NO MORE ANTITRUST EXEMTION FOR INSURANCE INDUSTRY.....................YEA !

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 6am after 8hrs of sleep to a 3 with a stuffy head. I took my am pills and put out my flag about 7am and it was over 32 degrees on a wet deck. I tuned into the local news, CNBC to check the DOW, which was up over 80 points and C-Span 1,2 & 3 to catch up on what was happening in the political world. C-Span1 was acting on the Insurance Industry Anti-Trust legislation, C-Span 2 has passed the Jobs Bill with 70 votes and C-Span 3 had a house committee hearing on Toyota 's recall problems and had Toyota President, Akia Toyoda testifying, and the republicans are convinced it's all a “Trial Lawyer” conspiracy.

Lets see, wasn't the Boston Tea Party about “No Taxation without Representation”. My take is that it is a legitimate beef for the Republicans, because I truly believe THEY (Republicans) do not have representation in Washington.

I spoke with Brother (C.M.555) Bruce Temple and his wife Sue was in the hospital and they had moved her to a room from the I.C.U. And the surgery at Good Sam and her Dr. was very optimistic for a positive result: but please keep her in your prayers again today.

I was asked (by email) to make a video of why I supported Health Care reform to be put on You Tube and I believe I accomplished it. I watched it and while it turned out very amateurish I think it is Out there right now even though this connection doesn't get you to my video I've been told.
( http://www.youtube.com/my_videos )

Larry Roberta, a reclusive Aumsville veteran whose story of health problems from hexavalent chromium exposure in The Oregonian alerted his fellow soldiers, most of whom live between Forest Grove, McMinnville and Gresham. Roberta's testimony before the Oregon Legislature last year helped create a fund for soldiers who develop cancer as a result of this exposure. Roberta, 44, has also launched the Web site www.qarmat-ali-vets.com, which includes a logo of an orange ribbon with a skull and crossbones.
SO PETER, DO YOU GUYS IN SALEM STILL HAVE THEIR BACK OR HAVE YOU TURNED YOUR BACKS.

We at the Building Trades have known for a few decades that KBR is not a responsible Contractor, even though it's good to hear them admit it; I am wondering how it is they get so many government contracts. I am wondering how many of our Service Men and Women have been killed by them in relation to those killed by terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan?

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; Great friend Sue Temple for a quick and successful recovery from her surgery; Sister (U.A.) Claire's bundle of joy; 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, cousin Dennis Hutzenbieler and Bob Shiprack just to name a few.

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 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 119/82/63 at 11:30am, I hope it makes my primary care Dr. happy.

POLITICAL

I wonder how long it would take to get a health care bill if those MEMBERS in the House and the Senate were not provided it, but had to either go without it or buy it themselves. I bet there would be a rush to get cost containment done, at least! The R's on the talking heads shows this morning are telling us that everything done so far on H.C. Reform should be scrapped and Congress should start over and they would help crafting a “bipartisan bill”; “RIGHT”.

I did get a preview of the H.C. Plan that the President will be presenting to that “Bipartisan” group. Those “Walkers” going from Philadelphia to D.C. should be arriving today, I wish I was there.

I am starting to worry about me; I am a Democrat and I was surprised at our executive board and Union meetings at how many members sounded like “Tea Party” activists; and Ron Paul is starting to make sense to ME!

Maybe this part should be in the sports section; I am sure all those Republicans's would go for allowing the Blazers to go back to before Oden, Roy, and all the other injured players got injured and we started the season over from there.

I am going to try to increase focus on Local Political issues and races. My favorite state representative is Mike Schauffler. WOW, Governor candidate Bill Bradbury sure is out of ANY favor in Local 290 and Representative David Wu is also out of favor.

One of the most consistent elected officials supporting the Columbia River Crossing has been Rex Burkholder, help him out if you can. Send him some help at METRO, in the form of Duke Sheppard. Earl Blumenhauer, has been there for us also and yes Willie I will get a check off as soon as my retirement check gets deposited; and Kurt Schrader should be returned to congress also. I am watching Representative Peter Defazio right now and he needs to be sent back to congress also. And if I could I would vote for Representative Anthony Wiener of New York. I also think having a cold beer with the two of them would be a wonderful experience. If anyone is reading this in D.C. Please take them out for a cold one.

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 here in Oregon and I'm sure, keeping a Democrat in the Governors Mansion is Paramount. One that actually believes in JOBS. Yes, that is a shout out about the Cascade Locks and L.N.G. Plant projects! It's too bad that gubernatorial candidate Bill Bradbury doesn't understand that.

The Public Option LIVES!!!!

For months now, D.C. insiders and T.V. blowhards have said the public option is dead, but Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado has proved them wrong.Leading the way as a Healthcare Hero, Senator Bennet is circulating a letter calling on Majority Leader Harry Reid to use reconciliation to pass healthcare reform with the choice of a public option and Senators Sherrod Brown (OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), and Jeff Merkley (OR) have already stood up to join him.

Together those four Senators showed Democrats in Washington the way forward on healthcare reform. Don't forget to call Senator Merkley and thank him for standing up for Oregon, the public option, and you.

Health care Survivors have marched to get Congress to pay attention to them and to millions of others across this country who need real health care reform passed and need it now. Today February 24th they will arrive in Washington, DC. On the same day, MoveOn.org is organizing a huge "virtual march" on Washington. We're helping them out, along with dozens of our partners. We're going to call Congress, fax Congress, email Congress, and do all of the things we know how to do to support these marchers and get Congress to listen to us, not the insurance companies.
Can you pledge to join our virtual march on February 24th? Click here to sign

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. I hope that press conference that Senator Wyden had was related to it.

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

New question for the day. A hug a day, keeps the blues away. Even if it goes without saying, say it anyway. Is Senator Wyden on that Reconciliation letter yet?

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

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

The Web site www.qarmat-ali-vets.com, which includes a logo of an orange ribbon with a skull and crossbones, is the one that all with friends and family in Iraq.

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

U.S.A.;U.S.A.;U.S.A. The U.S.A. Pulled off an awesome upset in hockey; de ja vu, all over again?

Brandon Roy is sure in awesome company for the Trailblazers, in the number of All Star selections, it is to bad he got injured and I am still not sure about the changes the blazers made. I really think they are going to miss both Blake and Outlaw, although they did handle the Clippers the other night and the Nets last night. Andre Miller is also in special company with that 50+ point game.

It's almost MLB Time. Hey Chicago, what do ya say, go Cubs go, Cubs gonna win today; go Orioles.

I am also going to sign up for the 290 golf tournament in June as brother Mike agreed to be my “Wally Catcher”, I do need to get some “old mans” clubs though, Amazon appears to have a good deal.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

Judi is still working on the M.S. Walk, it comes up in April, 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. 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 that MAIN issue. E.F.C.A.

The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member Assistance Program. I try to give them something each union meeting, but I was actually short Friday night so I'll have to double up next month.

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 over 5 pages today; but that KBR stuff was too important to leave out again, and thank you Ron. I hope there are a few Politicians in Salem reading, it appears they are taking the Building Trades in particular and Labor in general for granted, and as my father always said; perception IS reality. Good night and Good Luck; I'll see you next time on my blog.