"Si Se Puede!"

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 8am+- to a -3 with no lower back pain. I slept 10 hours not just because of my pills but I think from being in my own bed. My day yesterday was a 4.35 again, thanks to the gathering (Birthday Party). I put out my flag with the yellow ribbons and had coffee on the deck (cig) then came in for a couple of massages and coffee, and caught part of Face the Nation. More on that later. While I was on the deck the temperature was about 55 degrees and slightly cloudy. I am wondering if I should do a PICC report section on my blog. The PICC meeting went well and we received our assignment's and reviewed the plan for the introduction or reintroduction to PICC. We reviewed a list of invitees and went to lunch. I do share Johns concerns; especially after the recent actions at the Washington State Building Trades. I also have a lot of reading and research to do, Burton did mail me a package of news letters from the module project.

Hypocrisy is like Pornography, isn't it; I find it hard to define, but I know it, when I see it!

You'll never guess what, my blog, has attracted a google spider?

When I relate to anyone, the story of the Guard members being charged for internet access; everyone I speak to is as disgusted as I.
By the way; I mean no disrespect for putting the yellow ribbon on my flag pole holder, The flag comes in at night but I plan to leave the ribbon there until Daniel comes over to untie the knot.

Again, I will say thank you, to all those who joined my request for prayers for me, all my friends and relatives, 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 original email, I AM living proof of good results. And as I am back to driving, all those OTHER drivers will need those prayers.
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 friend Dianna 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.”

Welcome to my new follower, I think? I tried to get a profile but all I got was a message that their website isn't complete yet.

I did not get to read most of the Labor Press until last night, and it was sure a nice thing that Congressman Wu did for Judy O'Connor, she deserved every bit of praise, and then some. I just wish he would reconsider his stance on “Private Investment” recovery project dollars. I would challenge him to locate ANY of the current natural gas pipelines in the state without a map that showed their location.

I know I have been repeating things, maybe too much, on my blog; but some of this stuff I need to be reminded of and some of this stuff others need to be reminded of.

LDN REPORT

This is my attempt to keep track of my experiences with my LDN treatment for my Neurologist and his RN. Day sixteen was yesterday and pill seventeen is tonight, I think I've been experiencing really good days. I got a call from cousin Jim yesterday and if I can get to a 4 by this afternoon we may head out to the golf course, driving range and putting green anyway. Wish me luck. Even my NCA was impressed. He did his adjustments and commented on the fact that I was not as sensitive as past visits and he showed me the neck traction device and how to set it up. He also commented on my “gait” and mobility. I did do a lot of walking the last two days and I do believe this new pill is helping.

POLITICAL

Senator Ted Kennedy would like some assistance so he can have an affect on the Health Care Debate and actions. You can help here:
If you agree, please vote "YES" here:http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/20/082009_kennedy/

I have been watching the news and it appears there is a theme to the news cycle's. Everyone that is making the news cuts on all the major networks seems to be attacking the Presidents plan over the “public option”. What I saw of Face the Nation today was quite interesting, Senator Grassle, Senator Conrad and then Governor Dean. It may be hard to believe but at that 2 year olds birthday party yesterday President Obama and health care were topics of discussions I had with family; and I wasn't the one to start the conversations. There is still to many people out of work and “President Obama” is a disappointment because he was going to do something about the high cost, co-payments, preexisting conditions and lack of coverage of Health Care. These are blue collar democrats (I think?) getting frustrated, none of which works for the government or health care industry, unless you consider unemployment and children on Schip.

