Update on Our Iraqi Family.....And Some Good News...

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I have been looking at old photos and I realize that somewhere we all have photos of People in our own families who Came From Somewhere Else...with that Lost Look in their eyes. Yet when you look at the photos there is Something Else, a Yearning....Hope.
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Update 2 weeks after meeting The Family....
(This is the first post about meeting the Iraqi Refugee Family on our Street that I wrote about 10 days ago.) The past two weeks have been very busy and full trying to get the Family what they need and navigating the Refugee System here. Some of the first few days were spent assessing what the family needed and also trying to smooth the rough edges of the Confusion they were experiencing. The Agency that I had concerns about I soon realize needs more Hands on deck and extra help, so now I am volunteering with them and learning their system and how to access and advocate for the family better.And much has happened since my first post. I still visit them almost daily.

The family is getting more settled and for now are staying in their apartment and we are getting their heat fixed. They now have many more blankets and warm clothes and more are coming daily. We have made trips to the Market and they are learning more about the Food here and how to get what they need. (English Labelling is confusing for Arabic Speaking people as the alphabet is so different.) They are using their coupons for WIC now and understand the EBT card now ( and realize it is not a Debit card). I am so grateful for the Internet Community who have really come through. Everyday there has been packages on my porch, it is almost like Christmas. Even my neighbors now come out the door to inspect the boxes and packages. I carefully wrap the gifts in colorful Dollar Store Holiday bags and I always say it is a Welcome Gift and at home I am keeping a Map with Gold Stars on it of where everything is coming from. Everybody has been so kind with my assigning a Task or special mission, and I can only say thank you so much for helping this Family.

This week has been a better week, finally the children are playing and acting silly and Laughing. Their wonder at the Leaves changing outside the apartment window, and their big eyes as the Leaves Fall. ( I reassured them that the Leaves will be back in Spring.). And in the afternoons Mama and I try to practice English and I try to learn Arabic. And I realized yesterday that mama now says Radiator with a Baltimore accent and some other words with a Southern Accent. And they all laugh when I act out words. And there was much laughter today when I got the Arabic word for Husband and Heat confused.And we have found some Arabic Connections, people willing to help translate on the phone and we pass the phone back and forth to find out what is needed for the family and share information.

Dad is taking English classes and starting to take car mechanic classes and also is looking for work, he too seems more positive and hopeful. So we hope to find him work soon, he is very motivated and wants to provide for his family, Pride is a very big part of the Men in Iraq. He was a truckdriver, and I can tell he really misses driving a truck.

Beautiful Coats arrived today and it is in the 40s and the coats arrived in beautiful colors and the girls eyes were huge and they tried them on and I could see they were so happy to have Their Own NEW coat just for them. And tomorrow I go get the Boots to match, and the feet are all measured. It is amazing if Heat is on and there are warm clothes how that can make someone feel better, feel loved, cared for.

Mama has been cooking and I did find a Lebanese Market that had some of what she needed for spices and she cooked for me today and it was lovely smell ,the spices and letting her give back too. She is a lovely mom , gentle with her children and at times I have heard her talk to them, and we both smile knowingly, because even though I don't speak Arabic I knew she was saying Mom things...."Like be nice to your sister".

I can share this now with her permission, Mama is pregnant and yes it happened while living in the Refugee Camps in Lebanon and no it was not really planned. And yes she is scared and worried and sad that family is not here to be with her. It is my mission to get her a good doctor and get her the best care possible. So by next week I hope to have her prenatal care started.She is over 6.5 Months pregnant so she should be having the baby in January but we will find out more and also check her dates, and make sure it is all ok. It will be a Csection so there will be much to plan.

A New Project that I would Like to have your Help and Enthusiasm : The Twilt -The Twitter Quilt
Mama is nervous about this baby and sad. I want to help her feel excited and happy about this baby. So I came up with the Idea with Some Twitter friends ( Lisa) that we start making her a Quilt for her American baby, And people from every state can send just one 6X6 in Square of Fabric and it will be put in the Quilt. People can donate a square of Something that reminds them of their Home State to share with this Mom and baby. I also ask that we keep Some green in the Square as a unifying Color if possible. ( Green because we don't know the gender). Please do leave me message in Comments or do Email me. Or Find me on Twitter @watergatesummer.

To Everyone that has given wonderful gifts the Family asked me to Thank you.....I will have a photo soon..I also explained to the mom I want to keep a Photo album for her....
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Photo from Friday Night 10.29.10,
While waiting for the Heat to be repaired....We tried to carve a pumpkin, and we made Toasted Pumpkin seeds..except they burnt.I tried to read hair product directions ( in french) and translate to ???? and Baby is now sitting up, crawling, and trying to cruise, all of this happened in the past two weeks. And the girls are enjoying Halloween,even though they don't quite understand....and one of the little ones was sick, so there popsicles and 7up to get....But all in all there are Smiles on a Friday Night...and Thanks to help from all. ( I apologize for the blurry photo, the cellphone autofocus is lousy....they are a beautiful family)

Tea Party Thuggery and the Climate of Hate...

Last night in Kentucky at a public planned debate between Candidates Paul and Conway there were protests outside. There were people from MoveON and other liberal progressives as well as people from the Tea Party. One news station estimated the number at about 300. During the outside protests 2 Teabaggers decided to stomp on a young woman's head from MoveOn, It's ugly video. It is concerning on multiple levels. That no one went to help the young woman, that the police did not stop it or intervene, and that there were no arrests made. I am not a lawyer but from the video I have seen it does look like assault and battery.Another version of this Incident is on this blog and had enlarged photos to attempt to identify the Thugs on the video . You can also click the Title above to link to the HuffingtonPost story.

My main concern has been since the Summer of 2009 that the TeaParty has been allowed to engage Thuggery and Bullying and no one comments on it. It started during the HCR battle at Town Hall Meetings and even with Sick or disabled people or grieving families being harassed, and heckled or worse at Public Meetings. And the MSM bears alot of responsibility for this, by legitimizing their Hate Rhetoric and Hatemongering by calling them a true "movement". Now the BBC and The Guardian even are following their political antics and maneuvers. As an American it is embarrassing and Disgusting.

As an American I worry, how much worse is this going to get ? When is the MSM going to realize they have fed a Monster ? Because I think many of us do worry that at some point Someone will be hurt. For the Teaparty is not full of Political Mindful people it is full of Racists, Bigots,Thugs, White Supremacists, and Militia Members. Add All the Glorifying FREE Media Public Attention and their ramped up Misguided Anger and you have a recipe for Disaster.

