Open Forum

My mother, Eleanor Carter, lives in Brainerd, and is a resident of Woodland Good Samaritan Village. She is a retired registered nurse and a veteran of World War II, where she worked in an Army hospital in England, as a nurse anesthetist. She saw some horrible things during that war, but went on to have a productive life that included marriage, five children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was still working in Brainerd as a home health nurse when she was 70 years old. She will be 82 years old next month on October 26.

Yesterday I spoke to her in our weekly phone conversation. She gets a little confused sometimes, and has considerable difficulty in walking and caring for herself. However, here is what she said in relationship to the events in New York and Washington, D.C. this week: "Thank you for the new shoes you sent; they are very comfortable and help me to walk. I know we are going to war and with my new shoes, I am now ready. I can still give anesthesia, you know?" Yes, she truly is prepared to be involved in the war effort. Although, I doubt if there is much need for someone who was an expert in giving open drip, ether anesthesia. That aside, she is ready to do her part. I know she is not alone.

Mary Andrews

Kamuela, Hawaii

Thanks and hope

I thank people for their support and encouragement for my bid for House Representative, District 12B. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss many important issues, to meet many interesting people, and to debate the merits of many policy ideas. I have also learned a little about the dedication and effort needed to be a good state representative. Perhaps in future I will be worthy to represent citizens of central Minnesota.

My thoughts are with the families affected by the horrific terrorist attacks, of the irrationality of why people from distant lands harbor hate and set out to kill innocent people, and what the future holds. My despair is not outweighed by hope.

Is it that people with nothing to loose, see others that have worked hard and with good fortune as reason that they live in poor conditions? United States of America, with its strong democratic principles, is the best place to live. The irrational terrorist despises it for its strengths not its weaknesses. So as the country and our freely elected leaders decide on courses of action, I have great trust that the ripples in time from those decisions will be consistent with our nation's principles and will be in the best interest of our children.

Paul Radomski

Fort Ripley

A nation mourns

This country is in mourning for loss of many fellow human's lives as well it should be doing.

Each day, too, in this same country many lives of fellow humans are given up in the name of choice. Where are these mourners and those who know and are silent?

Is this sad day a wake-up call to us? And do we heed the pledge to our flag which says, "with liberty and Justice for all?"

Cecelia Biggins

Baxter