CITMO RHYMES WITH GITMO

PERSONAL

I awoke today at 6am after 9+hrs of sleep to a 3+. I took my am pills and put out my flag about 8:30am. I watched the “debates” yesterday, all the way to the bitter end. I will say that I have had Republican friends, and Independent friends, (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) and as much as I appreciate communication and substantive debate, I will advise you to stay away from me for a while. Yesterday on the Sunday morning talking heads, CBS's Sunday morning and Face the Nation and NBC's Meet the Press with Democrat Steny Hoyer and Republican Mitch McConnell; I came to the realization that the Republican Party is overwhelmed with CINO's. We did get to the TOM MARGRAFT for County Commissioner function yesterday for a short while and I did see Mayor Jim Bernard and some others also. That new little bakery in my old neighborhood was very cute, but small.
I think in Politics school, one of the first lessons is, make sure your functions are at a place that is undersized, so everyone has a feeling of mass support, kinda like that lesson in food service class (be sure to ask how the food is just as everyone is getting a bite. ;-o I checked my email and I was flooded with “Hoorahs” on the vote yesterday. I did have keno ticket to check from yesterday, and my trip to Salem will be great, I also saw Jimmy Judge at Gloriaz last night and he and Susie were going to Salem today also, he got four of five on the powerball. Marty's son Christopher is coming into town today. I think for two weeks before he is deployed. And I think he is going to do a gathering next Saturday.

It looks to me like we have a health care bill for the President to sign before Easter. I believe that will put an exclamation point on the easter season with the statement, “I AM MY BROTHERS KEEPER”. The Anti's (CITMO's) keep harping that this socialism. Based on their definition wouldn't any State that is a “common wealth” be a socialist state? Does their definition mean that the “UNITED STATES” is a Socialist Country? Is that what our founding fathers meant?

After the vote last night I did tell Judi; I think we should move to Bend and I should run for Congress, as it became quite obvious to me that Walden Guy has never been without health care and there must be NO people in his district that could use the help. I am going to keep the “Health Care Hero's up for a while longer as they deserve the recognition. I also did watch and hear yesterday one of those Republicans say on the rules committee that the only reason we had a surplus after President Clinton is because the republicans were successful and stopped all his attempts to increase BIG GOVERNMENT.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN! ........................................................IT'S NOW!!!!!.

I did receive the information from S.S. / Medicare in the mail and I am still trying to figure it out? It appears, I will be getting a cut in my S.S.D. April 1st also.

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.

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. GIVE THE BOOT TO BROWN AND ROOT! I am still 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 friends Sue Temple and Pat O'baby for quick and successful recoveries from their surgeries; Sister (U.A.) Claire's bundle of joy; all those suffering from all those earthquakes, 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, especially for those NOW covered with Health Care.

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 turn 60 this year. Tim Flynn, Larry Pahut, Mick and Mary Ellen Jacques, Me, cousin Dennis Hutzenbieler and Bob Shiprack just to name a few. It doesn't seem so long ago that 60 seemed really old; NOT SO MUCH NOW!

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 B.P. is (133/81/58) at 9am, higher than I want but I hope it makes my Doctors happy.

POLITICAL

I haven't seen the official vote count yet, but as I said before, I do know that we had one Congressman who is a CITMO.................(Christian In Their Mind Only) (rhymes with GITMO), in central and eastern Oregon and he definitely needs to be replaced!

LOCAL

Yes, I am a fan of and supporter of , Tom Margraf for Multnomah County Commission. His experience in getting things done for and with other Elected es and Communities would be an invaluable asset for the County. IT'S TIME FOR TOM !

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 he did look and sound very good last night on the Big Ed show & yes, Willie I will get a check off as soon as my retirement check gets deposited; and Representative Kurt Schrader, Representative Peter Defazio, I think right now anyway, need to be sent back to congress also. And if I could I would vote for Representative Anthony Wiener of New York, he sure was swift on that FOX (fair and balanced) show, and thank you for showing it Rachael, as I try very hard to not watch anything “FOX”. 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. Ours is going in the mail today. 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. The Building Trades did and I am endorsing John Kitzhaber for Governor, I do believe Health Care will pass congress and having a Dr. in the Governors Mansion should be an advantage for Oregon. He just opened his campaign H.Q. Over at SE 30th and Division and could use some bodies and supplies. We did stop by after the Tom Margraft function and Judi picked up a few bumper stickers and she did notice they could use some help.

I haven't changed my mind that ALL that 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 saw that Channel 2 (ABC) is going to start a reporting from the “Front Lines” in Iraq by our National Guard Troops tomorrow, maybe we'll see Daniel.

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? I was really surprised that I didn't hear anyone point that out yesterday.

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.

Thank You, Jose;

I am forwarding this to you with the hope that you might want to help save this Not for Profit Organization that has been honoring men and women in uniform.
Remembering America's Heroes (RAH) and the Oregon Military Hall of Fame (OMHF) have become part of Living History Day which takes place annually at Milwaukie High School on or close to Veteran's Day! RAH and OMHF are also made available to high schools throughout Oregon so that our American heroes are not forgotten anywhere in Oregon.
I urge you to please share this with those who might also wish to help save these organizations. Thank you, You can make a donation online with a credit/debit card at www.rahusa.us or send a check to RAH, PO Box 22680,Milwaukie, OR 97269.

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 got injured. They have been doing very well the last couple weeks. Andre Miller is also in special company with that 50+ point game. I also think they will NOT get another 4 day vacation the rest of the year.

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

I did also get an early buy notice for our Portland Beavers.

Go Orioles, and Peter have your people keep an eye on that Mehrens kid that's going to be playing on Jackie Robinson Field down in Pasadena.

March Madness is in full swing they started with 65 and then there will be ONE. Do you have your “bracket” filled out? Well done Huskies.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

I also heard from Jim Moss that at the board meeting earlier this week they did discuss my concerns, learned how to ,spell my name right, and have Pack West update the website.

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. The walk is on April 17, 10 a.m., Pioneer Courthouse Square.
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.

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 just over 5 pages today. Good night and Good Luck; I'll see you next time on my blog.