HAPPY 175TH ANNIVERSARY AOH

PERSONAL & PROPAGANDA:

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 awoke this morning at 6am to a 3- after 8+- hours of sleep, with a little lower back pain. I took my am pills and put out my flag, and it was a damp morning. I checked the west deck and there was still bird seed there, the birds apparently do not care so much for the Fred Meyer brand. I will move the March of Dimes Walk link to my Charities section, and I may finally check out the BULL SESSION web site.

I will put the prayer to St. Jude in here again for good friend Dianna and Ed Collins and all our 290 brothers and sisters 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 still 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 and she has referred me to get a new set of xray's for Medicare which I did, so we will see if it changes the (normal now) Denial of benefits, my BP this morning is 127/86/66 at 8:15am, not bad; and I think enlisting Senator Wyden's office for picket help, and getting my picket sign ready has something to do with it. I did send of the picket language I planned on using to both the trust attorney and Lou after I had to reformat it and I won't know if they got it until after I post today, but I will put it in my other stuff section today. I did send off an email to my primary care Doctor, the trust attorney, and 2 of the trustee's, and Senator Wyden's office. 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, and 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, Trustee's and the trust attorney and I guess I better get it all organized, but I may need a steamer trunk. I think, energy and time provided, I will build my picket sign from my “Walkers Walkers” sign; I have it designed and I think I will undertake that action soon, there seems to still be plenty of brothers and sisters on our 290 that still want to picket, so maybe I can recruit some of them. I did get a copy of a GREAT letter from the trust attorney to Kaiser. WHY IS IT, WHEN YOU GET DIAGNOSED WITH M.S. ALL OF A SUDDEN PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE STUPID ?

POLITICAL:

Wally

There's no question about it: the Sellwood Bridge is the most dangerous bridge in Oregon. And over 30,000 of us drive over it every day. It's a clear and present danger to Clackamas County drivers that's long overdue for replacement

We need a safe bridge now, but we can't do it without your help.

Recent polling numbers indicate that 55% support, 43% opposed and 12% of voters are undecided. It's folks like you who understand that we shouldn't take chances with the safety of our families.

And you know that spending $5 a year to build a safe bridge is the right thing to do. But while so many ballots are still resting on coffee room tables, many of our friends and neighbors in Clackamas County haven't heard this message. Chris, We have sent our ballots in, but I would sure like to know if you are going to guarantee that the workforce is local, skilled and paid prevailing wage.

WELL DONE, PRESIDENT OBAMA; YOUR BUDGET COMPARISON WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, AND YOU NEVER FORGOT. IT REALLY TAKES A LOT OF GALL FOR THOSE REPUBLICAN'S; LIKE BUSH 2 AN GULIANNI TO TRY TO TAKE ANY SORT OF CREDIT.

THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO SOME; BUT IF YOU LOOK UP RACIST IN THE DICTIONARY YOU SHOULD SEE A PICTURE OF DONALD TRUMP, AND ACCORDING TO THE LAST POLL I SAW HE WAS THEIR LEADING CANDIDATE?

SENATOR JOHN ENSIGN SHOULD GO TO JAIL...........FOR A LONG TIME !!

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? DO I EVEN HAVE ANY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS LEFT??

MY MOST IMPORTANT SECTION STILL!!

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION:

A PROGRAM THAT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR HELP: LETS BRING EM HOME, NOW; I AM RUNNING SHORT OF YELLOW RIBBON !!

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 BACK STATESIDE NOW, AND MARTY AND I WILL BE TRYING TO GET TO LAS VEGAS FOR A MEET UP WITH HIM AND MICHAEL ROSS, AS MICHAEL HAS A TOURNAMENT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND; BUT IT APPEARS THAT NEPHEW RHYON WILL BE HEADED BACK TO AFGHANISTAN IN MAY, so a prayer a day from all my readers would still make me feel better.

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, soon I hope as I am running out of yellow ribbon.

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:

Today is the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. Happy Anniversary to all my brother Hibernians.

Mike O'Connor, National Director
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America

I have little more to report on the “Unite Ireland” issue except I did get in touch with Barbara Smith W. to try to get Ron to become a “congressional friend”, and I also spoke with Congressman Schrader's office to try to recruit him. I didn't get the names down for that 15 year AOH picture yet, but maybe at our meeting on the 17th. 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 ago. ONE OF MY HERO'S!

I also want to report that Uncle Hank has returned from the hospital and I spoke with his wife, my aunt; on EASTER morning 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, and maybe I can get the gaelic translated for me. 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 I did ask Suzanne in Kurt's office, and Barbara in Ron's office to join in our efforts. 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 is supposed to 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 was 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:

I did see that the Portland Timbers are selling individual tickets, and they are at very reasonable prices and they are playing very good.

I still hope that that nice golf weather gets back around and I can find a “Wally Catcher” so I can get out and practice or play, before our trip.

My baseball reports will be limited to, the Mariners, the Orioles; and it IS next year for the Cubs. I also got a good report from brother Marty that nephew Michael is off to a good start for the Rangers, and I am really looking forward to his tournament in Vegas.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES:

Anyone that can help March of Dimes I believe can still please make a donation, and I'm not sure but I think cousin Brandee's Walk is tomorrow, in Missouri; I believe; I think if you go to the main website and look up Brandee Pahut Null it may connect you to her's. Here is Clare's - 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 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:

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 about Intel from the General President it should prove to be a very interesting Convention. Delegate meeting next Wednesday at the Hall.

OTHER STUFF AND COMMUNICATIONS:


KAISER PERMANENTE IS UNFAIR TO WALLY MEHRENS

I have been a member of Kaiser Permanente for the better part of 40+ years. I will say, up until I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005 and had to retire from work, and I was prescribed 2 separate compound medications by my neurologist, and was told Kaiser did not have the ability to make these compound medications, I was directed to 2 pharmacies that specialized in compound medications. I was also told when I filled them at those pharmacies and returned to member services with the receipt I would be reimbursed for the difference between my regular co-pay and the difference charged. This all began in 2008. Both medications were very helpful but very expensive. One of the medications, now renamed, became “F.D.A.” approved and provided by Kaiser. It's cost was over $1,000 more expensive than the compound medication it replaced, but my regular co-payment ($20.00) was all I was personally required to pay, and when I reorder it it is mailed “FEDEX” from California . I became eligible for Medicare in 2009 and the “new” national healthcare program was passed. The new F.D.A. Approved pill “Ampyra” along with the compound medication “Low Dose Naltraxone, both recommended by the National Multiple Sclerosis society; which I am still taking have shown noticeable improvement in my condition.

I am here today because even with inquiries by my Taft Hartley Trust attorney, my health and welfare trustee's, myself and numerous other people, and regular payment's deducted from my retirement check for my healthcare, I still believe I am personally owed over $1,000 by Kaiser.

I am bringing this to the public's attention because somewhere between the good care provided me by my Doctors at Kaiser and their recommendations for treatment a third party intervenes and DENIES me that medication or treatment.

IF YOU ARE GOING INSIDE TO “MEMBER SERVICES” PLEASE ASK THEM WHY ?

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 over 7 pages and over 2,800 words today; I think.