I have negotiated contracts with health care for over 20 years in various settings and there were always three factors that had the biggest affect on the money negotiated for a raise. A) The size of the unit you were negotiating for. B) The amount of training (schooling) needed to perform the work at a high level. C) Did the contract have a retirement plan and did the retirees get health care? I don't know if you could see it but I sure have; The accusers of him (Obama) leading us to “SOCIALISM” and “DEATH PANELS” seemed like the same egotistical people I used to run into when I was trying to organize a unit or bargain a contract. You could explain that when you negotiated a contract you would use the example of the best employee that employer had, and the employer would use the example of their worst, and the employer would try to convince their employee's, that the union would not allow “THEM” to pay that top performer what they really deserved because the “union” made them pay those slackers the same as the top performers. Most people in Organized labor would admit that some of the best wages and benefits were in the Building and Construction Trades. After all, for the most part, our job was to work ourselves out of a job. It's always “US” vs “THEM”, those “socialistic government death panels” vs those concerned citizens on “Wall Street” making decisions purely on the patient's best interest and their ability to pay. (At least they don't have to pay for the slackers)

The President's responses to questions from the audience at his town halls were excellent. I did see he was in Belgrade Montana; “The heart of rural Republicanism!” my TV announcer said. My message to those doing town halls right now is to start with “No yelling” and if there are people here that do not want the debate to happen or ask questions, they are free to leave and go shout on the street. That shouting match, shown on TV the other day at Congressman Wu's town hall was a real joke, but it did get lead coverage on the news. Congressman Wu is not one of my favorite Congressmen but even he deserves more respect.

My U.S. Representative did have his annual Birthday Party; I am sorry I did not make it but I hope the participation was good. I did see him at John's CPBT meeting and I forgot my checkbook (really Willy) but I will be making a donation for his race, we DO really need him there (hero material?).
Brian Baird, just across the river has had one “Town Hall” and it really created a small town.

And so I'm not accused of always being negative I have put up my own State Representative, Brent Barton for the Hero List. I am not sure if Camp Withicom(sp ?) is in his district but his work for the Guard, Veterans, and others, in this last Legislative Session was exemplary in my book.
Some of the Items:
1) SOFT LANDING for our returning vets
2) In state tuition for all vets no matter their State of residency. (Daniel take note) Go Vikings, Go Ducks, Go Beavers
3) He is on the Task Force for Veterans' Reintegration
4) Supports Education K through old folks
5)He sent me a great B.D. Card.

I know I've found a full crew of ZERO' s; to be led by (new #1, but just barely) Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama and includes all but one of the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court nomination is done and she was sworn in. It should be quite interesting after October's session begins. After looking at the lineups and predicting the vote count on the nomination would be 72/28 vote, it actually was 68-31.....................AH WALLY YOU OPTOMIST

The Health Care Bill debate is really heating up during the recess' town halls. It almost appears a few democrats want to give those supreme court, anti-Sotomayor, r's a run at my zero list. (Max - Kent)
I've been watching a lot of the r's give their speeches on what is wrong with the President's plans and the (mostly) Democrats support of them, but they keep leaving that all important first or last line of their speech out......... “I GOT MINE”!

It has struck me, this Hero/Zero list nomination and choosing one is a lot like fishing off the Oregon Coast. While there are some who like BOTTOM FISHING and some bottom dwellers do cook up OK, isn't it more exciting to go Salmon and or Tuna fishing and don't they make for a better feast. Hmmn, just thinking in my holey brain way I guess.

Trina's setting up of my Internet program (skype.com) to be able to connect with Daniel, and Christopher directly (and others) and the video-call I had with Daniel and then Christopher, I think has also been keeping me at 4+. I think I've messed up the program though? Trina was in the neighborhood because she is helping out (volunteering) at the Guard near here, and she said she will try to stop by this week to help start that Lefty (the ballplayer – not political ) video I've been nagging about.

You would think after nicking our Men and Women in the Guard $65.00 a month for internet access, they could at least provide even a little gas money to their volunteers. HINT,HINT,HINT I Hope Willy reads and tells Earl.

I tried Friday to help with the economic recovery, I went out and bought Judi a car. A Ford Focus, just a couple years old with 8,000+ miles. The clunker trade in we had was apparently was not considered a clunker by the government definition, but everyone one I know in my family who has seen or ridden in it knows it is a real clunker, even if not defined by government standards.

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. As near as I can figure, all that needs to be done for the soft landing at the State Level (Legislature) is complete; thank you Rick and Brent; and everyone. I believe the next brick (pillow) to be placed, is the responsibility of the Federal Government and I believe that it 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 !

