"VA Shredder-gate" gets public attention. Comment and TAKE ACTION!

his important post from Jim Strickland today at VA Watchdog says it all- We can chose to enable the VA to continue business as its usual capricious self and allow the VA to continue to defy the tenets within 38 CFR and our rights as claimants or we can stand up and fight back. (Berta Simmons) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "When VAWatchdog broke this story weeks ago it caught VA off guard. We sent a torpedo in that direction and holed them below the water line. Make no mistake, the actions you are seeing today has rattled them to their very core. This wasn't an unpleasant mistake by a guy getting his laptop stolen. It is apparent to all that the shredding of documents was intentional and had a purpose. They aren't confessing that directly, no surprise. These guys are too smart to fall on their swords, you have to give them a push. It's my opinion that VAWatchdog has started what may be a turning point in how VA operates. That they are frantically trying to put committees together, put their own watchdogs in place internally and answer to some really annoyed Congressmen and Senators is a great start. As always, this won't go anywhere without every one of you taking the time to get in contact with your representatives and let them know just how you feel. I'm already in a dialogue with my representatives and I've sent a strong message to the transition team of our new president. I've said it before...if you haven't walked the walk...if all you're doing is to talk the talk...you are the problem. It takes 10 minutes to get on your computer and send a message to your Senator. It's almost too easy. Call your Congressman and leave a message. If you're one who writes to comment at VAWatchdog but you haven't written to the official who represents you in D.C., just what is it you're waiting for? The VAWatchdog has, because of one courageous VA employee who told the truth, created the perfect storm for you. This incident alone will ensure that Peake is history. VA employees are starting to speak more freely and tell their stories. The whole thing is vulnerable today. What were you trained to do when you saw an opening in the enemy's defenses.? Go do it." Jim Strickland VA Watchdog. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please pass this on to every veteran you know-and don't forget widows of vets too. We have to stand up for the future disabled veterans of this country as well as for ourselves. They deserve far better than what many of us got. BTW VA Watchdog now has a public comment section at end of each news story.

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Great Friday Fish Fry-- in Union Grove, WI

My wife found out that a new restaurant in our small, humble town had 'all-you-can- eat fish on Friday. Although we had food at home, fish now days is getting very expensive-- so I know that Sharon needed to get out--so we went about noon. I just love fish to death and they like me! I was very surprised at the quality of the late lunch with all the trimmings and the price was OK too. My wife doesn't care for fish so she had some roast beef, etc.

I left the waitress a big tip and explained to my wife why. I want her to remember me next time we go there so she will continue to give us good service, even though she was a bit grumpy to start with. We complimented her several times so as to make the event more cordial and peaceful... lol. If I wanted to trash someone for poor service-- I would not intend to ever come back, not that I am a vindictive person... just a tired old Vietnam Veteran.

I told Sharon that this place would be a good outlet for us to get out of our couped up house in the Winter time and enjoy someone else cooking our fav. dish for us. She loves to get out of the house to enjoy good food without cooking it herself. Are most women this way?? LOL!

When a good time comes my way I like to STRETCH it and 'keep it alive' for as long as I can. The world seems to be getting so gloomy and full of bad news -- why not try to brighten things up and share some good news/ activity?!

Our Wisconsin weather is finally getting cold and windy. I am so happy and glad that I invested in the new guitar and Amp to give me another outlet / pass-time, in the cold Winter months, and my buddy, Marvin Ellis, plans to practice with me. The Victory Baptist church is letting me give a short talk to the AWANA [Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed] kids next Wednesday for Veteran's Day and show how the Military compares to the bible and the book of Joshua [the great military general of Israel]. I am wondering if I can play a short song on my guitar too, like, 'Onward Christian Soldiers' and teach them how a "march" sounds. I will wear my Army Camo BDU's [Battle Dress Uniform] too and I spit shinned my old combat boots. Ha!

Maybe I like the lime light.

Have a great day!

Tom

Thoughts about the 2008 Election -- Tom S

Thoughts About The 2008 Election

Posted: 05 Nov 2008 04:12 PM CST

By Dr. David R. Reagan Our nation has just elected the most pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-Capitalist, and anti-Israel president in our history. In short, God has given us the kind of leader that we deserve — the kind we have been begging for. The new President now has the power to put his radical secular imprint upon this nation for decades to come through the appointment of activists.

The man above is correct, IMHO. We as a nation deserve a guy like Obama, especially the new Evangelicals who shifted and supported him, IMHO, who have moved far Left of the REAL Bible message and have watered down the gospel of Christ. What would Jesus do, you ask?? He would would have kicked ass and blasted the spiritual leaders as he did when he walked the earth! He never took the easy road of laying back and letting things go with the flow-- floating by like dead fish and refuse. People in other poorer countries PRAY FOR US because we have so much more material things, food, money, and they know Jesus' words to the rich man --to sell all his things and follow Jesus. Well, up in Wisconsin and Alaska we just can't do that or we would freeze to death in the Winter time... lol.

