Re: Why act now and get a toothless Combating Autism Act?

November 9, 2006

Makes you wonder about the motives of the autism groups that are

pushing to get it passed now.

Why? What's a few more months, if you can get a better bill?

>

> The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money for

> vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations

in

> research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal

amount of

> money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and

slash

> the total amount of money.

>

> But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

> weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off if

we

> just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead. I

> can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than

what

> is on the table now.

>

> Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back

in

> January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better

bill?

>

November 9, 2006

All good points.

Yogi Berra once said:

"This is like deja vu all over again."

Why act now and get a toothless Combating Autism Act?

The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money for vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations in research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal amount of money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and slash the total amount of money.But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off if we just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead. I can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than what is on the table now.Why shouldn't we just say "Thanks, but no thanks," And come back in January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better bill?

November 9, 2006

I agree 100%. Let's re-write it as it was intended before it was

trashed earlier. Barton has no leverage and no pull and absolutely

nothing to negotiate with. He is desperate and his funders are

pounding him hard. Tell him to take a hike.

Barton has become totally unecessary, but someone please thank him as

the door hits him in the ass for all the media attention.

Kendra

November 9, 2006

Excuse me but haven’t I been

screaming this for MONTHS?????? Remember, soggy potato chips are NOT better

than no potato chips!

Why act

now and get a toothless Combating Autism Act?

The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money for

vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations in

research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal amount of

money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence

and slash

the total amount of money.

But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off if we

just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead. I

can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than what

is on the table now.

Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back in

January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better bill?

November 9, 2006

> Barton has become totally unecessary, but someone please thank him as

> the door hits him in the ass for all the media attention.

> Kendra

Barton is not the only threat at this moment, imo. It is those who

claim to represent us too willing again to sell our children short

with more " compromises " to the CAA who worry me. Perhaps we need to

launch a " NO LAME DUCK DEALS " action alert campaign to get the word

out. We need more, not less " micro-management " language in the CAA to

ward off the presence of pharma sepsis that permeates pubic health

agencies. The original consensus CAA bill works for me.

Lenny

November 9, 2006

Hey, wait a minute! You have!

Ok CAA supporters, what advantage is there in passing the Barton, or

the Santorum, version of the bill compared to waiting and try and

get a better deal with the Democrats?

>

> Excuse me but haven't I been screaming this for MONTHS??????

Remember,

> soggy potato chips are NOT better than no potato chips!

>

> Why act now and get a toothless Combating Autism

Act?

>

> The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money for

> vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations

in

> research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal

amount of

> money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and

slash

> the total amount of money.

>

> But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

> weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off if

we

> just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead. I

> can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than

what

> is on the table now.

>

> Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back

in

> January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better

bill?

>

November 9, 2006

>Excuse me but Kerbob mentioned this MONTHS AND MANY MONTHS ago and

for his thanks he got kicked off the board. Go figure......

> Excuse me but haven't I been screaming this for MONTHS??????

Remember,

> soggy potato chips are NOT better than no potato chips!

>

> Why act now and get a toothless Combating Autism

Act?

>

> The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money for

> vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations in

> research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal amount

of

> money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and

slash

> the total amount of money.

>

> But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

> weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off if

we

> just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead. I

> can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than

what

> is on the table now.

>

> Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back in

> January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better bill?

>

November 10, 2006

Duck, please don't insult me!

Kendra

>

> Take it from " the beaver "

>

> Re: Why act now and get a toothless Combating

Autism Act?

>

> I agree 100%. Let's re-write it as it was intended before it was

> trashed earlier. Barton has no leverage and no pull and

absolutely

> nothing to negotiate with. He is desperate and his funders are

> pounding him hard. Tell him to take a hike.

> Barton has become totally unecessary, but someone please thank

him as

> the door hits him in the ass for all the media attention.

> Kendra

>

November 10, 2006

When did Kerbob get kicked off the board?

His rants would be great now!

>

> >Excuse me but Kerbob mentioned this MONTHS AND MANY MONTHS ago

and

> for his thanks he got kicked off the board. Go figure......

