Nice story. The Twin Cities have been hospitable to the jazz scene for over 60 years. I am 76, and clearly remember as a teen visiting the (all black) jazz clubs that lined Olson Highway in North Minneapolis. My friend, Dave Frishberg and I -- two skinny white kids from Highland Park in St. Paul, were always welcomed and treated to great music. Though underage, we nursed cokes for several hours and rocked to some of the finest jazz this side of Chicago. It was a fine memory from my gowing...

As a long time reader (since the beginning) and frequent contributor to Community Voices (I did the first one published); I have found Minnpost to be fair, balanced, and impartial. After several years of contact, I have no idea where their editorial position is -- vis a vis left/right. And that is the way it should be.

I agree, the "dues" are not going to the physician; this is a marketing/financial plan to enhance profits for the medical organization. It is a business decision, not a health care one. But, it is definately different than our common HMOs. Remember, Eisenhower is building a SPECIAL building, to house only those select doctors, who will be available to serve those SELECT patients who pay the dues to enter the club -- excuse me, medical center. This is a distinct two-tiered healthcare system...

I refer to the Charter drafted in 1988. Stop "guessing"...READ IT!

I sincerely believe there are people of goodwill among the Palestinians. I sincerely believe most people on earth want to live peaceful, safe, productive lives. But, the people of Gaza elected a government whose agenda demands that Israel become an Islamic state (read the Charter!). That is an obstacle to a peaceful solution, and strengthens the right in Israel, which also inhibits a peaceful solution.

In short...