NEW SECTION COMMING APRIL 1st

PERSONAL

I awoke today at 5:45am after 9+hrs of sleep to a 3+. I took my am pills and and put out my flag. I did order some new “old mans” golf clubs from Amazon and they are supposed to be delivered Wednesday. so you all better look out. We did go to Marty and Chris's BBQ yesterday and had a wonderful time. I think he returns on April 2nd, 3rd or 4th and I think he is headed for Afghanistan, I don't know who he was but there was a Marine Gunnery Sargent there with ribbons galore, quite the sight at Gil's daughters wedding Friday.

Sister Danni told me last night that Daniel is just days away from returning home; it will be soooo good to see him again.

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, and I am OK with that now but, I have come to the realization that the Republican Party is overwhelmed with CINO's.

I checked my email and found out my clubs are scheduled to be delivered Wednesday.

I am still being flooded with “Hoorahs” on the health care vote. I have saved the text message thanking me for all I did to help health care pass; from PRESIDENT OBAMA. I did find out last night that cousin Bobbie received the same text message. Marty's son Christopher is in town for a while and I hope they can stop by before he leaves. The good weather did hold up for him and us at Mary's yesterday and I spoke with Marty to day and he said they had enough food left to feed a small country and enough booze for at least 2 or 3 counties in Ireland. ;-0 I think he's just here for a few weeks before he is deployed.

It looks to me like we have a health care bill for the President to sign before Easter, and the republicans are lining up to take him and it on. I still believe that will put an exclamation point on the Easter season with the statement, “I AM MY BROTHERS KEEPER”. The Anti's (CINO'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 founded, a socialist country?

After the health care vote 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, and I am going to list the Dem's that were on the wrong side. I also did watch and hear 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, however I will start on Medicare then. I also found out that Dennis H. will start his retirement then too. Bobbie is sure looking forward to that.

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 much, but I shouldhave a new set of golf clubs soon; I still 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 ( 114/71/61) at 2:15pm, I hope it makes my Doctors happy.

POLITICAL

Democrats who voted against the health care bill included the following Congressmen and Congresswomen: DINO'S DEMOCRATS IN NAME ONLY - Dinosaur's - Does anyone else see a pattern here?

Rep. John Adler (N.J.) Rep. Jason Altmire (Pa.) Rep. Michael Arcuri (N.Y.) Rep. John Barrow (Ga.) Rep. Marion Berry (Ark.) Rep. Dan Boren (Okla.) Rep. Rick Boucher (Va.) Rep. Bobby Bright (Ala.) Rep. Ben Chandler (Ky.) Rep. Travis Childers (Miss.) Rep. Artur Davis (Ala.) Rep. Lincoln Davis (Tenn.) Rep. Chet Edwards (Texas) Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.) Rep. Tim Holden (Pa.) Rep. Larry Kissell (N.C.) Rep. Frank Kratovil (Md.) Rep. Dan Lipinski (Ill.) Rep. Stephen Lynch (Mass.) Rep. Jim Marshall (Ga.) Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah) Rep. Mike McIntyre (N.C.) Rep. Mike McMahon (N.Y.) Rep. Charlie Melancon (La.) Rep. Walt Minnick (Idaho) Rep. Glenn Nye (Va.) Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.) Rep. Mike Ross (Ark.) Rep. Heath Shuler (N.C.) Rep. Ike Skelton (Mo.) Rep. Zack Space (Ohio) Rep. John Tanner (Tenn.) Rep. Gene Taylor (Miss.) Rep. Harry Teague (N.M.) I did get invited to a fundraiser for Kurt Schrader in Canby and he is bringing in the chair of the agriculture committee; from Minnesota, Congressman Collin Peterson there were a total of 34 and I WILL be commenting on them.

I plan on adding a new section on April 1st for my own comments on this issue.

LOCAL

There is a D.F.A. Celebration Wednesday night in Vancouver, at the Carpenters Hall, I think; but I may go anyway.

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; Representative Kurt Schrader, Representative Peter Defazio, I think right now anyway, need to be sent back to congress also; but I WILL NOT be attending Kurts fundraiser. 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. 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.

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 in the debates that I saw.

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

Welcome Home Christopher, even though it's only for a short time. Hurry Home Daniel.

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, should visit.

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? Did anyone else notice that the health care bill passed at 11:11 am?

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 do think they will NOT get another 4 day vacation the rest of the year, and I am taping the game tonight. That Butler, Kentucky double overtime NCAA game was one of the best I've seen in years.

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 they are down to 4 now. Do you have your “bracket” filled out? Did you pick a long shot?

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

I also heard from Jim Moss that at the board meeting earlier they did discuss my concerns, learned how to, spell my name right, and they will 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 again today. I'll see you next time on my blog.