CALLING ALL MONAHANS - 7 DAYS AWAY

PERSONAL:

I am still putting the “DO NOT PATRONIZE THE VANCOUVER COLUMBIAN NEWSPAPER” information (phone numbers and email addresses) on the front page.

They need to hear our voices: Scott Campbell, Publisher
360-735-4500
scott.campbell@columbian.com
Lou Brancaccio, Editor
360-735-4505
lou.brancaccio@columbian.com
Circulation
360-694-2312
circulation@columbian.com

Be respectful, but tell them why you are contacting them.

Now back to my regular blog:

I awoke this morning at 5:45am after 8 hours of sleep to a 3 and it looks like it may be a nice day. I did get lots of good rest yesterday. I took my am pills and put out my flag about 7am. I checked the birdseed on the west deck, and there was still enough I didn't add any and called in the birds and a few showed up. I plan to post earlier today as I am going to the CPBT board meeting this morning and I did add a new section, “My 290” for my comment's on my Local Union feelings and thought's. The AOH dinner Friday night was absolutely awesome and I thought I got a couple of pictures of her, but when Judi downloaded the camera I apparently didn't get one of Rita. Seeing and hearing Rita O'Hare was worth twice the price, (more on that later in my AOH section). I hope at the CPBT meeting I can get a report on the PLA meetings with PPS & PCC if they have had any? John M. asked me to get him the information on Dave McNally of the Orioles and Dad for Giz at the Building Trades. I do hope Lynn got my card to that old friend Walt Lachepelle, a retired Teamster, who I thought was living at the beach, but he is now a neighbor over in Gladstone. I will repeat again; That first contractors offer was absurd but it did succeed in uniting the membership, more on that later in my new section. It was very interesting to see how negotiations going. If there are ANY CONTRACTOR PEOPLE READING THIS BLOG I WILL TELL YOU ALL AGAIN, YOU HAVE SUCSEEDED IN UNITING THE 290 MEMBERSHIP.

Don't forget the March for Babies on April 30th in Vancouver for sister Clare Schropshire, as we all know, I will not be able to walk but I will make every attempt to be there in support of her efforts, and I believe my scooter battery will have enough juice, even if I have picket duty that day; to allow for me to at least scoot the route. Join us if you can. I did hear from cousin Larry's Daughter Brandee and she was recruiting for a March of Dimes walk in Missouri but theirs is May 5th. I still have to write my letter to the editor of the Labor Press, chastising Mr. Francesconi and one chastising Rob Eudelin and Bright Now Dental for his nasty campaign against Sunrise Dental yet to do.

I still haven't received a response from the Governor, on my suggestions to increase the numbers of MWESB Contractors yet but I did get an email from his office looking for suggestions that can help the State. I did tell him I left some suggestions at his office the day of the jobs rally in Salem that I believed would help. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS !

I did get an email from uncle Hank and I'm hearing he is doing better; but I would still ask all to include him in your prayers.

And please don't forget to register at the M.S. Walk Oregon for “WALLY'S WALKERS”, which is now just 11 days away. THANK YOU LOCAL 290, NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR COUNCIL AND THANK YOU PAUL RIGGS and THE CPBT for YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION'S.

I will put the prayer to St. Jude in here again for 290 brothers Bob Barnett and Bob Mader, and those suffering from the Earthquake and Sunami's in Japan, so please add them to your prayers also.

** For Brother Barnett, Brother Mader, and the other brothers lost this month and those still suffering in Japan **

Prayer to St. Jude for Eternal Life
You are my solace, St. Jude, in the face of loss and sorrow. I pray that you will guide my heart away from the darkness of fear and into the light of Christ. May the hope that St. Jude keeps alive in my heart be a source of comfort to all those who grieve. For in that hope, we know God's mercy, and we trust God's promise of eternal life. My soul longs for the fullness of life, which is only to be revealed when I meet my Maker in heaven. Stay by my side, St. Jude, so that my soul will always know the power of your healing love. Amen.

