" was a very unchristian statement. While I know what the words "woolgathering" and "Negritude" actually mean, there is still a hint of racism.

I am very disappointed in the Independent for allowing this letter to be published. It wasn't in good taste.

G. Hogeland

2835 Brentwood Blvd.

Questions for Clinton dodged issues

Kudos to the Hall County Democrats for their handling of Chelsea Clinton's spur-of-the-moment appearance in Grand Island on Feb. 7th. The event was well attended, especially in light of the limited advanced notice. Ms. Clinton was poised and well prepared, fielding a variety of thoughtful questions on issues ranging from education to the environment, immigration to health care reform. It was heartening to see a major presidential campaign showing an interest in the concerns of people in this area.

It was unfortunate, however, that no questions dealt with issues specific to Nebraska's Third Congressional District, one of the poorest rural districts in the United States. In a conversation afterwards, one of Ms. Clinton's aids acknowledged that all of the issues brought up had been addressed in the debates, while close-to-home issues such as funding for rural economic development, the future of farm subsidies and the increasing problems surrounding CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) wastes were never mentioned.

The deep-seated problems facing rural Nebraska have gone largely unnoticed by past Democratic and Republican administrations alike. That no one present at Ms. Clinton's rare appearance in Nebraska's Third District asked about rural issues is a troubling reflection on our prevailing political focus. While national and international issues are vital to this election, we have equally pressing and much less well addressed problems right here. To properly evaluate any candidate, we need to hear his or her stance on the serious issues facing rural America.

Paul Hosford

966 S. 4th St.

Pulver settlement a waste of money

Congratulations and thank you to Kevin Pulver, an individual who has recognized the wrongs committed against him and fought for his constitutional rights. We should all be proud of how this fine, upstanding preacher of the "good word" has so unselfishly utilized, or maybe wasted is a better word, $10,001 of your tax dollars to reach out to the youth of this community and steer them down, what he believes is a more enlightening path.

As a Hastings College student, I have had the privilege to be witness to Mr. Pulver and discover what his message is. In my brief encounters with Mr. Pulver (consisting of nothing more than walking by him on my way to and from classes), I learned a great deal from him. To begin with, students who have given up fall and spring breaks, Christmas and Summer vacations, and a great deal of free time to travel to places like Greensboro, the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and locations around the world to participate in service learning projects were nothing more than sinful creatures pursuing the evils of the flesh. Also, according to Pulver, Hastings College students, who in recent years have donated over 60,000 hours to local, national, and global volunteer efforts are nothing more than...well, those names are not fit to print. And most importantly, I learned that I was going to live in eternal damnation and burn in the fires of hell if I continued on the path I was on (And here I thought I was just walking down a sidewalk that would lead me to choir rehearsal).

The truth is, the only injustice committed here is what Mr. Pulver has successfully gotten away with. After a barrage of degrading, insulting, unwarranted, and hate filled statements were carelessly slung towards innocent college students, faculty, and staff, Mr. Pulver has been able to manipulate the legal system and has been rewarded for his actions. And because of this, the city of Hastings is left to pay. As troubled as I am by what you have done Mr. Pulver, I will not call you by the names you have called my colleagues, friends, and peers. I will not make accusations about your lifestyle as you so willingly did on the sidewalks near Hastings College. I will not make predictions or assumptions about your life based on scripture that was twisted and distorted like you did. I will simply say shame...shame on you Mr. Pulver for wasting other people's hard earned money to promote your perverted gospel of hate.

Aaron Rouse

Hastings NE 68901

Seeking info about mobile homes

Attention modular and mobile home owners:

I am doing a survey. Has your family or pets ever had mysterious health problems while you were living in your home?

Have you ever worked in a factory that made mobile or modular homes and had health problems?

Please write or call me.

Harriett McFeely

1205 E. 42nd St.

Hastings, NE 68901

(402) 463-6640 - Home

(402) 705-0000 - Cell