>

> > Excuse me but haven't I been screaming this for MONTHS??????

> Remember,

> > soggy potato chips are NOT better than no potato chips!

> >

> > Why act now and get a toothless Combating

Autism

> Act?

> >

> > The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money

for

> > vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations

in

> > research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal

amount

> of

> > money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and

> slash

> > the total amount of money.

> >

> > But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

> > weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off

if

> we

> > just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead.

I

> > can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than

> what

> > is on the table now.

> >

> > Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back

in

> > January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better

bill?

> >

>

November 10, 2006

,

Yes! We've been through a dry run, and are now privy to the

underhanded tactics which were pulled this past summer. I believe

introducing the original agreed upon language which addresses ALL

environmental issues, will benefit our children better than the

weak, watered down version sitting in limbo.

Let us not forget the old " Bait and Switch " which was pulled when

the vaccine/Thimerosal language was struck from the ORIGINAL bill

which every organization agreed to. They " baited " by writing in the

agreed upon Thimerosal/vaccine language into the bill… Then, in the

11th hour, they pulled the " switch " , the language was struck from

the bill.

The few groups that stayed firm with the original language, and

opposed the striking of the vaccine/thimerosal language were made to

feel like " traitors " , and were eliminated from any further

discussions.

We must NEVER lose sight that our children were mercury poisoned,

and in knowing this truth, we must NEVER justify a weak position.

The years of hard work and efforts of ALL the organizations in

fighting towards research into the vaccine/Thimerosal link must not

ever be compromised. Hopefully, (if there is an opportunity to go

back to the drawing table), it will bridge the differences that

occurred between the organizations during this (CAA) process, and in

the end, our children will be the true beneficiaries.

Onward…

>

> The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money for

> vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations

in

> research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal

amount of

> money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and

slash

> the total amount of money.

>

> But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

> weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off if

we

> just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead. I

> can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than

what

> is on the table now.

>

> Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back

in

> January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better

bill?

>

November 10, 2006

, you wrote:

" ACHAMP, NO Mercury, and MAM were removed from the negotiating table

soon after we took a stand on the vaccine language…. "

CoMeD was also removed from all conversations, conference calls and

the negotiating table, for their stance to have Thimerosal/vaccine

language left in the actual language of BILL.

That spoke volumes...

> >

> > The Combating Autism Act as passed by the Senate has nop money

for

> > vaccine research or provisions to include citizens organizations

> in

> > research oversight, now Barton wants to take out the minimal

> amount of

> > money for environmental research, the Center of Excellence and

> slash

> > the total amount of money.

> >

> > But Joe Barton will no longer be a commitee chair in a few short

> > weeks. Imus this morning suggested that we would be better off

if

> we

> > just waited until the Democrats gdet power and then move ahead.

I

> > can't see how the Democrats could be propose anything worse than

> what

> > is on the table now.

> >

> > Why shouldn't we just say " Thanks, but no thanks, " And come back

> in

> > January when we have a much better chance of gettting a better

> bill?

> >

>

November 11, 2006

,

Thanks for the kind words. When I am called confrontational, it is often because I ask a question (even though I already have the answer) that hits too close to a nerve. By calling me confrontational, it is their attempt to marginalize and minimize me in an effort to mitigate the damage when the answer to my hard question is made public.

Having served as an elected official, I am quite familiar with the technique and that it is often a defensive move when hidden agendas or corruption is uncovered and exposed. It didn't deter me then and it doesn't deter me now…they can call me confrontational if they wish as long as they truthfully answer my hard questions to allow the public to have all the cards on the table so people can make informed decisions.

During a council meeting, after asking a particularly pointed question of a department head, the gentleman next to him (also a department head) leaning over and whispered, "be careful, Mrs. never asks a question in public that she doesn't already have the answer; she just wants to see if you will add lying to your list of crimes!" After chuckling and pointing out to the department head that his microphone was on, I gladly admitted that indeed, I rarely asked public questions without having done my homework and already having the answer. It was always a sore spot with some (those who usually tried to manipulate the system) that I did not find it necessary to "go along to get along" that I was capable of independent thought and that I did my homework. Those that did their job, did not lie to me and did not try to manipulate situations to their advantage were always supportive of me and my questions. The CAA and organizations involved in its promotion are no different than what I encountered as an elected official. I don't get involved to be voted "Miss Congeniality" but to simply get the job done.