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. For sister Danni, sister Clare, cousin Mick, uncle Hank, nephew Arron, Kelli's Mom, good friend Ron Wyden, good family friend Pat Percin, brothers Jimmy Judge, and Gerry Bruce, sister Donna and those who are having health issues; protecting Christopher and Rhyon 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.”

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.

KAISER AND M.S. REPORT:

It's still not to late to register and get started with fund raising, donate to a walker (WALLY'S WALKERS), (11 days until the walk) or find out about other volunteer opportunities, visit www.walkmsoregon.com.

This is also my attempt to keep track of my experiences with Kaiser Permanente and my Neurologist and his RN. so far with the Ampyra and the 4.5mg LDN, I think I'm noticeably better and it has been noticeable to others also. I also found out last night at the Union meeting apparentlt I am not the only one unhappy with Kaiser. I do have to say though, and I even asked my friend Mary about this; How long do you have to wait before people that know you have M.S. quit thinking that all of a sudden you are stupid and you have no memories? My BP is 123/76/60 at 8 today. After I got my last “explanation of benefits” as it said, this is not a bill but in the billed amount was $84.10 ( exactly the LDN amount) in the next column was the allowed amount of $84.10, the member responsibility was 0.00, Kaiser paid 0.00; if the member responsibility was 0.00 WHY DID IT COST ME $84.10?? When I turned in my latest Lloyd Center Pharmacy receipt it was for my LDN and I did get the the finally get the “denial”, and it appeared they were blaming Medicare, so I guess we have to kill a few more tree's. I did get phone call from the trust Attorney and he was going to write a letter on the “appeals” and said he would draft one and send it to me by the end of the week. I have a full briefcase just of my Kaiser stuff that doesn’t include the dozens of email's between Kaiser, my Doctor's, Lou and the attorney and I guess I better get it all organized. I will remind everyone that I WILL be taking action with Kaiser Member services, if and when I need to. I did sign up for picket duty at the “strike committee” meeting and I volunteered for the east side, not JUST because Kaiser Sunnyside and member services are on the east side and I am very familiar with their locations; having visited them so many time over the last 2-3 years.

POLITICAL:

DON'T FORGET THE NWOLC BREAKFAST WITH CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER – RSVP 503-235-9444 and as I understand it Mayor Sam has been invited to one in May, I think.

Another issue that concerns me with this NEW congress is the “SPENDING CUTS” they are considering, and it seems at the TOP of the list is “entitlement” spending. One of the talking heads shows said entitlement spending (social security, Medicare?) makes up for 84% of federal spending, does that mean that the D.O.D. Budget with 2+ wars, and interest on the current National Debt only accounts for 16%. I do think they may have it backwards. I have a question for my republican friends; When I put my money in the bank and then draw it out, do YOU consider that an entitlement? HMMMN?? I also received an email to sign on a petition for a NEW CONSTITUTIONAL AMMENDMENT that would require Congress to live under the same laws they pass for the rest of us; I signed on to the petition immediately.

MY MOST IMPORTANT SECTION STILL!!

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION:

A PROGRAM THAT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR HELP: LETS BRING EM HOME !!

http://www.lbeh.org/

Don't forget to say THANK YOU, to all those servicemen and women who have served or are serving.

NEPHEW CHRISTOPHER IS STILL IN AFGHANISTAN, Due back stateside next month but; IT APPEARS THAT NEPHEW RHYON WILL BE HEADED BACK IN MAY, so a prayer a day for both, from all my readers would sure make me feel better.

ONE RIBBON STILL UP, FOR CHRISTOPHER, AND WHEN RHYON GETS REDEPLOYED, HIS RIBBON WILL GO BACK UP.

DON'T FORGET, THE SOFT LANDING BILL, and thank you SENATOR PATTY MURRAY and CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER for helping with it; and I am looking forward to your NWOLC breakfast to be able to personally thank you.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OREGON MILITARY SUPPORT NETWORK.

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

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?