More Video from YouTube: Graphic shows how rough it was, note the Chanting as well, Also not the Police are visible within feet of incident :

A Beautiful Iraqi Refugee Family has an American Dream....I need your Help to help them.

‎"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."~Pericles
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Background for New Readers and Friends...
As many of you know in Late August I moved to a new Neighborhood, to escape the ForeClosure Hell of Empty Houses, that I was living in. My New neighborhood is full of College Students and Med Students and young families. It is a lively community near a Haight-Ashbury like part of Cleveland. It is truly a Melting pot due to the Medical Community and the Students, and a fair number of Hippies that never left in the Sixties. It is the type hood where neighbors grill on weekends talking over porch railings and there is the gentle clink of beer bottles, there is the smell of sandalwood incense and candles...And many dogs and cats lounging on railings. I moved here with my son to ride out the rest of This Recession, hopefully save for him for College, and see what my MS does next. It is a very nice Transition place....

Meeting the Iraqi Refugee Family....
Now in the process of moving, I walk daily to and from the local little market and hardware store. There has been much cleaning and "Fixing", and in an odd way that is how I met this Lovely Iraqi Family. For every day I would walk by this one apartment building I would see four little girls at the Window of a brick apartment building. Four Little Girls under eight...They had large beautiful eyes and they kept waving as though they knew me. And me, being me, I of course waved back. This had gone on for many weeks. Then this past weekend I saw them out walking with their Papa pointing to me. Again I waved, and said "You have lovely daughters". He beamed proudly.

Hours later I saw him on the street, it was later and people were starting to put their Trash out to the Curb. I always joke that it is the best time to "Curbside Shop". As many here know I fix up old furniture and give to people, and occasionally sell. And many know that I have fixed up my porch just from "Curbside Shopping". But his Curbside endeavors seemed more desperate, more purposeful than mine. He was looking for pots,pans,rugs,warm things. He wanted my old moldy stained carpet that I ripped out of my attic. At that point I struggling in Sign Language and gestures... that I did not think that carpet was safe to take... Then it hit me that he was worried about The Cold. And he said " SNOW? Soon? " And I saw the horrified look in his eyes.

So somehow I asked in with more bumbling signs and gestures if I could meet his family and wife, and baby.So I went with him to his home and saw that he had been collecting rugs, furniture,pots and pans and bedding from the Street. And I saw that his beautiful little girls have thin summer clothes and the beds have only summer bedspreads. And as I met his lovely wife and they made me coffee and as I taught them a little English, I was filled with dread and shame. For they had come to America from Baghdad to live on collected scraps. It felt all Wrong. So wrong, especially after reflecting on what had been done to their Country by Our Country.

At night I would lay awake worrying about Them. Were they warm ? Were the little girls ok ? How could I get them toys and books and even crayons. I am a single mom living on The Edge , how can I possibly help this loving family of seven, I have so little to give....But everyday I have gone back, taking blankets, clothes, a rug, Tea and fruit. And we have all struggled to understand each other. But we smile and laugh.

So today finally I did get someone to translate over the phone. They told translator that they have been problems with their agency, and none or limited followup visits ? (The family told me that the agency has indeed not been back to check on them or offer follow up,according to the Translator) ( But I am still trying to find out what is the Truth/ perception/Reality of the situation ).I do not know if there was a problem with the translation or whether they don't understand what they have been offered or if different translations tell a different story.The Translator did indeed learn from the Papa that I was the only one on my street that had reached out to them offering them much needed Help, Blankets and Friendship. I am saddened and ashamed that their American Dream has started this way.

Correction : As of 10.27.10 There is confusion ,some of it varying from translator to translator, as to what they have been given and what they have been taught and accessed as to Services. I have now offered to work as a Volunteer with the agency to attempt to better help them be assimilated here and become self sufficient. I am scrambling to try to learn what I need to learn to better help them.

I have been reaching out to Churches and Groups and Organizations and will continue to do so, and I will try to get them moved to a Part of Town where there is a thriving Arabic Community. And I will keep trying to gather what they need from clothes to toys to baby supplies to Winter Supplies. I will try to get them the Resources and Help they need. And I will try to teach them English and get them English classes. I have never worked with Refugees other than in the ER, but I will try to get them what they Need.

But I am asking all of you to please think about what you can do to help. I am asking because I hate to see the way their American Dream has begun and I hate to think that they left a war torn Country to come here and live like this...They are a proud beautiful family. Please lets show them what America really is, and Who we are. That we take care of each other, we have Compassion....
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"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
From Ellis Island...Ezra Pound " The Mighty Collosus"
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The girls are 2,3,5,and 8 and the Baby Boy is 7.5 monthes. If you think you can help, please do email me or leave me a message in the comments. Namaste.
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Saturday Night Update 10.23.10 :::
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Well between Blog, Twitter and Facebook I have to say the Compassion that has flowed into my Email has been so amazing....heartfilling. As of tonight we have Coats, Boots, Winter Wear and Mittens and Sweaters and blankets coming from NINE States. We also have Neighbors helping me and two churches. And some has already been arriving I have two large boxed and bags in my Dining room full of wonderful things for the parents and the children...Thank you so much for Caring and Sharing and helping this wonderful family...

( For now the photo is on hold, the parents have worries, so I am sorry, I know some of you wanted to see the children, but for now please trust me they have been glowing each day at the door as they unwrap socks, mittens and crayons....I got really pretty bags from the Dollar store so that opening the bags is more fun....and people have been so kind sending beautiful colors for the girls....)

Dear Grandaddy, The Tea Party has Hijacked your Republican Party

My grandaddy was a Staunch Lifelong Republican. His sock drawer was full of "I Like Ike" and Nixon buttons. From an early age as a child of the Sixties I would argue politics with him at the Dining Room Table. Giving me great pride he called me the "Most Annoying AntiWar Hippy" ( I was all of 8 ). In previous posts years ago I described the heap of trouble I got into calling Nixon names at that very table. The thing is that my grandfather defended the Ideology of that time period and he defended the policies. He even tried to defend Nixon, but at certain point he stopped, even blaming Nixon's downfall on Nixon's inability to choose good people to be his Team. He also taught me how to play baseball, how to play Fair, and to play by the rules.He truly believed in What was Right..... From the time I was seven on we argued Dems Vs. Repubs, but we argued Principles of Democracy.

He believed his party to be Strong Minded Moral Economically sound leaders, that they made foresighted decisions that were for the better of the Country. But he also believed that they cared about the Country as much as Democrats, that they were never against Other Americans.

