JOHN MURTHA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at about 5am after 7+hrs of sleep to a -3 with a little lower back pain. I took my am pills and put out my flag. I tuned into the news, CNBC and C-Span and the news was covering the departure of Senator Evan Bayh and he basically said he was leaving because there was just too much partisanship and he felt he could do more in the private sector. Based on what I have been seeing in the Senate lately I think he was right, but I also think he was part of the problem. C-Span was televising the funeral of Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvainia in the snow. He will be missed in the House, thats for sure.
CNBC was reporting on President Obama at a union training facility in Maryland discussing his Energy & Jobs programs and he touted his nuclear power programs, one of those in attendance was our General President Hite. After watching the Sunday morning talking heads I have come to 2 major conclusions. First, I truly believe Dick Cheney has Alzheimers and Joe Biden is an all star.

I sent around the You Tube report on the jobs rally in Salem last Wednesday. You can catch it at You Tube video produced from February 9th Jobs Rally in Salem. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=x6BKaIzzbrg&feature=player_embedded
I did see the KGW and KVAL news trucks and I was interviewed by an “independent” reporter but I didn't get his name. It was a wet rally but the turnout was great. I did see friends I haven't seen in quite a while. John Mohlis and the rest of the AFL-CIO did an absolutely fabulous job. State Representative Mike Shaufler and many others did a great job even in the rain.

I received a questionnaire from Medicare and I need to fill it out and send it in today. I am also going to attend the CPBT board meeting this morning. C-Span was reporting on the world economic summit and much of the news is still focused on President Clinton's “stint” surgery and that he is out of the hospital already, I hope you will all add him to your prayers. The DOW is up over 95 points, but gas is up also and it is early.

God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast
I then must humbly pray. When in the Lord's safe landing net I'm peacefully asleep.
That in His mercy, I be judged............Good enough to keep.

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 the safe and successful birth of cousin Brandee's baby; nephew Daniel, as he is back in Iraq; nephew Rhyon in Afghanistan; cousins Rita, Vibiana and Mark on the loss of their mom, Aunt Ruthie; President Clinton; 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.”
Thank You, Mother Mary, for your help and assistance.

Judi asked me what I wanted to do for my 60th B.D. and I haven't really thought about it but I have Lots of time to ponder it. I have thought about how many other friends and relatives will be 60 this year. Tim Flynn, Larry Pahut, Mick and Mary Ellen Jacques, Me, and Bob Shiprack just to name a few.

I also feel bad that I will not make Cathy's daughter Brenda's, Wedding.

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, and I've cleared a lot so far.

LDN and AMP REPORT

This is my attempt to keep track of my experiences with my LDN treatment for my Neurologist and his RN. So far with the 4.5mg I think I'm noticeably better. I am experiencing better days and now that I'm doing the new dosage I am seeing a marked change. I have now been on that brand new FDA approved pill, Aminopyridine, even though I missed a few times, and I am very pleased. It is supposed to be good for “gait” issues, even those with primary progressive. I still have to check up on that new pill (AMPYRA). My BP is 129/76/59 at 7:30am, I hope it makes my primary care Dr. happy.

POLITICAL

I am going to try to increase focus on Local Political issues and races. Wally's favorite state representative is Mike Schauffler.

One of the most consistent elected officials supporting the Columbia River Crossing has been Rex Burkholder, help him out if you can. Earl Blumenhauer, has been there for us also and I am going to try to make his fundraiser Wednesday morning, hope to see you there. Kurt Schrader should be returned to congress also.

Don't forget to respond to the census as there are 37 governors elections this year and we can't let them Gerrymander congressional districts and end up like we did in the 90's. One of those 37 is right her in Oregon and I'm sure, keeping a Democrat in the Governors Mansion is Paramount.

I am still convinced ALL this health care “controversy” that was being generated was to take the publics mind off of the Employee Free Choice Act, American Rights at Work, “card check” legislation. Based on President Trumpka's speech at the National Press Club, and the President's meeting with Labor; I AM feeling much more positive. I just wish he would have been specific in his State of the Union speech.

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.

Did you know that there were more vets that died last year because they didn't have health care, than have died in both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars?

Not so New question for the day. Even if it goes without saying, say it anyway.

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

Check www.LetsSayThanks.com often to read feedback from the troops about the Let's Say Thanks program!

Welcome to ‘The Mansion’
Anyone who has spent much time on following the Afghan war could guess the sights and the living-standard particulars of Combat Outpost Sullivan, the home in Helmand Province for much of Weapons Company, First Battalion, Third Marines. Could that be nephew Rhyon in one of those photo's.
Click above link http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/welcome-to-the-mansion/ to see photos at end of the article.

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

Brandon Roy is sure in awesome company for the Trailblazers, in the number of All Star selections, it is to bad he is injured but he should be back later this week, we should also be getting Travis Outlaw back also. Andre Miller is also in special company with that 50+ point game.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

Judi has started on the M.S. Walk that comes up in April already, if you want to become a member of Wally's Walkers, the link has been updated, Jonna Lynn apparently found it, so did Burton White. I am going to try to make the 290 Executive Board meeting tommorrow and see if they will help again. And yes Tim I will send you a reminder. John did tell me I could come to the Building Trades and make a pitch; which I will be doing today, I hope. The walk is on April 17, 10 a.m., Pioneer Courthouse Square. Here's the link to our team page:http://walkorc.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=teamlist&fr_id=13001
If folks want to join, they can just go to that page, scroll down to Wally's Walkers, and then click on the "join team" link.

The American Rights at Work still needs help. We must not take our eye off the MAIN issue. E.F.C.A.

The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member Assistance Program.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS“GET 'ER DONE” - SOFT LANDING ! And give them back their money, and their overdue raise!

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.

Mike; My blog is still under 4 pages today. Good night and Good Luck; I'll see you next time on my blog.