10 DAYS UNTIL THE GENERAL ELECTION COUNT DID YOU VOTE ?

PERSONAL

I awoke this morning at 7:30am today after 9hrs of sleep to a 3-, took my pills and put out my flag. It was 40 degrees on the south deck and wet. I made the Shiprack retirement celebration Wednesday, and it was wonderful. It was very well attended by both labor and management and politico's, even with that other important event at the Convention Center. KUDO's to Congressman Kurt Schrader for his attendance. The point was made that they did not want any long winded speeches, and neither Kurt, John Mohlis or anyone else did any more than eloquently thank Bob for his 30+ years working for the working men and women of this State. One of the best quotes I overheard that night was when one of the attendee's was asked why, when they had a chance to see the President of the United States, instead went to the Bob Shiprack retirement celebration was; I have a friend in the White House for, at the most 8 years, but Shiprack's friendship has been forever.

I did get to my retiree meeting Thursday, but the turnout was pretty small. No cribbage, No bingo but plenty of great donut's, thank you Kathy.

I have added another charity from a potential W.O.W. Women candidate and good friend Molly Smithson. Help her if you can.

I am hoping to see Christopher soon, while he is on leave.

I RSVP'd for the breakfast with City Councilman, and friend, Dan Saltzman Thursday but overslept and missed it, sorry Dan. I did remember to send an emaill to the city council, but I think I forgot one of the Council members. I did get a response from Councilwoman Fritz and she apparently is to busy to deal with an Out of City issue like the A.O.H., but it appeared I got a favorable response from the Mayors office and I need to get the language for the resolution passed in San Francisco or a message to David O'. I haven't heard yet how things are with Bill, but I did get a meeting reminder for next Tuesday's meeting but please keep him in your prayers. I still have to call the Molly Malone dance studio again and get the particulars for Kay Lynn and Kennedy although I'm not sure when they will be back from Phoenix.

I will keep the connection to the Komen Walk as I think they are still taking donations. The health care “open enrollment” is next month and I am seriously considering it.

I have talked to Brother Mike and he will accompany me to my BULL Session Vegas trip on November 29th. I know the airline we will be using advertises bags fly free, I sure hope scooters do also. I guess I better get around to calling for a confirmation so I can make the flight reservations soon.

I still believe the U of O is ANTI-UNION, and it appears to me now that they are not alone. Keep up the heat.

Cousin Larry Pahut's, run off election is next month and he will also need more help. I think he has started legally campaigning. I will say thank you to any and all that helped. That would be a picture of our grandfather there on the right, John L. Monahan, L for Larry? His sister, Patty Ann Sullivan is his Campaign Manager and must have done a fine job. I actually did send Larry a check, and you can too. I would ask all to give what they can. (campaign H.Q. Are 400 Spruce, Anaconda, Montana 59711) Based on the fact he is in a run off they will probably still need more funds.

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, the welcoming of Uncle Sandy, Frances's Mom and good friends Bob and Jim into the house of the Lord, for the safe return of nephew Christopher from Afghanistan soon; good family friend Pat Percin, cousin Larry Pahut in his endeavor to become the Deer Lodge County Justice of the Peace, cousin Mick, nephew Arron, Kelli's Mom, Bills Dad,, those who are having health issues; 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 BRINGING DANIEL HOME SAFELY, and protecting Christopher; for the safe delivery of Brandee's new baby girl, Mick and Gloria; and those, NOW covered with Health Care.

I know I have been repeating things, apparently 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.

M.S. 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 have changed the LDN to coincide with my noon regimen. I am experiencing better days now that I'm doing the L.D.N.. I stopped taking that brand new FDA approved pill on August 27th, Aminopyridine but I spoke with a guy whose sister has M.S. (relapsing remitting I think) and I think she saw a marked change in her balance. She has gone from using a walker, to using a cane, to needing nothing. I understand it is supposed to be good for “gait” issues, even those with primary progressive. My BP is 120/81/65 at 9am.