AOH REPORT:

We did go to the AOH Banquet last Friday night and did meet Rita 0'Hare and she was a wonderful speaker on the “Unite Ireland” issue and I did remember my camera and was lucky enough get her “autograph” on my February photo. I didn't get the names down for my 15 year AOH picture; but I did get a few photo's. Brother Peter Cullen did a moving rendition of “Danny Boy”, and I believe it was even the one that was banned for a time, it was one of my fathers favorite songs; so much so; He named his 3rd born Dannette, whom we have always called Danni. I did tell cousin Jim he should have been there when it was taken, and that it was the AOH that Built St. Francis Church in SE Portland, which just happens to be the official church of the Neil Kelly award winners; WELL DONE TOM. We were also very well entertained by the Molly Malone dancers, many if not all, will be traveling to Ireland for a world-wide Irish dance competition; David O' you must be very proud. (interesting factoid; That was also the church that my #2 W.O.W. Woman, who accompanied Judi and I on our trip to Ireland; attended and was married in; Dianna PAULEY McCoy, whose Birthday is coming up in April also.) I have found out that the first Monahan that showed up on any U. S. past history was an Ann Monahan who arrived in New York on April 5, 1848 aboard the ship “Waterloo,” at the time of the famine, and in 7 day's it will have been 163 years, I'm not sure where you will be, or what you will be doing, but good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I will be giving her her Dew at the “Dubliner west” at 4:30pm pacific daylight time, and those that will be at the “Dubliner” east, I would ask all to raise a toast to that very brave woman. ONE OF MY HERO'S! I also found out that another friend I have been reporting on, whom I admire greatly (Jusef Word) will be returning that day from his trip to Guatemala City and I did invite him and his Mother to our celebration, at my last count we may have close to a dozen celebrating at KELLS, we are getting close to a number that I should forewarn Jared about.

I am now on the hunt to find out how many Ann's and Marie's we have in the family? Marie's because (I think) that may be the 2nd most popular girls name in the Monahan family.

I also want to report that Uncle Hank has returned from the hospital and emailed me and I understand he is doing better, all prayers are still appreciated.

While the Montana AOH received a Governors Proclamation with a 3 day celebration on their 125th anniversary; WE had a wonderful address by THE RITA O'HARE. We had to postpone Our dinner as Ireland, with a parliamentary government she had to stay and stand for, what turned out to be, a successful election and she also had to meet with President Obama on the way here. Our City Council will be doing a very good proclamation and I do plan to try to make that Council meeting. Now I still have to find an appropriate frame and after last the dinner I will probably be heading downtown to Kathleen's of Ireland to look for an appropriate frame. As I understand it the picture from our February meeting should be in the next issue of the AOH Newspaper. I also checked the Monahan Family name History I got while I was in D.C. a few years ago and I don't know how I missed it but I did see where, when the name ( O Manachain) whose descendants name came from the Gaelic manach; meaning Monk, also included the famous Warrior of Connacht from the 9th century. Thank You Ann Monahan for you bravery.

I also received some information from the National AOH regarding a “Hugely Important” Book written by father Sean McManus regarding his 30+ years fighting for justice in Northern Ireland from his Washington D.C. office (we hope to put together a direct link for all interested) and it also lists his congressional friends in this 112th Congress; an impressive list indeed. Ranging from conservative republicans like Peter King of R-N.Y (which makes me wonder what he possible could be thinking right now with his Committee hearings on un-american Muslims?) to Barney Frank D-MA, I still think we need a few OREGONIANS on Father McManus's “Congressional Friends” list. We must never forget the Ballymurphy Massacre of 1971, (40 years searching for justice) and we need to realize along with a number of Irish Catholic's, including a priest, that were assassinated that day there were also a number of Northern Irish Protestants. This battle for justice that is being waged here in the U.S.A. by father McManus is also being waged in Belfast Northern Ireland by a heroic Belfast protestant named Raymond McCord Sr., whose son was also assassinated. His Book will soon be available on Amazon and I am going to try to get a direct link with the help of wife Judith; our own personal Amazon book distributor. You also might be interested to know that the book launch and a book signing will be held at the Phoenix Park Hotel on May Day in Washington D.C.; a hotel I have been to many times as it is above one of my favorite D.C. Drinking establishments in Washington; THE DUBLINER !! (which I have always considered KELL'S EAST.)