I look at the Politics of where we are right now in History and I don't think my grandaddy would recognize this era of the Republican Party. The Repubs of today are not troubled that they are called the Party of NO during the worst economy since the 1930s? That more than 15 Million Americans are out of work and struggling to find work ? That more than 8 million have lost their homes in a Foreclosure Scandal of epic proportions ? That 41.8 Million Americans are on Foodstamps and that includes many working poor ? That Millions of Americans are UnderEmployed and working multiple jobs to make ends meet ? That more than 51 Million Americans are without ANY Healthcare ?

The Question is when did they become so selfish and shortsighted that the plight of Other Americans became something for them to ridicule and malign ? Newt Gingrich this week came out making snide comments about people on Food Stamps as though that was the new Republican Stance. Yet during the Health Care battle last year we all saw that suddenly People without Healthcare were not viewed with ANY compassion , instead they were thrown jeering insults and disparaging remarks at the Health Care Rallies. Many of those at the Rallies were Teabaggers and they proudly yelled their rants and insults.

But sometime over the past year the Republicans started embracing those insults and jeers as their own as an effort to win favor and votes. And the Hatemongering as a tool began to be embraced as well. And the Hatemongering was not just for the UnInsured it was for the Umemployed, the Foreclosed and Homeless, and the People that were from Somewhere Else, ie. Immigrants and people of color. And the MSM brandished the Hatemongering Tea Party Movement falsely calling their Hate and anger as "Enthusiasm". And sadly in a period of months the MSM had Legitimized a HateMongering Anger fueled Movement , full of Right Wing Racist Extremists funded by Big Corporations and Industry. The Tea Party Movement that is now being wooed by the Republicans is not full of Patriotic Americans that want to heal this country, Our Country, it is full of Angry Baggers, Birthers and Militia and Klan. It is dangerous and the MSM (CNN) has fed this movement and distorted what and who they are, and sadly at some point they will have to recognize the dangerous movement they have falsely coddled and foolishly nurtured.

This Election will be telling what happens next in this Battle for Our Country , it is up to Americans to send a Message to the MSM and DC that we don't want to become a Hatemongering Warmongering McCarthy Era Country run by people that lack Wisdom and Compassion.....The Republican Party has morphed into something ugly and dangerous, but we also need Stronger Dems to stand up to this level of Hatemongering Dangerous Rhetoric and Idealogy that lacks Humanity and Vision.

My grandfather and I argued about fundamental political principles for many years. We never argued which party had lost it's way or lost sight of Humanity. He is no longer here, which is good, he would be heartbroken by what has happened to his party.
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“When facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” ~Sinclair Lewis. Look at the Teaagger Hatemail and rallies and tell me what you see. I KNOW what I see.....

ONE NATION RALLY FILLS NATION'S MALL MORE THAN 175,000 TO 300,000?

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This one was screen saved from Cspan with the TIME and Date -in case Beck and his Beckerheads wanted to play with photoshop....again...
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"Pray for the Dead,but Fight Like Hell for the Living." Mother Jones
Thousands show up in DC for the Rally, all kinds of people went to this Rally. Workers, UnEmployed and UnderEmployed and workers losing benifits and pay there for Better Wages, and Civil Rights. Millions in America are hurting at this point in our History.People have lost jobs and homes due the Economic Collapse enabled by the Repubs and The Bush Administration. This HUGE rally is barely getting coverage from the MSM. It is being shown on CSPAN.Please turn it on. ( I will update this post later today with Numbers and updates from the Rally).

This evening we have been trying to ascertain the actual number 175,000 to 300,000 are the latest numbers....I will post CSPAN clips tomorrow-there were some wonderful speeches by Charlie Hill of the Mohawk Nation, Al Sharpton and Harry Belafonte....
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Indian Summer brings Changes : Enigma Update

(Steven Mitchell : Evening Glory)
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Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all. ~Emily Dickinson
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Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. ~Anne Lamott
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So many of you wrote and offered support and kindness and compassion, I am more than grateful. So summer was hot and full of turmoil, as I wrestled with the Job Situation and the Hell Hill. 29 Steps became my the main refrain of my days, and it was making me my life something that was constantly measured in steps. It became humorous too, at times I would be so tired I would fall up the stairs, not down. The landlord never did get the railing fixed,but he did something that was very kind, he offered me another rental that was not on a hill, it is on Flat Ground and a Flat street near a Market. And I can walk 3 steps into the house, and it has a driveway where I can park and take my groceries into the kitchen. And for me that is bliss.

The House is a sideby side again, but not 1894...newer..Which means the stairs are more even and less steep....It is in a hood full of houses and college kids and old hippies. There are people on porches grilling, playing guitars, and singing, College kids playing RISK, and young families our walking and a Community Pea patch and so many dogs all kinds and sizes. And it smells of candles and incense and grilling and Basil. And NO Foreclosed homes-not one. ( My old house I was surrounded on all sides, and it made me so sad, especially when they were empty).

So I spent most of August and part of September getting Son and I moved, I cleaned out both places, I scrubbed and painted and tidied and even laid one tile floor and stripped another of carpet and tile to get to the hardwood. It was hot and withering...and I worked and I knew that I wanted to be moved by the time the seasons changed. I did it frantically because every fall has brought changes. Where I am so stiff and sore and weak I can not do things in the same way, this has happened for the past 3 falls. Where I drop things and break things as the temperature shifts, and the tingling is worse and the spasms are like knifes. I wanted to be ready this year. And I wanted to have everything taken care of. And the new place does have stairs, but for now I can still do them, some days better than others. And we will have to see how it goes....for now.

And the Ex came and we had a long talk and I explained that I NEED a job where I am not on my feet and where I can sit, it is not being lazy, that MS is real and damaging and a battle and I need another way to fight it. So this month I am working on my Resume and will be looking for jobs that embrace my Research Skills and if I have to be using a cane I will interview with a Cane. So be it. I am done lying and trying to "act fine". I am exhausted and tired. I was diagnosed in Fall 2004 and have had no Healthcare, that is NOT my fault. That shows we are a Broken Country.

Now about HCR. I did receive a Call back from the High Risk Pool chosen Insurance Company in August. They said that my NEW insurance that I could apply for would cost 1200/month and that there would be a 10,000 deductible.I can not afford 1200 /month, that is more than my rent, WHO could afford THAT ? And the joke, it is the SAME company that canceled me in 2006 for having Breast Cancer in my family History. I told the lady on the phone that the Rate was "Unrealistic, that NO ONE could pay that, that it would again limit care and access.She had no response.Silence when confronted with the Truth".... So for now it looks like I am waiting to get HealthCare in 2014...Or hoping and praying that I get a job with Insurance. I would love a job that allows me to still be a Nurse, maybe Psych nursing or something like that...or more research.But no standing, no running around....But Time will tell.

