CONGRATULATIONS COUSIN JACK, AND AOH BROTHER BOB

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 6:45am to a 3+, it is sunny and 60 degrees this morning, I had 3 cups of coffee on the south deck. I took my pills and put out my flag. I feel like 3+ because it is the Independence Day and I found out yesterday that we have a new addition to the family, Cousin Jack is a grandfather with a new grand daughter. His son Bob, President of the Anaconda AOH; had a daughter on July 2nd and he named her Bridgid Marie, I am sure AOH brother Tom Markraft will be thrilled; and our dinner with Maria, John, Nora Grace and Hayden was wonderful. Judi biofreezed my whole back last night, and I didn't have to take a pain pill but those nasty dreams were back. They say you sometimes dream of those that are thinking about you but I find it hard to believe that Hiedi Riken, Danny ?, and Ralph G, Paul H., and Ginger are thinking about me. I did get a face book message that Cousin Dan was going to call Bobbie, cousin Dan, the writer. Happy Birthday again Jack, that was quite a birthday present you got from son Bob; that his is son carrying the 125th Montana AOH banner, here on my front page. I did make it over to Home Depot yesterday and got some weed killer and Miracle Grow and a pressure washer, so Judi can clean the windows and we should have a real nice summer day today. John and Maria were quite amused about my picket activity, and John being in the Medical supply business, thought it could be effective. I did send Lou and the trust attorney emails about the 2 letters from Kaiser, neither one with check's , but, if I read them right I should have received a couple more by now, but no sign of any. I still have not received that fence estimate yet. I will make it to DEQ and turn in my new tag forms Tomorrow. I also want to get to the dealership and get my brakes checked before too much longer. I did go to the hall last Monday and got the copies of my flight confirmation for the Convention, and Lynette said I should get the hotel confirmation by email after July first, but nothing yet though. I took my BP at 8:45am and it was 130/70/64, good enough to attempt to make Marty's BBQ today, I think.

I will put the prayer to St. Jude in here again for good friend and brother Portland City commissioner Randy Leonard, the Jan Brasee family, and the Bill Goetsch family and all our 290 brothers and sisters that have come before us and built Our 290 into the organization I am so proud to have been a member of, for almost 40 years.

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.

**** 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, nephew Daniel, sister Clare, cousin Mick, uncle Hank, nephew Aaron, Kelli's Mom, good friends Ron Wyden and Pat O'baby, good family friend Pat Percin, Gerry Bruce, who has been declared cancer free, sister Donna, The Bill Goetsche, the Commissioner Leonard and the Brasee families, 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:

Saving space so I will just report I am still waiting for the “reimbursement's” for the amount above my regular co-payment, and following my last inquiry to the trust attorney, he just wished me a happy fourth of July.

WHY IS IT, WHEN YOU GET DIAGNOSED WITH M.S. ALL OF A SUDDEN PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE STUPID, HAVE NO MEMORY; AND ARE DEAF?

POLITICAL:

President Obama, I am starting to get a little concerned, it's a darn good thing the republicans are splintered and do NOT have a viable candidate. (yet)

FROM SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY;

Calling for a Sizable and Sustained Draw down of Troops in Afghanistan !

Last month, Jeff coauthored a letter with Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), signed by 27 senators, calling for a shift in strategy in Afghanistan and a “sizable and sustained” draw down of troops that puts the U.S. on a path toward removing all combat troops from the country. In their letter, the senators noted that the primary objectives for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan have been largely met – including the removal of the Taliban government that sheltered al Qaeda, taking out al Qaeda terrorist training camps, and bringing to justice those who planned the Sept. 11th attacks on the United States. Noting those successes and the ability to pursue counter-terrorism and humanitarian goals without a massive nation-building effort, the senators wrote, “the costs of prolonging the war far outweigh the benefits. It is time for the United States to shift course in Afghanistan.” Jeff has argued that we have far greater needs at home for the hundreds of billions of dollars being spent in Afghanistan, and that we can better protect our national security without tying down our military policing ancient tribal conflicts.

I also saw that Steve Novick is running for Portland City Council now that Randy has announced he will not be seeking another term. I will say, if we still lived in Portland, he would definitely have my vote. Although Randy will be a hard act to follow, and Steve may find serving on this council a real chore; I would hope all would support him.

I also saw that representative Jay Insley announced he is running for Governor of Washington now that the current Governor announced she is not running again. I would hope ALL my family and friends would support him.

THANK YOU EARL AND JEFF, AND YES; IT IS TIME TO BRING ALL OUR TROOPS HOME.