The road/ path I am taking and the one I suggest to all my readers and friends is to, 'keep you chin up and BELIEVE that God will follow His plan for mankind and He knows exactly when to kick things off--and most of us think that it will be sooner--not latter!

From all my studies thru the years, certain things HAVE to [MUST] take place and in order, with no deviation. First of all, start with 1 st Thessalonians 5: ... the whole chapter.... but 2) says, "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." And then, 2nd Timothy 3:1 says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous time shall come." and read until verse 7. And then Matt. chapter 24.
This is not rocket science... lol. but as I have said many times in my posts, unbelievers and scoffers are NOT able to understand because they don't have God's Spirit. God screens out the wicked.
I could get more deep and technical, but the bottom line is to 'TRUST IN GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT UNTO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING!' ~ Proverbs 3:5 . For the majority of the world just cannot/ will not do this! They simply choose to follow Satan and his glittery world of sin, corruption, greed and total immorality. They sided with Satan's head slave, BHO [Barack]. Well, then there are some who love to play the 'waiting game' and they figure that they can enjoy Satan's world now and then jump over to God's side when they see their world crumbling down... Ha! It ain't going to happen, boys and girls.. lol. That is why I cited the verse in Thessalonians-- the 'thief in the night !!' They will get the runs and won't have time to find the latrine!

To my brothers and sisters in the Faith, I keep encouraging you all to stay in contact as long as we can until Obama and the Dems [similar to Martha and the Vandellas ..lol] cancel our Blogs and Right of Free Speech, etc-- and I expect that to happen. Then we shall have to write letters- snail mail, and meet in divers places to worship, pray and share our food, etc. I'll tell you one thing... if I knew that I was going to war in one year, I would hope and pray that I would get ALL the best combat training possible before the Army shipped me out !! Our [Christian] war fare is with with devil and his servants and the spiritual realm, so our main battle sword IS THE BIBLE, according to Scripture! I would want to be the best swordsman in Racine county and keep that steel sharp and oiled!

Like I said before--after I got home from the Army in 1970 [and two years in Vietnam] and still could not swim, my best buddy had a pool and my wife to be and I decided to learn then and there how to swim-- in Barney Lavin's pool in Kansasville, WI. I HAD TO LOSE MY FEAR OF DROWNING-- as I put my faith in Barney to save me if something went wrong! Now I put ALL my faith and trust in my Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ-- and yes, there IS an element of 'blind' Faith involved instead of a visual perception with our human eyes. That is why we humans now days are special in God's eyes for that very reason --compared to the Israelites [thousands of years ago] who actually saw with their human eyes many miracles of God first hand-- yet they still messed up many times! God gave them so many extra chances to get things right... but He also has given US [you and me] many chances to get right with Him !!
Personally, I SHOULD be dead and in hell, but for some odd reason God saved me from death dozens of times-- in war and battle and the past 37 years latter with horrible motorcycle and truck collisions, etc!! I was a big time sinner -- but now I am SAVED and 'washed clean' in the blood of the Lamb [Jesus' death on the cross for the sins of all mankind--who hopefully have brains enough and stout heart enough to claim Him as Savior...].
I have been preaching hard for many years now-- and I have led a few people to God-- but of course many more are just complacent, lazy or too full of themselves to do the right thing.. for a multitude of reasons. Some key people were my mentors who helped me and didn't give up when I fell so many times in my sinful ignorance and selfishness. I guess that I must do the same for my many friends and acquaintances-- until they push me away.
It is my humble opinion that pretty soon we shall all see what damage the Lefty Dems and Obama will do.

Tom ... I got my new Winter thermal long johns in the mail a few days ago. Woo Hoo!!
Pray for my wife, Sharon and me. Thank you.

Not meant to be an advertizment-- but I am an herbalist.

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A great letter of help, info and encouragement for Sarcoidosis sufferers.

Hi Tom,

Used to live in Pewaukee, Wi. and worked for GE Medical Systems. Grew up on a ranch raising cattle in the Colorado Rocky Mtns at about 9000 feet. Left to find work with less hours and better pay. Got my degree in Electronic Engineering. Then, became a specialist in designing and testing equipment to not interfere with or be affected by cell phones or other RF equipment. Because of the fact that I have to test the equipment to these RF fields and look for conditions that would be interpreted as medical data on a scan, I had to take classes in human medical things. That was where I got my training about the medical part of this crud.

Grew up doing rodeo, downhill ski racing, football, wrestling, snowmobile racing, and other things that are not nice to the body. So, I am now an Orthopedic Surgeon's dream case. Then, I had an accident at work where a rope broke on a lift, dropping a 35 pound load on the back of my head. Came close to dying with that one. Changed my outlook on life a LOT.