For now Son and I are staying here, in Cleveland by Lake Erie, and hoping and praying that we find our way this year to get to NYC and trying to come up with a Better Plan. So if you have ideas I am still listening...Always.

And I am going to add PayPal to my blog because maybe I could allow people to support and appreciate my writing. I also am going to start blogging again everyday,because it helps keep me focused and connected.
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This tub is my heaven...it has a Window overlooking tall old trees and the curtains are made from an old dotted swiss dress and I have candles and sunchimes that I made out of wires and marbles... ( 6-6 has the 2nd floor to himself and I live in the attic, it's all good and we don't share the Bathroom anymore, he has his...and I have mine, so neither has to rush now.And his OCD has it's own space....I have a little bit of heaven...)
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This is the Floor in the attic-I have two rooms to myself...and I had to strip the carpet...and then I found there was tile...UGH. I had to remove all the carpet-it was pet stained and bugridden-so off it went. But this floor really challenged me, as I sat and picked the tile-that chipped off in tiny pieces I had lots of time to reflect and think and pray.....Patience and Strength are taught by Circumstances and Problems....that is is the way of it.

When There Are No Words....

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I look at this woman......The Tension, the Fatigue, the Fight, the Spirit, the Question of "When Does this End ?" ...the Look in her eyes...It could be a mirror....It could be me....( It's not me...it's a Migrant Worker from the Depression....captured in time by Dorthea Lange).

I have always tried to be hopeful,even when blogging, writing about about the Worst of Anything. Even blogging all through the Titannical Bush Years. I tried to keep Perspective and even a sense of humor...and even tried to keep my wits...tried to stay strong...When you live with a Teenager you worry that you will set the wrong example, you realize What you do teaches irreplacable Life Lessons. When my son and I lived in one room in a rooming house in California, and our clothes were stolen from the Laundry Mat, I tried to explain to my son that Someone Must be in worst Straights than Us.And if the Pipes broke and flooded the Basement in the 1894 Rental... I tried to use that as yet another "Fix It" Lesson with my "Tool Purse". ( At this point I could write books on "Why Redheads should Not be Plumbers"). When our rented Loft downtown got Foreclosed and we had 2 weeks to move and it was Zero Degrees and January, I made awful jokes about Why Siberians Don't even Move in Winter.....I even made jokes about how ludicrous a Nurse should work at a grocery store in an attempt to get Health Insurance....I even made jokes when the said grocery store made us wear coats and fingerless gloves, rather than spend money on Fixing the Heater.( I called that the Bush Repair Program).

When my son and I left the Downtown Loft we moved into an old Battered Side By Side in an old tree-lined street in an older neighborhood 2 miles from the heart of DownTown. An 1894 Trolley House that is full of challenges.My hood was originally full of working class families and College and grad students. But months after coming here slowly things started to change....I know that we have been told that the "Recession" started in 2008. But it started long before that, in 2006 or 2007. I am haunted that Bush could not even say the "R " word, and the Media let him get away with it. While he could not say the "R" word, people in my hood were losing Homes, and jobs and cars and yes, Hope and Dreams.

Over the years I have blogged about watching furniture being dragged to the Curb and watching men restlessly do yard work and quietly and with shameladen faces use Food Stamps at the little market. And Old People from my hood pay for meager soup meals with change in coffee cans. I have made brownies for families as I said goodbye and helped them pack. I have watched students move home, because they could not find jobs.I have taken soup to families sleeping in cars at end of street.I have cared for stray animals left behind.I have met most of the Metal Men who scavenge our streets on Sunday night. I have watched other students move home because there were no loans and not enough money.....I too am living with a son who should be in college, but financially there is not a path right now, he knows the realities, yet he keeps reading and studying, and that tugs at my heart. And I know that there are thousands of young people who have been effected by this, their lives changed.

I have watched two neighbors die without Health Insurance and without Care, the one lady died alone. I still have trouble walking by those houses. The one house they lost the house because they had a reverse mortgage, that had been set up in case they had a medical emergency. And over time, there have been more and more houses. I even lost neighbors who were renting, because their landlords got foreclosed. And over time it got be that I would walk my dog and listen to Music or watch birds and squirrels because there was no one to greet or talk to. And the Empty Houses looked as lonely as I felt......
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{*Depression Photo Russell Lee-did not want to post photos of homes from hood,as it might embarass struggling neighbors}

And I thought I was OK....working perdiem and odd jobs and keeping the routine of taking care of my son, walking the dog, applying for jobs every week and even keeping my house tidy, that the routines would shield me from the Reality......

Now in the Midst of all this I lost two jobs....and while everything was busy breaking in June ( Car , Computer, the Thugs that took apart my railing.... etc....etc...)

Then The Census Worker came.....and she said that she was having trouble getting people to answer the doors to finish our Street. So we walked the street and I explained House by House the situation. "That was where a Teacher lived-he got laid off and foreclosed". " That is where a nurse and medtech lived-but they lost their house-it's been foreclosed, or for sale for over 2 years." ( If they take the Mail box off the house that is a good hint that the family is gone). She was stunned, " I had no idea that so many homes had been lost" . We talked about the level of Loss of Homes and jobs and how they were intertwined, and how they were all hardworking families, living in old homes, none were living beyond their means.We talked about how it was all intertwined, the jobs, the healthcare crisis, the Economy that has hurt so many.I told her that I had canvassed for Obama so I knew my hood really well, that it had seemed to slowly change, but that I now realized that so much had changed since that Winter when homes still had families....

I watched her write down the information, house by house carefully Documenting the Damage and we both silently wondered if the devastation can really be documented fully ? What was it like in the 30's ? It's hard to document the Damage and the quiet desolation of the Empty Houses is deafening......
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And in the midst of this Vast Emptiness....the Street of Goodbyes,And the Summer of Broken Things...... I also have had to face Myself. That the MS is not going away....it's Real, it's part of my life...in a Broken Frustrating way.... There are things I can not do, and that are getting too hard and harder by the day and just like facing the Empty Houses I have to admit that Rickety Old Stairs and a Huge Hill are making my life miserable.And that I can not "fix" it...or me. And that does not mean I am weak or whining...it means that things Change.....I need to find other ways to be Strong, that means live in a different place and yes even look at NonNursing Jobs as a Reality....it means giving up...and letting go.It means finding other ways to reach dreams and goals. It means that sometimes being Broken effects others....and saying I am sorry to my son in a 1000 different ways....That I will still help him reach his goals and dreams...but we need to do it Another Way....