SPORTS:

A new Blazer winning streak has started yesterday in San Antonio.

I did see where the Oregon M.S. Chapter is putting together a fund raiser game with the Blazers.

I was to late to get those Portland Timbers partial season tickets, but I will try to get by the New
Field, as they are selling individual tickets, I believe at very reasonable prices.

Lets get some nice golf weather so I can get out and practice, doesn't the weatherman realize it is SPRING. PLEEEASE !! Based on the most recent 7 day forecast I saw Sunday I may be trying to recruit a WALLY CATCHER after the meeting.

I am sure glad the baseball pre-season is here. Go Cubs Gooo; hey Chicago, what da ya say, Cubs gonna win today?

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES:

You still have time, donate to a walker, “WALLY'S WALKERS”, or find out about volunteer opportunities, at www.walkmsoregon.com. Thank You, Ed and Luanne Barnes, Lynn Lehrbach and Lori Vaughn for getting me started. AND ALSO THE MEMBERS of LOCAL 290, THE NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR COUNCIL, AND BROTHER PAUL RIGGS AND THE CPBT FOR THEIR VERY GENEROUS DONATIONS.

I found the updated 2011 BULL SESSION website. ( http://www.bullsessioncharity.com ) While I still haven't gone there yet myself, I did get their 2011 letter and booklet. REMEMBER – IT'S FOR THE KIDS ! THANK YOU JIM ! AND THANK YOU ALSO TO THE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 290 FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION. ALL HELP APPRECIATED.

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. It is very disappointing that it was not lame duck accomplishment, especially in light of the ongoing protests in Wisconsin, and the mine disaster in West Virginia and those Rig explosions in the Gulf. I do think that both Senator Robert Byrd and Paul Wellstone are rolling over in their graves. And based on what I have been hearing the Republican's have Organized Labor directly in their cross hairs at least for the next 2 years.
We've just received word – anti-worker legislators in the House are about to make it much more difficult for railway and airline employees to form unions.
House Transportation Chairman John Mica – who has taken more than $620,000 in campaign contributions from the airline industry – quietly slipped a provision into FAA reauthorization legislation that would count non-voters as "no" voters in union elections.1
So even if there are more "yes" votes than "no" votes, the "yeses" could still lose. Can you think of any other election that works that way?
It's as outrageous as it is shamefully undemocratic. Congress could vote on the provision as soon as TOMORROW – we need to make sure they know Americans are actually paying attention!


The U.A. Local 290 “Don Salee” Member Assistance Program.

LOCAL UNION REPORT:

I did make the meeting yesterday, and while it started very well for us, I think anyway, with a resounding, Unanimous I might add; NO on the latest M.C.A. Proposal ( I'm thinking it was loud enough, it was heard all over the State); but following all the discussions, that I think, for the most part just befuddled the Members in attendance, and I left before the strike authorization vote was counted, I'm still not sure if the negotiating committee has all the tools they need to proceed. Thanks again to all my Sisters and Brothers for electing me to attend this years International Convention, and I think I will have a co-driver for the trip.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS:

I did get my new supply of “Business Cards” from Hollywood Impress and here is the link for all you Politico's that need a “BUG” on your STUFF. www.himpress.com I have used them for decades and they have ALWAYS met my needs. I am promoting them; not selling for them.

MICK, BOB, RON, and JIM, who appears to be recovering nicely from his knee replacement surgery, and CHRISTOPHER, stay positive.

WITH COUSIN JIM AND FRANCES'S WEDDING ON JULY 30TH and the convention being August 8TH to the 12TH it, and I hope to start my drive the 3RD or 4TH to at least get a visit in with Uncle Larry it is sure shaping up to be a very busy summer.

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 7 pages, and over 3,500 words today, I think and I am posting without doing a edit-check, so I apologize for any mistakes.