PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 5:30am to a 3 after a good 7+ hours of sleep. It is a wet morning, I put out my flag, I did get myself ready for the “Muster” ceremony at Memorial Coliseum. A small report is in my POLITICAL section. I also read the "how to" book on my new phone. I did take a couple pictures with it today and I can also check my email with it.

POLITICAL

The “Muster” ceremony certainly was an impressive event. The speakers included, among others, Governor Kulongoski, Senator Wyden, Senator Merckley, Congressman Blumenhauer, Congressman Wu, the President of the Oregon Senate Peter Courtney, Mayor Adams, and they all spoke highly of the Oregon Guard, they all thanked them for their service to Oregon and to the Country. They spoke of the recent things they have accomplished for our Service Men and Women. Impressive stuff for sure but Senator Courtney Impressed me mightily when he said that the Oregon Legislature will “have their back” while they are gone. I asked my nephew, who was being deployed, to keep me posted, and I told him I will do the same for him and his Buddies. I also noticed the large number of children there with their family members. This being my first “Muster” ceremony, I couldn't tell you if it was a normal number of children observers. While it was my first ceremony, it was my Sister and Nephew's second. That's 2, too many; as far as I'm concerned.

I'm still asking why the Oregon Democrats, don't support President Obama and his efforts to get us off of foreign oil, encourage clean coal technology, and put Oregonians back to work on good union jobs with health care and other benefits?

Baracks 100 day report: http://my.barackobama.com/100days

I am now only giving him a low B because today the Muster at the Memorial Coliseum for those brave and devoted Oregon National Guard men and women being deployed to Iraq, or where ever, had too many young children. Personally I'd rather they were here to be of service for Oregon.

Is there anyone from Senator Murray's, Senator Cantwell's or Congressman Baird's office paying attention? I'm still waiting............also; I am still working on that letter out to Senator Wyden on the same subject.

If any one is watching from Washington; the state or DC; I have a question. My sister has a mortgage currently with Wells Fargo with an interest rate currently over 7%. She did hear from them WF that the president (OBAMA) has a new plan to help her She was told they could refinance down to a 5% mortgage and they would send her the paperwork. The paper work offered an ARM that could go as high as 8%. I told her to package the paperwork and go visit the local office of her Congressman, Brian Baird or the Vancouver offices of either or both Senators. She thinks & I agree, WF is using the housing crisis, and the (OBAMA) housing program as a scam. I sure hope SOMEONE can tell me that President Obama is not part of this scam?


It does appear Congress is going try to find out who is at the bottom of the “financial” fiasco. I appreciate them investigating, and as much as it sounds like they may find a Bernie Madoff some where in there, It does seem like a Banks have run a Ponzi scheme, and the similarities in the Savings and Loan Scandal of the past are uncanny, I'm sure the Bush name won't be the only thing tyeing those two scandals together; Ya Think?

The note from My Congressman, Earl Blumenhauer and my “Well Done” Shout out to him is worth a repeat!

Dear Friends,

Oregon has not been immune to the economic issues facing our nation, but I know that our spirit and our innovative nature will help us through to brighter days.  Today, I am pleased to share very promising news with you about one of our state’s distinctive trademarks: the Portland Streetcar.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has just announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the Portland Streetcar Loop Project for funding .

SPORTS

The Blazers had a great season and I really think those young guys have been playing really good basketball, and as you all know; I am a Cubbies fan so I am used to saying......”just wait till net year”!

As a Mariners fan I'm still saying......”It IS next year”!

C0MMUNITY ORGANIZERS

NWOLC's Labor Appreciation is coming up, I hope you all have your tickets! We got ours, now all I have to do is schedule a nap.

The Helena AOH is still raising funds for their to-do, The Meagher Memorial at Fort Benton Montana. Donations can be sent to The Meagher Memorial at PO Box 1916; Helena Montana 59624. With the many Irish followers I have, maybe I can give them some aid.

I did send another small donation to American Rights at Work in Wyatt's name. After all it is May Day and I think that is a good day throughout his family; and I'm not talking about pole dancing!

http://wyattgabriel.blogspot.com/

For those that contacted the “Spirits” on the mountain and at the coast, thank you. Help these worthy causes if you can, and may the “spirits” be with you:

I did settle up with the spirits yesterday and found Wally's Walkers team at the MS website was still working good so even though the walk is finished I am going to try to put up a permanent link for Judi's team. If you tried to link yesterday to get the pictures, I'm sorry, but it appears I have more to learn to get those links done. (I'm still learning)

But: http://walkorc.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=teamlist&fr_id=10490

Brandee is still looking for help also.
http://marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=21019798&u=brandeenull&bt=2

Keep those ads going Mary Beth Maxwell, and arn't they getting better!

http://www.americanrightsatwork.org

Also you can join “President Bartlet” if you prefer at:
Martin Sheen and the Catholics United team

If you know of any women, young or old and interested in what else is out there for different careers I would encourage you to save the dates for the Women in Trades Fair, May 14,15,16 check out http://www.tradeswomen.net

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS

I hope everyone can share the American Rights at work website so my small donation can be utilized to it’s fullest extent. I did send them second small donation, because they are still doing the Lords work.

Please, You can share the American Rights, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk and the recovery websites; so my taxes and donations can be utilized to their fullest extent.

Whether you attend a church service, a Mosque, G & L gathering, or Synagogue service, please say a prayer that God; yours, mine or ours; keeps our service men and women in the Palm of their hand. And maybe even a big prayer for my nephews Daniel, Christopher, Ryan and all their families.

Mike; I'm over 1300 and again and I'm feeling 4.

Now don't forget, say your prayers, and I'll see you next time on my blog.