POLITICAL

They got rid of the fairness doctrine for elections; I'm thinking there is a definite NEED for a TRUTH in ADVERTISING doctrine for election ads, especially now that the BUSH Supreme Court opened the flood gates for unlimited corporate spending in elections.

I am placing a letter to the Labor Press editor here that I didn't finish in time for their issue prior to the election, so you will all have to check past blog's to get all MY endorsement list and comments. Ballots are in the mail and We have already voted.

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October 17, 2010

N.W. Labor Press

To the Editor;

Sisters and Brothers;

I am writing this letter to all my Sisters and Brothers who have served our country in the Armed Services. My experience tells me that our Union members are both Democratic and Republican. I am also writing to encourage ALL to vote in this years election. My experience also tells me that many of our Republican members are former Service members and I am asking all those members to vote to return both Senators Ron Wyden and Senator Patty Murray back to Washington D.C. to represent them. If either of their opponents are elected our States will be split with a Democratic Senator and a Republican Senator. For the last two years of the Obama Presidency we will probably be canceling each others vote. Like many of you, I thought we voted for a change in Washington D.C. Change we have not realized just yet. The fact that we have not got the changes we wanted is not the fault of President Obama, it is OUR fault. He has not had a Senate that could make the changes WE need because he has not had 60+ votes to get OUR agenda accomplished. Adding two more Republicans will make progress even harder.

As good as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Social Security, Prevailing wage Act) and President Lyndon Johnson (Voting Rights Act, Medicare) were, they could not have accomplished any of their agenda without Senate support of well over 60 votes.

If you are an Armed Services recent retiree or currently serving, when you vote, remember it is Senator Murray and Senator Wyden who have stood up for the “new G.I. Bill” and the renewing of our commitment to our wounded warriors by demanding the upgrading of our Veterans benefits programs.

Don't let Senator Merkley 's or Senator Cantwell's vote be cancelled.

Fraternally and Sincerely;

William W. “Wally” Mehrens
U.A. Local 290

CHECK THE LAST NUMBER OF BLOGS TO FIND OUT “WHY THIS ELECTION IS SOOOO IMPORTANT:

William W. "Wally",

I wanted to share the great news with you. Newspapers across Oregon are standing with Ron Wyden.

The endorsements make clear whether you are from the Coast, the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon or east of the Cascades, Ron is the right choice to represent Oregon. His record of building agreement across political lines, growing our economy and delivering for all parts of Oregon make him exactly the kind of Senator our state needs.
So far, Ron has been chosen by 14 of the 16 papers to endorse in the race: The Oregonian, Salem's Statesman Journal, Medford's Mail Tribune, Eugene's Register Guard, The Daily Astorian, Pendleton's East Oregonian, The Portland Tribune, The Gresham Outlook, Portland's The Skanner, Willamette Week, Bend's Source Weekly, The Eugene Weekly, McMinnville's News-Register, and The Hillsboro Argus. ahead in the polls but you definitely still need to get those ballots in.

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

I do believe that is the same Larry Roberta I reported on when nephew Daniel came back from Iraq in those moving RE-ELECT U.S. CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER ads and I am definitely one that would like to see him sent back to D.C..

CHECK OUT PAST BLOGS FOR THE Top 5 Social Security Myths. I am only going to list the first one from now on, as it is the biggest, as far as I'm concerned and I will save the space.

Myth #1: Social Security is going broke.
Reality: There is no Social Security crisis. By 2023, Social Security will have a $4.6 trillion surplus (yes, trillion with a 'T'). It can pay out all scheduled benefits for the next quarter-century with no changes whatsoever. After 2037, it'll still be able to pay out 75% of scheduled benefits—and again, that's without any changes. The program started preparing for the Baby Boomers' retirement decades ago. Anyone who insists Social Security is broke probably wants to break it themselves.