And it took me two months of Silence to make Peace with That Reality.... There were No Words.....
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To all of those that offered to listen to talk and were and are so kind I can only say thank you. I just had to get through it alone, it is how I cope and work through things,especially when the struggle is at it's heaviest, I can not bear to burden others with my problems.I also in some ways guilty for posting this when so many others are suffering,especially those in the Gulf and Haiti,but I know others are also struggling during these times.I also need to say I am sorry but if you emailed me in May or June I was hacked and didn't get alot of my mail...so again I apologize.... But I remain grateful to all....very much so. I continue to try to find my grace during this period...thank you and I apologize...

Interview with a Valdez Worker,Merle Savage, who has a Message...

This is Merle Savage, a Clean Up Worker from the Valdez Oil Spill of 1989.While blogging about the Current Gulf Oil Spill and the possible health effects for Clean Up workers and residents, Merle very nicely left a message and introduced herself in the comments. As the Gulf Oil Disaster continues, workers have been complaining of Flu Like Symptoms and variety of other complaints, and are now showing up at Emergency Rooms in the Gulf. BP has been dismissive of their complaints blaming Heat and even labeling complaints as " Food poisoning." Merle reached out because she too was concerned about the Workers health and safety.

So I read her work and links and I also called her and interviewed her by phone, as a nurse I wanted to hear her thoughts and concerns and learn from her. She has a message and as she had worked the Vadez Disaster and did have health complaints and concerns. She also explained that many of the workers had health issues at the time,they all had a variety of symptoms from working the Clean Up of the site, they had the "Valdez Crud".

The First part of her Letter caught my eye :
"The workers who are cleaning up the oil in the Gulf need to be aware of the chemicals that will be used. I am one of the 11,000+ cleanup workers from the Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS), who is suffering from health issues from that toxic cleanup, without compensation from Exxon.

My name is Merle Savage; a female general foreman during the Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) beach cleanup in 1989, which turned into 21 years of extensive health deterioration for me, and many other workers. Dr. Riki Ott visited me in 2007 to explain about the toxic spraying on the beaches. She also informed me that Exxon's medical records and the reports that surfaced in litigation by sick workers in 1994, had been sealed from the public, making it impossible to hold Exxon responsible for their actions."

{ http://www.rikiott.com Riki Ott has been featured on numerous shows this past month and interviews and her interviews are on posts below.}
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On interview Merle explained that they all worked long shifts and many did suffer the symptoms from being exposed to the oil and chemicals, they had respiratory symptoms, coughs,nasal and sinus irritation. Videos from that time people can be heard coughing and hacking in the background. She said they also had GI symptoms, as well.She said that they would wake up and go to sleep feeling that way with no end in sight, that it was common among workers to feel that way,"Fluish". I asked her if they were given respirators, or masks and she said no. She also repeated that she thought it would have helped to have masks as they were breathing the fumes in as they sprayed the rocks and coastline. She said that there were medical doctors and nurses available for assessment, but it's not clear why the Medical personnel did not intervene to provide better respiratory care or precautions for the coughing "Flu" plagued workers.

The other disturbing part of her story is that the Workers Health was not followed and that it does not sound like anyone other than Dr.Ott took an interest in their health after their important work cleaning the site. 11,000 Workers is a large number that should have been followed and offered followup medical care, after working such a hazardous site with exposure to Oil and Chemicals. Dr.Ott is currently down in the Gulf attempting to make certain that she can advocate for the Current Cleanup Workers health. It is true that there was a lawsuit and that might have prevented some sharing of data and documentation, but OSHA and NIOSH and CDC should have compiled and studied the data from this Event. And that data at this point would better protect current workers.

{ OSHA"s current factsheet for the Clean Up Workers does not fully address the Dispersant Issues or the respiratory risks. }
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"Exxon developed the toxic spraying; OSHA, the Coast Guard, and the state of Alaska authorized the procedure; VECO and other Exxon contractors implemented it. Beach crews breathed in crude oil that splashed off the rocks and into the air -- the toxic exposure turned into chronic breathing conditions and central nervous system problems, along with other massive health issues. Some of the illnesses include neurological impairment, chronic respiratory disease, leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, liver damage, and blood disease. "

When I read this part of her letter, I was struck by the current use of COREXIT being used and the possible risks to Clean Up Workers. I asked her if they were given any information or extra protective equipment and she said no. She also very honestly described her symptoms and illnesses that lasted for years. She worked hard to fight the symptoms she was left with and to lead a vibrant life and to regain some balance of health. After reading what she wrote, one could not help but wonder, how many of that 11,000 were left damaged by the toxic burden of their Clean Up Efforts of 1989 ? And did any of them really get the help or care they needed ? And are we repeating those mistakes even now in the Gulf ?
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"My web site is devoted to searching for EVOS cleanup workers who were exposed to the toxic spraying, and are suffering from the same illnesses that I have. Our summer employment turned into a death sentence for many -- and a life of unending medical conditions for the rest of us – Exxon’s Collateral Damaged." { Merle Savage's Website : "Silence In the Sound"}

Merle's website is excellent, very helpful for all to read. But after reading her site, and watching Ricki Ott on video interviews, I am concerned as a Nurse as to why BP is in charge of the Health of the Current Clean up workers and is OSHA involved and EPA and NIOSH and CDC are they monitoring the health of the workers ? And why aren't respiratory masks being given to the workers ? And why is BP being allowed to work the workers for long shifts increasing the exposure risks ? And the "Floatels" and the "Tent Cities" that BP is supposedly planning , WHO will monitor worker health and safety on site ? IS it unreasonable 21 years after Valdez to hope that the Clean Up Workers Safety and Health would be better protected than the 1989 Workers ?
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I asked her what is the message that she would like to share with those watching the disaster unfold in the Gulf and also the Workers, here is her eloquent response:

"BP isn't going to tell the truth about how toxic the crude oil is. The President is listening to his advisors, who are uninformed about the 21 years of health issues from the Exxon Valdez workers, who were exposed to the crude oil. So who will the workers believe? BP has a cover their butt agenda, and Obama wants to kick someone's butt, and point blame at anyone. People in the Gulf have only one option, make their own judgement call, after getting the facts."
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(Merle's complete letter is in comments if you wish to contact her ).
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(Riki Ott video from June2nd post)
Dr. Ricki Ott Marine Biologist explains the Lessons from the Valdez Disaster:

Gulf Oil Disaster : Day 45 Thurday June3rd,2010 The Silent Victims, The Damage Done....