I watched those upstart House democrats rallying on the capital steps in front of the camera's who were very firm that “rolling over” for the “Blue Dog” Democrats on health care could lose more than they “gain” in any republican support, hang in there.

Health Care Now, with THE PUBLIC OPTION !

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

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

OK, what did YOU do for the Guard today. Daniel's wife Trina is helping, with a houseful of kids and a 3? year old with 3rd degree burns, and with Daniel in the Middle East.

Still sooooo many cages to rattle and wheels left to squeak left!

For Senator Wydens Plan, check it out at.
http://wyden.senate.gov/issues/Healthy%20Americans%20Act/HAA_Employee_Examples.pdf

If you have any questions or concerns even besides Health Care be sure to attend any of your Senator's or Representatives functions during the recess, and be respectful, even if you don't like the SOB: And if you do go, please leave the message........GET “ER DONE - SOFT LANDING

By the way; You don't have to be a ”wheel” to get heard, just squeak for a while.

Bring our people home!

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

Mine is up, is yours? My Flag also.

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?

SAVE PUTTS PALACE

Over 50 years ago my uncle “Putt” built a cabin at Georgetown Lake in Montana, (Putts Palace). His cabin at the lake and many others like it developed recreational areas for the use of just regular citizens. And while doing this they protected the environment for future generations. He was not a RADICAL ENVROMENTALIST, he was just a mechanic, a Pearl Harbor Survivor 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!”

SPORTS

I still think Felix Hernandez is the Cy Young leader right now in the American league. Although the know-it-alls didn't seem to have either Felix or Carlos on their lists.
I also still think Carlos Zambrano is the Cy Young leader in the National league.
Then there is that kid with the Dodgers who is still looking pretty good and also one at San Francisco.
Do you have your tickets for the B.T. Appreciation night at he Beaver game? I do, it is this coming Thursday the 27th. I did catch up with John and pay for them and get four raffle tickets for the BULL Session. Old friend, Al Panek, is scheduled to throw out the first pitch. I sure hope he makes it to the plate.
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. I finally got my name and password straight at NFL.COM
I did catch some of that Seahawks game last night and they were pretty impressive.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS

The American Rights at Work still needs help.The National Guard, the USO?

L. C. S. A. - Labors Community Service Agency

M.A.C.G. Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good

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 she is retiring and Her and Tony are moving to Montana. I have also set aside October 10th and I sure hope her and Tony are in town. I have known Judy, and Tony since Lon Immel, Ron Fortune and Bud Barnes. 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!

So it wasn't bad enough our Men and Women in the Guard got nicked $40.00 before they shipped out NOW they have to pay $65.00 a month for internet access. RON....JEFF.....EARL....PATTY.....MARIA, CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT !

Desert Heaven; It's officially out there now......... here's where the sales page is: http://bestmeringuerecipes.com

Happy Birthday Michelle, and many more.

On my HERO list, my nephew Daniel who has deserved all his time at the top; and will always lead as far as I'm concerned but he has been joined by my own State Representative Brent Barton, big shoes for you to fill Brent, but I do believe you can..
Please, I hope everyone can share the American Rights at Work, the MS walk, the March of Dimes walk, the long awaited and past due - The Epilepsy Run/Walk (Team: The Epilepsy Slayers at http://efnw.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=3&i=307542 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, Maggie, Kelli and her brother also), don't forget the extra one for Dianna.

And thanks again Francesis (both of you); Frances; I was watching the weather station yesterday and it sure looked like a nasty storm (hurricane) was heading for the D.R. I Hope you don't get stuck there.

If your not moved by this story, you can't be moved.............Subject: Former migrant worker about to blast into space, "Si Se Puede!

"http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/former_migrant_worker_about_to.html

Mike; My “short” blog is still to long today, (3,000+- but thanks to all of you, I am still feeling a good 4 again today. Now that I started my new M.S. Treatment (LDN) I have changed my scoring system; to keep track of even the most subtle changes. It is August 22nd and even with all my edits I am still too long. I thought last Wednesday I would try to get back closer to 500+-.(didn't work)

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