ELIZABETH SHULER FOR SECRETARY TREASURER

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 8:45am to a 3 after 9 hours of sleep, and a cloudy-cool morning back in Clackamas, Oregon after two nights in my own bed. I took my am pills, and put outmy flag and I did put my back cast on and I think if I can stand it I may get 3 hours in this first setting. I must repeat - The “Monahan” / Pahut / Mehrens / Roche / Sullivan / Lemelin / Lovell Family gathering was a resounding success. Washoe Park and Art in the Park not withstanding. Not very scooter friendly, and actually in violation of the ADA. The BBQ at “Putts Palace” was really special, and even though Judi expected me to tumble into the horseshoe pit, I still think she enjoyed it. even though it was crashed by a bunch of Mehrens' it went well and no fights broke out. The Sunni and Sheite could learn from us. I did also miss nephews Daniel, Stevie, Christopher, and Mike. I hope Stevie's All Stars shine and I did wear my Flag pin for Daniel, and Christopher. I am sure the heat on this trip doesn't even compare to what Daniel is dealing with right now even in my light jacket, and I did miss seeing ALL the Jacques' also. But, as I told Francis, Mary Ellen probably doesn't like her. (small fib)

We did meet up with Jim and Francis at the $10,000 bar, and we determined, by majority vote to review the trip in Spokane and decide weather or not to make it all the way to Oregon, via Pendleton or stay in Spokane. When we made Spokane, the decision was unanimous, to make Pendleton. Jim and Francis had decided to make their next stop in the Tri-Cities to check out the wineries and visit one of Francis' relatives. The trip was a good one and the time just zoomed by, and the heat actually felt good to me, I'll have to tell Dr. Zarelli when I do see him on the 3rd of August. After a bunch of hello's, good to see you's and even though it was very hot for the whole trip, and I did notice that Anaconda was in violation of a number ADA laws, which I will report on later, I would rate this trip a solid A. I still haven't put my contraption on as yet. I will do a short report today as I slept in, and noticed I really babbled on yesterday. I am in my Lazy Boy right now without the wrap up, you'll just have to wait. Also, if you are preparing for NFL football I must tell you, that “cousin” Paul Sullivan? (a St. Louis coach) will be pacing the sidelines for the Rams.

And yes, Judy Bauman Shiprack, the Lemelin's (Jay and Robbie) did remember you from your trip through a few years ago and were glad to hear you are doing so well.

Again, I will say thank you, to all those who joined my request for prayers for my two friends, and now Kelli and her brother also, and the men and women in the service of their State and Country.

I would ask everyone to continue the prayers that can. As I said in my email, I AM living proof of good results. And as I am back to driving, all those OTHER drivers will need those prayers.

I did get out yesterday, alone! No driver; and washed the bugs, and what appeared to be small road kill off the car. That trip really has pumped me up to get out more.

It was a pretty wonderful trip even though my wife and sister did team up against me on most all of my mostly true stories and they had lots of help, not just Betsy. And I will report more on that and the other stuff later, it may be a book.

And I do wish I spent more time with everyone.

I did notice those TV Health Care ads in Montana and I hope Max Baucus has been noticing them also.

I am sure I will be asking for forgiveness for much of what I said, did or didn't do, and I will try to remember to do that on my blog and in my book. And no, Juanita, I didn't take the key from my scooter because of you, I was just worried Samantha would be off with it. And Yes, I did call her to apologize for my bad taste that Judi chastised me for, what I considered timely, witty remarks but she actually thought were in bad taste. And yes, Jaunita, if you would have taken that keno caller outside from Thompsons and held her down I really would have run over her on my scooter.

My daily prayer is to Mary Mother of God…..”O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear OUR prayer. As your children we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially for my dear friends Dianna and Jim, Kelli and her brother and all in need.

We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help ALL of us, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever, Amen.”

POLITICAL

I am not sure what has gone on so far on the Supreme court nomination and the Health Care Bill.

I know Daniel was slightly unimpressed with his personal visit with the Governor. I hope he understands that, that trip before they were shipped out was a trip he didn't have to make, but he wanted to make sure, all the troops understood how much they were appreciated. And I'm sure it is not a trip he looks forward to. I still don't know yet, if the “soft landing” bill is done but that is one issue I will keep harping on until I am sure.

Health Care Now !

We left Montana without seeing Baucus, and his name wasn't mentioned in those TV ads to SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT'S HEALTH CARE PLAN, I hope all those good Montana constituents I have been visiting with will put the pressure on.

http://stories.barackobama.com/healthcare/stories/update_landing

Will you make sure the true voice of the majority is heard? Call Congress and tell them to support a plan that makes health care affordable for everyone: 1-866-210-3678
As health care activists, our calls are especially important right now. Industry lobbyists may have deep pockets, but they can't talk about health care the same way we can. They don't understand what it's like to live this crisis every day - and to have our family members, our friends, and our neighbors struggling to provide decent care for themselves and their loved ones, too.

We get it and we need to make sure Congress gets it, too. Call your member of Congress right now: 1-866-210-3678

I also received a call to action to contact my Senators regarding the “Public Option” in the Health Plan. I was told by Senator Merkley's office he does support the public option. Senator Wyden's office was a little more vague. I did tell his office, I have been to HIS plan, published on the web, and I was concerned that I could not find a “Public Option” in it.

