SAY THANK YOU TO CONGRESSMAN SCHRADER TOMORROW MORNING

PERSONAL:

I am still putting the “DO NOT PATRONIZE THE VANCOUVER COLUMBIAN NEWSPAPER” information (phone numbers and email addresses) here at the beginning.

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 slept in this morning until after 8am after 10+ hours of sleep to a 3, with a little lower back pain. I took my am pills, then put out my flag to a very nice morning; and just a few clouds. I checked the west deck and their was a little birdseed left but I did need to put some more out. It was a good meeting last Friday and John says he has a proposal for the members to see and accept or reject and that will happen on Easter Saturday at the Convention Center, and I did get a robo call reminder this morning. He also told the membership that the O.T. Moratorium and the selective picketing is over. I did check the Wally's Walkers page to see our team results from the M.S. Walk, and I think I remembered all from our team and you can find out down below. And no, I didn't get any golf in over the weekend, but soon; maybe.

Don't forget the March of Dimes walk 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 to scoot in support of her efforts. I did put in the web address, join us if you can. http://www.marchforbabies.org/wd_regp04.asp?si=&wsid=12078&g=1&v=1&w=4796717&r=&pnum=&pname=Family+Teams+%2D+Clark+County&tid=&tnum=&tname=Family%2BTeams%2B%2D%2BClark%2BCounty&SeId=1444570&subname=March+for+Campbell+and+Jennings&walk=company&change=&other=&prefill=&u=&EditTeam=&pg=
I will put the prayer to St. Jude in here again for all our 290 brothers that have come before and built Our 290 into the organization I am so proud to have been a member of, for almost 40 years.

** For those brothers and sisters that are no longer with us. **

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 friends Ron Wyden and Pat O'baby, 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:

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 did get a referral from my primary care doctor on my request to visit the chiropractor last Friday and I received the (normal now) Denial of benefits, and I sent off an email to my primary care Doctor, the trust attorney, and 2 of the trustees and still; my BP was 127/78/58 at noon today, even after the super busy last few day's. 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 a referral for the chiropractor from my primary care Doctor last Friday, she said she was prescribing 6 visits but she was a little skeptical that it would be approved, and surprise; it was denied. 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, and I may need a steamer trunk. I did get a copy of a GREAT letter from the trust attorney to Kaiser, but it appears that I will be leaving a little early for the meeting at the Convention Center in order to stop by Kaiser's main office to voice my displeasure, with a sign, I also need to remember to stop over at Senator Wyden's office, and maybe I'll be lucky enough to see Barbara Smith Warner, either at the Schrader breakfast or at B.T. Tuesday.

POLITICAL:

WELL DONE, PRESIDENT OBAMA; YOUR BUDGET COMPARISON WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME.

DON'T FORGET THE NWOLC BREAKFAST WITH CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER TOMORROW MORNING – RSVP 503-235-9444 and as I understand it Mayor Sam will be to one on APRIL 21st, and I really want to make that one also.

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 will make another plug now for the petition for a Constitutional Amendment to REQUIRE Congress to live under the SAME laws they pass for us.

Do you suppose congress's solution to extend and save Social Security and Medicare by CUTTING benefits, instead of raising the maximum would have any thing to do with the fact that THEY would have to pay Social Security taxes for the whole year?? OR MEANS TEST IT so those with good pensions (like union members) couldn't qualify?

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 soon 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; my new face book friend, 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 Kurt's NWOLC breakfast to be able to personally thank you.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OREGON MILITARY SUPPORT NETWORK.

Joining Forces: As part of the Obama Administration's commitment to America's military families, the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden launched their Joining Forces initiative, which will bring together all sectors of American society to lend a hand to military families.

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:

Our last meeting was dominated by the “Unite Ireland” issue and I did remember my camera and was lucky enough get Rita's “autograph” on my February 17th photo, but forgot to get her picture. I didn't get the names down for that 15 year AOH picture still. THANK YOU BROTHER TOM for joining me to toast Ann on the anniversary and I did hear from Cousin Bob, the current AOH V.P. In Anaconda and I know at least they toasted her there. 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 April 5th it was 163 years. ONE OF MY HERO'S! I also found out from Uncle Larry that I have a cousin in Olympia, Washington who is writing a book and I will try to share as much information as I can. And thank you Peter I did get my new dues card in the mail.

I also want to report that Uncle Hank has returned from the hospital and I spoke with his wife, my aunt; and she told me he was 100% better, but all prayers are still appreciated.

While the Montana AOH received a Governors Proclamation with a 3 day celebration on their 125th anniversary; and a great article in my newly received AOH Newspaper; WE had a wonderful address by THE RITA O'HARE. Our City Council will be doing a very good proclamation and I do plan to try to make that Council meeting. And when and if I make the Mayor Sam NWOLC Breakfast I hope to be able to thank him personally. As I understand it the picture from our February meeting should be in an upcoming issue of the AOH Newspaper and maybe then I will get all the names for my picture. Thank You Ann Monahan for your bravery.

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 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 you know by now and it is above one of my favorite D.C. Drinking establishments in Washington; THE DUBLINER !! (which I have always considered KELL'S EAST.)

SPORTS:

The Blazer's lost their first playoff game in Dallas; I watched and I do think they got homered, and I was not the only one, but I do think they will come back tomorrow night.

I did see that the Portland Timbers are selling individual tickets, I believe at very reasonable prices and they did have won 2 in a row.

I sure hope that nice golf weather hangs around and I can find a “Wally Catcher” so I can get out and practice or play.

I am sure glad the baseball preseason is over. I will also still be watching the Orioles games, along with the Mariners and Cubs.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES:

Don't forget the March of Dimes Walk on April 30th in Vancouver, for Clara Schropshires team, and I think I got the direct connection and I put it in above, I hope it's working.

You still have time, donate to a walker, “WALLY'S WALKERS”, and as soon as remember to I will post it here, along with a complete list of our team.

#30 of the top 100 Wally's Walkers
$2,840

I sure hope I didn't miss anyone; but then again it is ME ! :-p

1&2) Judi & Wally Mehrens 3) Mike Mehrens 4/5) Peggy Pugh & Lacy 6) Donna Hammond 7/8/9) Crystal, Jeremiah & Taylor Olszewski 10/11) Patty & Tim Flynn
12) Burton White 13/14) Al & Clare Shropshire 15/16/17) Heidi, Brandon& Jeffery Schostek 18) Roberta ANN, “Bobbie” Hutzenbieler

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; now more than ever. We must not take our eye off that MAIN issue, our two Senators haven't; E.F.C.A. And based on what I have been seeing and hearing, the Republican's have Organized Labor directly in their cross hairs at least for the next 2 years.

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

LOCAL UNION REPORT:

Apparently, the General Contractors, and SOME CUSTOMERS; are all in a dither over the situation between 290 and the M.C.A.; what was that old saying? THOSE WITH THE GOLD, MAKE THE RULES, and based on what I have been hearing, Intel in particular, needs to get their act together and quit waiting until the last minute to ASK people to work O.T., are you really THAT incompetent? I did get a robo call reminder this morning about the meeting Saturday, hope to see you there. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation rose .05% in March = 6% a year; but 2.7% over last year: March 2010/March 2011.

Thanks again to all my Sisters and Brothers for electing me to attend this years International Convention, and It appears I will be flying, but based on that letter from the G.P. it should prove to be very interesting.

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.

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 by blog is just 6 pages and over 2,600 words today; I think.