(To Governor Schafer) I am writing on behalf of Dr. Brian Gale. And I just want to say I am actually appalled at the accusations put on Dr. Gale in regards to his assessment and treatment of patients. I am simply a patient of Dr. Gale’s and as I read the articles in the paper against him I am sickened. It appears it is so easy to judge someone else and never look at ourselves. God’s word has something to say about that in Matthew 7:1 & 2; "Judge not. that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.". Dr. Gale performed surgery on my foot. He was recommended to me by another patient of his. Dr. Gale spent one whole office visit with me to explain the procedure of this surgery. He even gave me a couple avenues of choice. I was so scared when I went in for this consultation, but after my consultation with Dr. Gale I felt totally confident in his competence. The surgery went very well, every action being explained to me and I asked questions also. Dr. Gale gave me post operative instructions on caring for my foot. Plus, several follow-up appointments to check the surgery, each time carefully attending it and seeing if I had any questions and simply how I was feeling. I was so totally cared for and was so impressed how he professionally handled the surgery that I was about to make another appointment when all this happened. I felt devastated because I need surgery on my other foot and really want Dr. Gale to perform this surgery. Especially since I have even more extensive work to be done on this foot. I do not understand such action taken against Dr. Gale. It seems to me someone is "nit picking" and jealous of an excellent doctor. So since I understand that the NDBPM members are appointed by you, Governor, I earnestly appeal to you to please change these members since that is what the century code requires anyway, and the board is currently in violation of its own policy. But then I guess it’s okay though for the board to break rules – right?! I just feel as though Dr. Gale has been "ganged up" on by a former partner who just happens to be on this board beyond hid time and with a desire to destroy a fellow servant to us – the patient. I cannot help but wonder who paid this Illinois doctor to make such statements as "Dr. Gale is willing to perform surgery as soon as possible," (what a profound statement) and yet another that "Dr. Gale is more concerned about performing the surgery than providing the necessary care that would aid the patient." What an outright lie!! I am witness to that. I think it is just terrible that someone or plural, some people have nothing better to do than destroy a person’s whole life. Of course, going once again to God’s word, man’s best book of instruction, Jesus said it best: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her/him". John 8:7 That you Governor for your attention to this ever so urgent matter. Sincerely, Darlene Rittenbach scmlevorson@dellnet.com