Now, I work for Agilent Technologies (previously Hewlett Packard Test Equipment). I work in the Life Sciences division. Part of my job is to learn how the DNA, Protein, and biological scanners work so that I can write the test plans to determine when they would cause false readings due to Radio Frequency testing. As part of that job, I work with Biochemists and Biophysicists daily. So, if I get a medical study and need it deciphered, I take it to them, let them digest it, and spit it back in language I can understand. Because of this relationship, I also have access to several researchers who are doing leading edge research for Sarcoidosis. I can talk to them because they need our test equipment to continue their research and I can supply the test equipment at much lower cost or possibly free for them to continue their research.

My wife of 32 years is an RN. So, she also helps guide me and provides input. Then, about 3 years ago, I got the real wake-up call when I lost a 3 year old granddaughter to croup and pneumonia. I understood then that I did need to use what I had been taught and learned to help others.

Yes, the use of mental health professionals is necessary both on an individual basis and a family basis to survive any long term, incurable illness. Because everything changes daily, you often can not respond properly to everything going on. With your issues of PTSD, which I also have from the accident even though that was almost 20 years ago, you need the mental support to deal with how her illness affects YOU!!!! You also need the assistance with the family mental health services to be able to provide a buffer that is a safe place to discuss what is happening with both of your health issues due to the daily changes. It is a very rough road and rocky ride. So, be aware that you will need assistance from time to time to keep the total amount of issues at a controlled level. Yes, even this old rodeo cowboy uses them. So, it is not a sign of weakness to use a mental health professional to smooth the ride, but rather a sign of strength to KNOW WHEN YOU NEED THEM!!!!!!! Please, make sure your wife understands this as well. She needs support as well because she has no answers to what will happen or how bad it can get. That alone is a significant problem with Sarcoidosis.

The other thing I would recommend is to try to get your wife to a specialist who only researches and treats Sarcoidosis. Yes, you will have to travel to the Dr. But, that single item has saved my life. I go to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, but there are other specialists. If you need names of specialists in the Chicago area, ask on the website. Others there can direct you to specialists. The other option is the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis. No, the travel is not easy, but the possible intervention of a specialist who has more experience with the Sarcoidosis disorder can be the difference between suffering for life of getting the disorder into a controlled existence. That is the best they can do for now, but, it is better to have it controlled than just fight it.

The other thing is to get her to an Immunologist, if you do not currently have one. The reason is that Sarcoidosis "IS" an immune disorder, not a lung disorder. An Immunologist (most Allergy Drs are Immunologists) can monitor the immune system and determine whether to increase or decrease the dose of medicine to control the immune response causing the Sarcoidosis reaction. Even the Sarcoidosis specialists at Johns Hopkins told me to get an Immunologist on my team to monitor the immune system. There are also other immune disorders that can cause the same symptoms as Sarcoidosis, but require different medications for treatment. So, you do need to get her to an Immunologist and get a full immune system checkup to understand whether it is REALLY SARCOIDOSIS or whether it is ANOTHER IMMUNE DISORDER causing the symptoms. That is something your Pulmonologist will probably never suggest.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I might not have the answer, but might be able to point you in the right direction to answer them. But, you do need to remember that there may not be an answer since Sarcoidosis can not be cured at this time. However, with the change of administration from the election, we might be able to start doing medical research without the White House telling the Drs what is acceptable.

Regards,
Wayne

|Peace of Mind, no matter what comes down the pike.

Just a quick note... The new Prez of the USA will prob be surprised at the enormity of world wide problems and challenges. Even 'all the kings horses and all the king's men will NOT be able to put Humpty Dumpy back together again..'

America has made it's choice-- weather to get back with God and hold fast to our freedoms of the 1 st and 2nd Amendments, etc --- or let it all hang out and do your own thing, party down, depend on Gov't entitlements, hand out and big time DEBT to China, etc. America now has the green light to get into gross immorality, the Gay agenda, homo-marriages, big time abortions and the plurality of the Congress to push darn near anything thru in the whims of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

All those who voted to save some modicum of morality and decency in the U.S. should have a CLEAR CONSCIENCE ! We should well know and understand that a "Nation" has a societal, community RESPONSIBILITY culpability to the Father for whom they vote for. If a candidate stands and promotes abortion-- and we vote for him-- WE ARE AS GUILTY AS HE IS !!

Well, life will go on for now, and tomorrow all the people in the U.S will want their bacon and eggs with buttered rye toast in the morning. We will all want to use some toilet paper, hot water, gasoline, etc. Life will go on-- until the next big calamity/ disaster, war, conflict, and then let's see how things go...

For those of us who are true Christian believers in the bible and God Almighty-- we can rest assured that our Lord will hear our prayers and protect us. "Life is a Mist" ~James 4:14. -- And Heaven is our Home.

Peace and spiritual prosperity to all believers-- and I pray that all combat Vet's come to know this joy and happiness too, because they are some of my finest, fav. heroes!

Tom