HEALTH CARE, "GET 'ER DONE

PERSONAL

I awoke today at 7am after 9+hrs of sleep to a 3. I took my am pills and put out my flag at 7:30am I checked my email and my keno ticket from yesterday and the luck of the Irish that was with me on St. Paddy's Day apparently didn't stick around for our trip down to Spirit Mountain. (No, I didn't win the Drawing). Marty's son Christopher is coming into town next Monday; I think for two weeks before he is deployed. And I think he is going to do a gathering next Saturday.

My buddy, Holmie, was the first to wish me a Happy St. Paddy's day, so I will credit him, brother Mike, brother Marty and cousin Billy with sending some good karma my way. Now I'll wish you all had as good of day as I.

I watched the President's excellent speeches in Pennsylvania and Ohio on Health Care, and I really liked his statement “If not Now When?” I did see that even Dennis Kusinich has said he will be voting for the Health Care Bill, It looks to me like we will have a health care bill for the President to sign before Easter. I believe that will put an exclamation point on the season with the statement, “I AM MY BROTHERS KEEPER”. As I have said before, we are down to the final push on Health care and there are 8 Lobbyists for every member of congress working the Hill right now. O.F.A. (Organizing for America) has a plan to counter act those paid professionals and if you head to their web site you can help.

I am going to keep the “Health Care Hero's up for a while longer, maybe they will get it done tomorrow. I am watching C-Span2 right now and the House is in Saturday session and they are showing the Rules Committee hearing. I also did watch and hear one of those Republicans say on that committee, say 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.

I did get an email that said Representative Defazio is voting against the Health Care Bill and in the same message I was told that even Blumenhauer and Shrader are uncommitted? Please check my Political section for some phone numbers to call, and I would hope you do.

Here's the first 34 Health Care Heroes who've committed to voting YES on Reconciliation in the Senate: ( I think it's well over 50+ now)

Michael Bennet (CO)
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Jeff Merkley (OR)
Sherrod Brown (OH)
Patrick Leahy (VT)
John Kerry (MA)
Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
Al Franken (MN)
Roland Burris (IL)
Bernie Sanders (VT)
Barbara Boxer (CA)
Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Frank Lautenberg (NJ)
Chuck Schumer (NY)
Jeanne Shaheen (NH)
Ted Kaufman (DE)
Debbie Stabenow (MI)
Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Jack Reed (RI)
Tom Udall (NM)
Arlen Specter (PA)
Harry Reid (NV)
Robert Menendez (NJ)
Tim Johnson (SD)
Daniel Inouye (HI)
Carl Levin (MI)
Mark Udall (CO)
Dick Durbin (IL)
Ben Cardin (MD)
Amy Klobuchar (MN)
Jeff Bingaman (NM)
Bob Casey (PA)
Patty Murray (WA)
Ron Wyden (OR)

One of my favorite Senators, Senator Ron Wyden, made my HERO list because he signed on to the “Reconciliation Letter”, where is Senator Cantwell? Sorry Thom; he will be staying on the Hero List. If you've been reading my blog you understand; I believe in reconciliation, IF NOT NOW, WHEN!.

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, those in this country that are suffering without health care, 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 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 (129/67/64) at 12:15pm and I hope it makes my Doctors 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 are still 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”.

A phone call could help;
Representative Schrader (503) 588-9100 (503) 557-1324
Representative Wu (503) 326-2901

The facts speak for themselves -- the status quo isn't working, and special interests are doing everything in their power to maintain that status quo.

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 ! See you tomorrow at DiPrima Dolci around 1pm, I hope.

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 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.

Leading the way as a Healthcare Hero, Senator Bennet circulated a letter calling on Majority Leader Harry Reid to use reconciliation (RAM) 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. If you saw my special edition with the letter to Senator Ron Wyden, I will say THANK YOU, for signing that letter, OH YES HE DID! You have definitely earned that spot on my HERO'S LIST.

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.

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?

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 and I am still not sure about the changes the blazers made. I guess they are not going to miss both Blake and Outlaw too much. They have been doing very well the last couple weeks. Andre Miller is also in special company with that 50+ point game. That Blazer win last night was very exiting MARCH MADNESS GAME, a 2 point, under 80 points game, I also think they are 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.

The news (CNBC Business channel) and ESPN is reporting that Tiger Woods is returning to golf to play in “The Masters”.

March Madness is coming up; they start with 65 and then there is ONE. Do you have a “bracket” filled out?

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. That conference on jobs I saw with V.P. Biden, looked pretty good but I did not see it all..

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.
I hope there are a few Politicians in Salem reading, even though the special session is over, I hope they don't throw their back out by patting themselves on it; it still appears they are taking the Building Trades in particular and Labor in general for granted, and as my father always said; perception IS reality.

Mike; My blog is 6 pages today. Good night and Good Luck; I'll see you next time on my blog.