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"To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of year, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.”~Rachel Carson
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Today the BIG PICTURE released their photo montage of the Oiled Birds from the Gulf Coast "Caught In the Oil". It must be seen and shared, it is horrendous, it is Documenting the Damage. And sadly tonight I am posting some photos, because it is time. Below I will have updates regarding actual Damage Numbers and also list of places to donate and help the Wildlife in the Gulf, and other Media that is covering this part of the Disaster.

Another post that must be seen, heartbreaking and graphic is is by Alheli Picazo on Rabble.ca with photographs AP photographer Charlie Reidel.
And this is her actual Blog post with smaller photos, "Wildlife – Brought To You By BP".
I do encourage that if you live in the Gulf to please do take photos and video, and if you want me to post any here on Twitter I will post. ( I will also protect your privacy if needed, and give credit as requested. I also am willing to post Interviews and On Scene Updates from the Gulf.)
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Has the Truth been Muzzled : Interfering with America and World Seeing the Damage?
Today is Day 45 It is striking that we have not seen more photos and videos on the Internet or in the Press until today. Today at 4:45 PM finally Video came forth on CNN from Anderson Cooper that actually showed Oil Drenched Birds gasping for air as they were rescued on Grand Isle. By the Time the Evening News Came on, NBC and CBS were both showing more horrifying footage of Oil Damaged birds struggling to move and breath. From another standpoint, do look at these photos from the NYT , especially the Massive FishKill photos and it is easy to also understand these birds if not oiled are in huge danger of eating Poisoned Fish.

The Bigger question is why have we not seen the Wildlife photos, both damaged and or dead up until now ? Because BP has been carefully controlling, strong arming the Visual Aspects of this disaster. But I also do not have an answer why Federal Dept of Fish and Wildlife or NOAA or even Coast Guard could not have been releasing Footage and photos of what is being seen in the Gulf. We as a Country need to see the Damage, the Reality of what has been wrought upon our precious fragile Gulf Ecosystem.The Damage is historic and must be documented by all involved. It is unfathomable why BP who is facing Criminal Investigation is being allowed to control what we see, The Evidence , from the Crime Scene.

On another level the Boston Globe, New York Times and Washington Post has been trying to post what photographs and images that they do have, but there is still very little that has been seen from Residents of the Gulf. As someone who lives currently in another part of the Country I am encouraging our Gulf Neighbors to please post photos and video on the Internet, via YouTube, and photo servers ( Flickr,photobucket etc) and Twitpic/Twitter/Skype.


BP to some degree appears to be very much controlling the Message by having Contracted employees and Gulf Helpers sign papers/ contracts to not speak of what they "see" and witness. In other ways BP is quartering off Beaches have citizens and reporters threatened with arrest, but also preventing them from documenting damage to their own beaches. The Fishermen and Shrimpers that have volunteered to help with Clean Up or in a very sensitive position as they can not risk losing this short term source of work and payment by speaking to press, regarding what they see ( or of physical complaints or concerns as well). It is concerning that BP is attempting to control the Truth and also perhaps is now intimidating the Residents and workers in the Gulf. BP has also been quartering off Beaches, and making access unavailable for people to check on the Water and the creatures, they know if they see Netting and Barriers there is Damage.


Other Media Sources are raising Concern regarding BP's Muzzling of Press in this Crisis:
(1) From Sfgate.com "Media reports BP allegedly suppressing pictures of dead dolphins & turtles ).

(2) Think Progress has more about the questionable issues that are arising as all of us ask WHERE are the Photos ?

(3) This was brought forth by Jay Rosen, Did BP make fishermen sign a contract banning them from speaking to media about what they "saw" on the job ?

(4) The real question is WHO is responsible for showing us the truth, the reality, the depth of this tragedy, the Media ? the Government ? BP ? WHO ? Maybe all of the Above. Brian Ross's story on ABC asks did BP and the Federal Government withhold Video that would have showed the true mammoth dimensions of this Man Made Disaster? But if BP and NOAA lied about the Gusher Flow and Volume, then of course we need to ask questions even about the smallest victims.
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What are the Actual Statistics at this time regarding the Wildlife and the Birds. The IBRRC has been an amazing resource as they continue to work saving Birds daily. Meanwhile if you want to learn more about other effected creatures there is more here from NWF regarding growing Evidence of OilSpill's Impacts on Dolphins, Sea Turtles, especially the death of a variety of Turtles is over 225, which is not the norm, and not all were oiled. Dead Dolphin numbers are up as well.

(1) The IBRRC Bird numbers are higher on Friday: As Noon June 3: 85 oiled live; 527 collected dead; 25 released.

(2) From IBRRC Day45 Gulf AnimalReport:Total 604 documented birds affected in OilSpill :PDF download breaks down the chart of which animals were found dead, dead and oiled. Concerning about this report is the number of animals that are being found dead and not oiled. Including the Turtle number which is over 200 and the Dolphin number which is also rising. I did write to IBRRC today and ask if the Necropsies are assessing exposure or toxic burden of Dispersants ? I asked if they had been tested. I will post results when I know more. On another level are animals and birds dying from eating contaminated "food" ( fish etc), that has been contaminated with Oil and or Dispersant.

**** Do go to the IBRRC and learn more about their work, and their research, and you can even support their work, and "adopt" a bird in the Gulf.
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More Information about the Damaged Wounded Wildlife and Learning How to Help
(1) On the Internet and on Twitter, I encourage you to follow @IBRRC and @DawnDishSoap they are both doing admirable work rescuing and caring for the Oil Damaged Birds and wildlife. @IBRRC has been caring for the Birds and also their website and twitter page has updates of rescues, care and also of Releases. (IBRRC is an International Bird Rescue organization that was contracted early on to work on this ecological disaster.) Dawn Dish Soap posted this link to the that is information from the Audobon Action Center of how people can help.

(2) This is the Latest Gulf Wildlife report:Total 604 documented birds affected in OilSpill : See PDF download here and more Updates coming soon. This was posted by IBRRC. It is true that if you look at the report carefully there are still a significant number of Un-Oiled Animals dying, this raises questions about the Dispersant. I have written to IBRRC and asked to please inquire as to whether the Dispersant is being tested in the necropsied animals. It is alos relevant at this point to ask if we are now starting to see the Oil and Dispersant have entered the Water Column and the Food Chain. Marine Experts will have to document and determine the damage of this Disaster. Please do Follow @IBRRC and @DawnDishSoap on Twitter and support their brave work caring for the fragile Oiled Creatures.