I did get an email report on Daniel's visit with Governor Kulongoski. It didn't sound like he was overly impressed, with the Governor, but all those men and women are definitely in need of that soft landing bill. I did email him back and tell him that there will be a new Governor when he and the rest of the “Jane's, and Joe's” get back, due to term limit's, and at least I still think, even as a “short timer” he will do all he can to “cover your backs” and from what I hear there may be a candidate or two running that were also at the muster; hopefully with a memory.
As near as I can figure, all that needs to be done at the State Level (Legislature) is complete. I believe the next brick (pillow) to be placed, is the responsibility of the Federal Government and I believe that is in the hands of our own Senator Wyden. (a safe place for it right now, I hope) but, as that famous live artist says......GET 'ER DONE. - SOFT LANDING !

OK, what did YOU do for the Guard today.

I was on my Montana trip this last week so I have some catching up to do, did you all watch for some Hero's and Zero's for me during these past few days?
Also, take note; I am not done with my cage rattling on Cody's promised job. I haven't received official notice yet (from his Mom or Dad) but his Grama, Danni,thinks it did come through.
I did get a response from the Feds following my inquiry, and I will pick up the questioning when I get back from Montana. I did talk to my sister and I think Cody's summer work program is back on.

You can still take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:

http://my.barackobama.com/100days

I did go to Senator Wydens web site and read his comparatives with the current health care system and I will share it here, even though they don't have a “Wally Welder” comparison, I wouldn't like being on the same page as Senator Lieberman anyway, I am still left with some questions. This is a busy week for grass roots Health Care functions; find one and help out.

I also got a call from AARP and when calling any of your Senators please encourage support for the Schummer, Brown amendment to the Health Care bill, they say it is important for prescription costs and helpful to MS patients. I will do more investigation but it was a request from AARP and co-sponsored by Sherrod Brown, who I think is a real star..

So here goes, check it out:

http://wyden.senate.gov/issues/Healthy%20Americans%20Act/HAA_Employee_Examples.pdf

And if you do go, please leave the message........GET “ER DONE - SOFT LANDING

Also; I will be developing another theme for my political section. Over 50 years ago my uncle “Putt” (Putts Palace), built a cabin at the lake and many others developed recreational areas for the use of just regular citizens, and while doing it, they protected the environment for future generations. He was not a RADICAL ENVROMENTALIST, he was a retired mechanic with kids that liked fishing. He believed everyone owned the lake and deserved access to the Public Lands.
And then came the “Summer Homes” at the lake, and now thanks to those “absent owners” it appears they are “buying” (LOBBYING) to price the riff-raff out of their real “cabins”. I am not sure if I'm part of the riff, or part of the raff, but as they yelled out the windows in that old famous movie........”I'm mad as hell, and I'm not taking it any more!” Bring our people home!

At the 11th Hour, on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month a cease fire was signed to end the war to end all wars in 1918. How's that worked out so far?

SPORTS

The All Star game was a good game, if you are an American League fan, as as you all know I am the proverbial optimist and “Cubs forever”, But I cover my butt by being an Orioles and Mariners fan.

I still think Felix Hernandez is the Cy Young leader right now in the American league, and he has been awesome his last 10+ games, ERA under 1 ½ .
I still think Carlos Zambrano is the Cy Young leader in the National league. He sure looked good in the first of that day/night doubleheader yesterday. But that kid with the Dodgers is looking pretty good.

Also, now knowing I am related, GO ST. LOUIS, and I would advise all you FFB people drafting RAMS players is probably going to be a good move, even though I don't know Paul that well I do know Patti Ann and Bill are first class motivators.
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COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS

The American Rights at Work still needs help.

Are there better Community Organizations than the National Guard or the USO?

Here's two, from what I consider the top of the list, the OSBT (Oregon State Building Trades) and the NWOLC (Northwest Oregon Labor Council). Judy O'Connor told me last week she is retiring and Her and Tony are moving to Montana. I have known Judy, and Tony since Lon Immel and Ron Fortune. They taught her well, she learned even better; but I WAS the one to teach her to dance. She will definitely be missed and hard to replace, but whomever does, they will do fine, with aid from everyone.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS

“GET 'ER DONE” - SOFT LANDING ! And give them back their $40.00!

On my HERO list, my nephew Daniel has taken over now! You should know, it's not just because he is my nephew, or just because he is in the Oregon National Guard, or just because he is fighting the heat in Kuwait/Iraq, I think, as we speak, or even because he is a legacy of past HERO winners.

I also read that an old friend of mine has announced her candidacy for Secretary Treasurer of the National AFL-CIO. I have known her for over 20 years and I must say, the AFL-CIO would be well served with her election. Elizabeth Shuler - you go girl!

Please, I hope everyone can share the American Rights at Work, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk, The Epilepsy Run/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, GLBT 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.
(Dianna, Jim, Maria, Hayden, Kelli and her brother also)

I'll have to keep my second zero's list inductee, here until I figure out how to post on my main page again? He is that Price Representative guy from Georgia, he's not even swift enough to change a word or two in the speech the Insurance companies TOLD him, and others, to give on the health care bill.
John Boehner, he likes to pronounce it baynor, I like it the other way myself, is still #1; I'm pretty sure they have the same scriptwriters. I am sure there will be additions to the list but as I listen to C-span there are so many too chose from. If you have a nominee, let me know.

Mike; My “short” blog is over 2500 again today, but I am now feeling 3+; and I am actually going to take a short keno-cig spin, Gloria'z, there on Sunnyside? An exceptional place to stop, as I have said before.

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