When some organizations and individuals involved in the CAA process indicated early on that they would support the gutting of the vaccine and environmental language from the bill, I became suspicious and investigated. That is when things become uncomfortable for some because hidden agendas were revealed and I am a firm believer in open communications (what one knows – so should all know). I have little tolerance for fools, liars and hidden agendas. I am not shy about calling a spade a spade – which makes some uncomfortable (generally those whose hidden agendas or nefarious deeds have just been exposed).

If we, as parents, do not get involved and stay involved…or if we choose to "go along to get along" then do not be surprised when our children continue to get the short shrift. If you do not want the gutted, watered-down version of the CAA getting shoved down your throats by some "leaders" in the "autism" community – then let your voices be heard…even if it is unpopular with the "leadership" of big money organizations.

We PROVED on Tuesday that people are more powerful than money on Election Day. We must prove to our national organizations that PARENTS drive this movement, the best interests of our children drive parents – NOT money, hidden agendas and questionable lobbying tactics. If the national organizations do not hear your voice – hit them where it hurts; in their membership and donations. They can not be called "leaders" if they look around and no one is following!

Together, parents can get the job done. NoMercury is very proud of our track record in assisting parent/advocates, teaching them effective lobbying techniques and guiding them in using the strongest scientific evidence to convince legislators to act to protect children. It is not the victory of NoMercury – it is the victory of parents and children; we're just proud to have played a small part in that victory.

NoMercury will stand firm with any organization in demanding answers and biological research into the vaccine/Thimerosal link with neurodevelopmental disorders. While compromise is sometimes necessary, I will not compromise on obtaining the highest quality of life, health and justice for our children. At NoMercury, we do not call the refusal to research vaccines/Thimerosal in return for a slice of the proverbial pie a "compromise." We call it selling out. Parents, do your homework. Study the actions of individuals and groups, not their words. Think, study, analyze and act. You are the BEST advocate for your children…not some slick PR firm/lobbyist with hidden agendas and a money trail to someone's deep pockets.

As my friend, , would say…Soldier On!

Lujene

..very well written!I especially like this part: We must NEVER lose sight that our children were mercury poisoned, and in knowing this truth, we must NEVER justify a weak position. Lujene of No Mercury was quick to size up some of the corrupt crap going on with the CAA..and some of the groups who say they are working for hg injured children did not appreciate her calling this to everyone's attention on the conference calls. I believe Lujene was very much speaking up on behalf of mercury injured children, but was made to feel that her comments were unwelcome. IMO, what many call "a different approach" is a cop out because they do not understand the art of negotiating, lack any understanding of what corruption is all about, and more importantly they are not able to strategize a possible way around the corruption. One of the big negotiators in all of the CAA admitted to me in a phone conversation that they did not like to be confrontational..well, move on please. confrontation is needed when it comes to negotiating a federal bill. I encourage parents to speak up if CAA gets another chance and understand who is representing their mercury injured child on the hill..are they a person who will give in because confronting folks is not their style or will they ask the hard questions and report their findings to the parents?..The kind of questions that made a CAN lobbyist squirm (as Lujene did). CAN and other CAA supporting organizations wanted to keep Bob K. of ACHAMP quiet.he also asked those "make you squirm in your seat type of questions." ACHAMP, NO Mercury, and MAM were removed from the negotiating table soonafter we took a stand on the vaccine language..sucking up was only allowed. IMO, some organizations spent too much time defending their position instead of providing information to the parents and getting feedback from concerned parents. Parents please throw out names of individuals/organizations who you would like to represent your child if CAA gets another chance. If you would like to email me privately, please do so. I will throw out a name.. Cellini (former lobbyist who has an injured child). Let's not repeat history..let's be proactive not reactive. Now is the time to be proactive if CAA has another chance.

November 11, 2006