GOOD LUCK MARTHA SCHRADER ON YOUR RUN FOR THE CLACKAMAS COUNTY COMMISSION.

This was the spot I asked a question of my republican friends, but I have NONE now.

MY MOST IMPORTANT SECTION STILL:

YELLOW RIBBON SECTION:

HERE IS A PROGRAM THAT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR HELP:! I AM STARTING TO RUN 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 RHYON IS BACK IN AFGHANISTAN, AND NEPHEW CHRISTOPHER IS BACK ON BASE IN S. CALIFORNIA; BUT THE PRESIDENT DID SAY HE WOULD BEGIN DRAWING DOWN TROOPS SOON. But a prayer a day from all my readers would still make me feel better.

LETS BRING EM HOME, NOW !!

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OREGON MILITARY SUPPORT NETWORK, AND THANK YOU MY 290 BROTHERS AND SISTERS FOR YOU HELP.

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, I have seen a few of their adds and they were very well done.

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:

I have nothing new to report on the “Unite Ireland” issue, but I will report that cousin Bob has a new daughter and I'm sure brother Tom M. must be pleased with her name; and cousin Dan is writing a book on the Monahan and Mehren's families and I know, new great Aunt Bobbie is elated also. I am looking forward to our International Convention to see if our Assistant to the U.A General President, a U.A. brother by the name of Mark McManus is related to Father Sean? I still haven't got the names down for that 15 year AOH picture yet. The Portland AOH face book page is up and does look good; so now others can find out we exist and I made many friend suggestions and I do hope they can post the 15year anniversary picture. We will be taking the summer off and not meeting again until September which, it appears; I will have to miss as it is my Union Meeting night, but they will have a special guest that I would love to meet, and based on my July and August it looks like I won't be able to make a meeting until October.

I also would ask for all my brothers to say Thank You to Randy Leonard for his exemplary service to the City of Portland and our organization.

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). 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. I have received Father McManus's book, but AOH President Bill want's to save passages for the September meeting and that works for me. I did send Father McManus a check to join his efforts and he sent me a thank you and I am now a Congressional friend of Father McManus.

SPORTS:

I did see that the Portland Timbers are selling individual tickets, even though they were beaten over the weekend by Kansas City; and maybe we (AOH) can get an “Irish Appreciation Night fundraiser at Jeld Wen field? They are at very reasonable prices.

I seems like the weather has made up it's mind on weather summer is here and I may have some golf, and picketing weather.

My baseball reports will be limited to, the Mariners, of the AL W, the Orioles, of the AL East; and it IS next year for the Cubs.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS & CHARITIES:

AS I SAID EARLIER THE REGULAR GOLF COST IS $375 AND THE AUCTION DINNER IS $125. IT DOES APPEAR THE LOCAL WILL USE 4 OF ITS ENTRIES FOR THE MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. REMEMBER – IT'S FOR THE KIDS ! THANK YOU JIM, AND I WILL GET MY JUNE “INSTALMENT” IN THE MAIL SOON! AND THANK YOU ALSO TO THE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 290 FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS DONATION. ALL HELP APPRECIATED.

DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR V.O.C.'S ESTABLISHED, NOW THAT I HAVE THE “RAT PATROL” BUTTONS ON ORDER, and they should be ready after the holiday. As I did hear from a number of members at our meetings that are ready to get going.

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 Republicans 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:

Al Schropshire contacted me and asked to put my endorsement on his election web page, I told him I would be honored. I am more convinced than ever he is the right person for the job. His statement to me that he was running for Business Manager for the membership, not running AGAINST LOU, showed me a lot of class.

I did get my first “election” flier from the “Hite Alliance”, and while I haven't officially joined, I do like the team he has put together.

Thanks again to all my Sisters and Brothers for electing me again to attend this year’s International Convention, and thanks for your generous support of The Oregon Military Support Network. I am still commited to taking our concerns regarding Harder Mechanical's use of “Craig’s List” and other scams to recruit workers, I believe it is in direct violation of their Local and National agreements.

The Local has started a M.A.P. Fundraiser for positions in the BULL, like we did last year; and the website link is fixed and I have received the email billing from Ed Ellis on my ability to make payments for my regular spots and the dinner.

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 are in need of a “BUG” on your STUFF. www.himpress.com I have used them for decades and they have ALWAYS met my needs, and they are making my “RAT PATROL” buttons. I am promoting them; not selling for them.

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.

Bobbie, thanks for the comment yesterday and my blog is over 5 pages and over 2,500 words plus or minus.