(3) If you do want to help, donate or contribute here is the earlier post that links Volunteer organizations that are working in the Gulf. This post will be updated tonight with more information of where to help and assist.

(4) As of yesterday the Fishing Zone by NOAA was declared, expanding the No Fishing Zones to 37% of the Gulf, >88,000 SqMiles,which no one has mentioned in relation to the Wildlife feeding zones. (Here is the NOAA MAP showing the massive area where Fishing is not allowed). Many of the Wildlife , Birds (ie.pelicans and egrets,gannets) are fishing in those zones for food, they may not be Oiled yet, but they may also be eating contaminated Fish. They therefore face added Risks and Death just trying to feed themselves. The Turtles who swim deep for their food also face the same Dangers. The examples of this devastating chain of damage can be followed closer by following the work on Twitter of the Audobon Society,Defense of Wildlife, NRDC and the Costeau Family and Sierra Club.
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{Enlarged NOAA No Fishing Map LINK here.}
June 2nd NOAA Map shows NO FISHING AREAS ( please do note the Waveland Dead Fish shown above in NYT link-raises questions as to whether the NO FISHING ZONE should include Waveland,Miss). Concern is that People are not Fishing in the Zones on this Map. But Animals are and may suffer damage or death from the Oil and the dispersants, even by eating fish from this NO FISH ZONED area (which spans >88,000 Sq.Miles) ?

{{ NOAA PDF with more information re; NO FISH Zone.}}
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The Gulf needs our Support and creative compassionate skills to help with this Disaster, please do think of ways you can help our Neighbors in the Gulf.

Gulf Oil Disaster : Day 45 Thursday June 3,2010 Blog being Updated.....

Leatherback turtle...
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"To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feelthe breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of year, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.”~Rachel Carson
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Sadly today's post that is being updated...is on the Damage Done....and the Silent Victims of this Disaster....( Two posts being readied for tonight, one is on the Wildlife Damage and the other post is on Health Precautions).

Rescued Oiled Turtles that are being taken for care....
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Too Late....

OIL DISASTER IN THE GULF UPDATE: June2nd Day 44 Updates in Gulf

( Gannett gets cared for....do #FF @IRBBC for more bird,wildlife updates...)
To see more photos of damaged animals and wildlife and marshes and wetlands This photo collection from Amy with GreenPeace is stunning....and heartbreaking, but must be shared.
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Updates from Tuesday Evening June 1st

(1) By the time the evening news was on CNN and all evening news were reporting that 31% of Gulf is closed to fishing due to the Oilspill. (Click this map and you can see how the NOAA maps have expanded.)

(2)4PM Tuesday BreakingNews:Attorney General Opens Criminal Probe of Gulf Oil Spill. Most of the News Stations covered it in a variety of ways, but this is Holder's Actual Prepared Statement regarding opening Investigations and Reviews in the Gulf. It would have been helpful if more of the Stations had aired and re-aired the actual reading by Holder of this statement.
From Holder's Prepared Statement ( section ):
"There is one thing I will not let be forgotten in this incident: In addition to the extensive costs being borne by our environment and by communities along the Gulf Coast, the initial explosion and fire also took the lives of 11 rig workers. Eleven innocent lives lost. As we examine the causes of the explosion and subsequent spill, I want to assure the American people that we will not forget the price those workers paid.

During the early stages of the response efforts, I sent a team of attorneys including the head of the Environment and Natural Resources Division, Ignacia Moreno, and the head of our Civil Division, Tony West, to New Orleans to lead our efforts to protect not only the people who work and reside near the Gulf, but also the American taxpayers, the environment and the abundant wildlife in the region. They have been working diligently ever since to gather facts and coordinate the government’s legal response.

As we move forward, we will be guided by simple principles: We will ensure that every cent of taxpayer money will be repaid and damages to the environment and wildlife will be reimbursed. We will make certain that those responsible clean up the mess they have made and restore or replace the natural resources lost or injured in this tragedy. And we will prosecute to the full extent any violations of the law.

Among the many statutes Department attorneys are reviewing are:

The Clean Water Act, which carries civil penalties and fines as well as criminal penalties;
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which can be used to hold parties liable for cleanup costs and reimbursement for government efforts;
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Acts, which provide penalties for injury and death to wildlife and bird species; and,
Other traditional criminal statutes.
There are a wide range of possible violations under these statutes, and we will closely examine the actions of those involved in this spill. If we find evidence of illegal behavior, we will be forceful in our response. We have already instructed all relevant parties to preserve any documents that may shed light on the facts surrounding this disaster. "
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(3) OIl has started to reach other States now as reported from Miami Herald reports from Alabama on the beaches there being reached. As of Tuesday afternoon St.Petersberg Times was reporting that the OIlspill was to reach the Panhandle by Wednesday or by Friday at the very latest.

As we watch the Oilspill growing and reaching towards Florida, we also see it reaching the shores of Alabama and Mississippi from CCN reports. The spill has grown to 31,000 square miles.
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(4) June 1st is when all NOAA /USGS projection Maps are released. This Map shows Current Ocean Conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. Estimate of surface currents with the Deepwater Horizon location and spill accounted for. ( For people following and tracking the Hurricane Season this map is a must see) NOAA and other researchers are examining and overlaying the Oil Spill maps with Hurricane projection Maps, This NOAA map also shows new Spill Map.

(5) There are a variety of Researchers in the Gulf Studying the Underwater Plumes, Researchers track path/data of oil from rig spill. Much of the oil may in the form of vast underwater plumes. BP has been trying to allay concerns and say that the Spill is lessoned by the Dispersants at the Pressers, but the true concern is the amount of oil and with the addition of the dispersant what is going on below the surface.
Univ. of Georgia Marine Blogging Scientists Tracking 'Second Plume' in Gulf, and this blog has their research, their imagery and ongoing research and analysis. Really helpful blog.

(6) As the Spill grows, the BP new plan is to contain not stop the Flow, their website has more on that situation. By Tuesday evening 8pm the pipe had been altered( sawed) and the oil was coming out at much faster rate on the Gushercam. BP had warned that the increased flow could be 20% while they attempt this new Capping process. ( For those of us that are amateurs watching we are still confused why Barges, Tankers were never brought in to suck up the Flow or even surface oil ). The next 24 hours will determine the success of latest "strategy". Otherwise the Work on the Relief Well(s) goes on and will not be complete until August at the earliest.

(7) As of Tuesday Evening Mattingly of CNN reported that the Federal government will no longer do joint pressers with BP.Thad Allen of the Coast Guard will give updated briefings daily. ( It was unclear if all other Governmental divisions will as well.)