The nation's retirement deficit--the gap between your current pension/retirement savings and what you should have for retirement--is a staggering $6.6 trillion. Yet there are calls to cut Social Security, fewer people have pensions and 401(k)s have been decimated. It's time to wake up Washington and tell lawmakers to keep their hands off of Social Security and fix our patchwork private retirement system.

If you have been following my blog you must be aware that I am not the happiest with the actions or inactions of Congress or the President but I truly believe that in his year and a half he has got more done for me and the service working men and women of this country than has been accomplished in decades, and I just can't believe there are polls out there that have the Democrats behind by 10 points for the fall elections. (John Bohener as Speaker of the house), could there possibly be that many people that want to go BACK to the BUSH years? (that is in this new Contract on America)

If your looking for that little piece that was forwarded from my Uncle Hank; you will have to also check the past blog, “NO, HELL NO”!

LOCAL

LARRY PAHUT FOR DEER LODGE COUNTY, MONTANA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. (because I have known for over 50 years he has the character and patience for the job)

JOHN KITZHABER FOR OREGON GOVERNOR (because he is experienced and gave of his time during his campaign to make my friend Dianna's last days so joyful.

Shouldn't elections at least be about the “CHARACTOR” of the candidates, not just how they will help or hurt us?

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION

NEPHEW CHRISTOPHER IS IN AFGHANISTAN STILL I THINK, BUT SHOULD BE HOME SOON. Thank you for your service and you are in our prayers every day. It does appear our prayers are being heard.

ONE RIBBON STILL UP, FOR CHRISTOPHER, be safe, hurry home,.

DON'T FORGET, SOFT LANDING BILL, and thank you SENATOR PATTY MURRAY and CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER for helping with it. It appears the republican party is taking “a smear” campaign quite literally with that latest anti Schrader ad.

Please check the sites I have under YELLOW RIBBON as they all could use help.

If you are flying the American Flag, please keep flying it until ALL our Troops return home.

If you are a republican reader you NEED to find the Oregon soft landing bill on line and then vote your best interests.

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

The Texas, Yankee match was a good one, but now we need to get the Phillies back to the W.S.. If the World Series result's in a Texas vs Phillies match up, I think over 50% of the players would be former Mariners.

THE DUCKS ARE STILL WINNING, AND FINALLY DID MOVE UP TO #1. I watched the game Thursday and they are definitely an exciting team to watch, and yes Gib, I did get your picture.

Mr. Angelos, sir, you should have your people keep an eye on that Mehrens kid that should be playing fall ball for the S. Cal Rangers, I have been trying to follow his progress on line and he definitely has the right stuff; based on what I've read he will be making a wonderful closer.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES

HELP THE KOMEN RUN/WALK – www.5.komen.org/findarace.aspx
Hey Journey Group,
I just updated my page on the Playing for Others website, www.playingforothers.org. I’d be thrilled if you checked out my new adventures with PFO and my progress in reaching my fundraising goal. You can also check out PFO’s latest newsletter at http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/october-newsletter-2. As always thank you so much for your support!

Thanks, Molly Smithson

The American Rights at Work still needs help. We must not take our eye off that MAIN issue, our two Senators haven't; E.F.C.A. Especially in light of that mine disaster in West Virginia and those Rig explosions in the Gulf.
Speaking of mine disasters, after what Chile has accomplished, should we feel like we live in a 3rd world country?
The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member Assistance Program.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS

I have a W.O.W. List and I just haven't been able to come up with an “opposite W.O.W.” list but I do have a candidate that may be appropriate for it.
MICK and CHRISTOPHER, stay positive and we will meet on the golf course and I will take it easy on both of you. I guess I could take my clubs out of the back seat, at least until I hear from the BULL guy about our trip.

****Thank You Mary Ellen****
May love and laughter light your days
And warm your heart and homes
May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours

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 6 pages, and just over 2,700 words today, I think.