(8) Tonight Dr.Gupta will join CNN to discuss Health Risks associated with the Oil Spill and the Risks to Clean Up Workers and Residents. ( Dispersant issues hopefully will also be brought to light and needed Respiratory Precautions).
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Dr. Ricki Ott Marine Biologist explains the Lessons from the Valdez Disaster:

(Enigma Note: Some who read my twitter page have seen my concerns about NOAA and other divisions, including Coast Gaurd being at the pressers to support BP, and also that BP uses NOAA data on their website.It also raises concerns as to is BP using our Governmental Agencies to support their efforts or even be dimissive of American Concerns ( regarding spill's spread and
health concerns. I stand by what I said, that NOAA and other agencies , even the Coast Guard should not be USED by BP. It in my mind brings up propaganda issues, or at least poorly staged PR stunts. If you scroll down especially to weekend posts there is plenty of video posted that raises those concerns.)

DISPERSANT POST #2 : UPDATED POST REGARDING COREXIT BEING USED IN THE GULF

(NYT photo May29th)
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June 1st Updates regarding Dispersant
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Dr.Seth Forman speaks to Risks of Gulf related to Oil and Dispersant as it reaches beaches on MSNBC this morning June2nd.(H/t to @WhoDat35 for headsup on this video.)

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Please do read First Dispersant Post Written covering May13th thru May30th, regarding Dispersant Questions. Since that time More Questions have arisen, and Clean Up Workers have gotten sick. That Question has basic information regarding COREXIT and original EPA tests and COREXIT ingredients. This earlier post also has BP's responses to concerns (video), their pronouncement that the Workers were sick from Heat and Food Poisoning, announced the same day as Worker Floating Camps were announced.
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Today as more Clean Up Workers and also families in region come forth with Health Complaints, many are starting to ask Questions regarding the use of Dispersant COREXIT ( both forms). The Dispersant has not only been sprayed from low flying planes but also it is now being pumped to the Seabed by the Oil Leak in attempt to break up the Oil. ( This apparently started over the weekend and was reported on MSNBC and CNN , I will post BP announcement when I can find it.).

Local Media reported over weekend of Shrimpers,now are Clean Up workers that got sick over the weekend after low flying planes flew over spraying dispersant.

At the same time that people are coming forth with Health issues, BP is going ahead and planning to set up Floating Clean Up Worker Camps ( Floatels) and also Tent Cities ( using Trailers near the Marshes). It is unclear as to whether DHHS or OSHA or NIOSH has approved this plan. Immersing these workers with 12 hours shifts then having them live in quarters close to the Camps or on Boats on the Contaminated waters seems that it would pose exposure risks. After examining the OSHA and NIOSH manuals I am more confused as to whether OSHA has set up precautions for this Specific Dispersant or if it is being evaluated. Media ( CNN,NBC,ABC ) are all announcing that OSHA is now studying/examing the Health Complaints. OSHA does have an Oil Clean Up Worker Manual ( link below) and a Precaution Fact Sheet that addresses Oil and Hydrocarbon and Some Solvent Precautions.

The Clean Up Workers in photos, photo ops and footage on different media, have shown the workers wearing a variety of gear and gloves and hats. Yet the workers are not seen with protective respiratory masks, or respirators. Yet OSHA manuals and handouts do recommend respiratory protection if needed or if symptoms present. ( As a Nurse I am not sure of safety of waiting for Symptoms could be too late.). As posted below it was reported in Papers and CNN that Workers are not allowed to ask for respiratory masks and if they do they are harassed or threatened or even fired. That issue must be investigated and sooner than later to protect the workers. From reading different articles it is also concerning whether they really do have to work 12 hour shifts, do they have access to medical care and also fluids. From the photos I have seen also the Hazmat clothing raises questions, it appears they are given nice hats and some skin covering,but I did not see Masks or Heavy Gloves in the photos.
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As of Sunday Night May 29th, it was announced that DHHS is going to post a Mobile Clinic to address Worker Safety Issues and Resident Health Complaints related to the Oilspill this announcement was made Day 41, and the Trailer arrived today June 1st. As the situation in the Gulf progresses it would seen that the DHHS might need to employ more Mobile Medical Units. Many of the Shrimper,Fishing families are without extra funds for medical bills at this time, and their complaints do need to be assessed.Rep.Melancon worked hard to get the Medical help that was so needed. ( This photo is from his visit to the van as it arrived today June1st).

*** Update from June 1st : NBC evening News Dr.Nancy Snyderman stated that OSHA was investigating Workers Health Concerns, the same evening ABC Chris Cuomo on Nightline reported on the Worker's Complaints and health concerns.I will post video of both when available. CNN has been reporting consistantly-video is on other post.***
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Other Dispersant Issues related to the Gulf.
{1} If more than 750,000 gallons of the Dispersant have been deployed and sprayed over the water,EPA needs to be sure to be testing for it in the Water Column and the sediments by the Shorelines. From the Test results of May 4th in other dispersant post, EPA was not testing for Dispersant in water or sediments. Someone needs to make sure that they do, another concern is that the Water Column results were low on hydrocarbons and oil. which says that the Dispersant is actually possibly creating inaccurate results.

There have been Fish Kills on some of the Barrier Islands, Dauphin Island and even over to Waveland so see attached photos from NYT of massive fish kills from this past week.It would be helpful if EPA would make sure the Dead Fish and the Water Column were tested for the Dispersant Ingredients, from solvents, Kerosene, heavy metals to cyanide.Of the Dead Dolphins, Birds,Turtles that have been recovered, not all were oiled, it is critical that Some Agency test for the Dispersants.( In the beginning BP was to be called for animal pickup and rescues, and groups were Contracted to take care of the injured animals. It is Day 43 and it is unclear if All animals are being properly necropsied.

The Testing of the Food and Water is critical as the Dispersant at this point could be entering the Food Chain. NOAA has been monitoring the Oil Spill and expanding the Maps for No Fishing, which should help prevent anyone from eating or catching contaminated seafood. At this point it would be wise to test and check all species for the Oil and Dispersant Damage. Even with extensive reading, I am confused whether Federal Fish and Wildlife is testing or monitoring, I will update when I have more data.
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Workers on Grand Ilse being given hats and other gear. No Masks given out ( also don't see sturdy gloves in photo).
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Must Read Articles Regarding Worker Safety Issues.
{1} For anyone that has wondered if BP has a Safety problem or history of Violations this article by Jason Leopold for Truthout , "BP Accused of Violating Safety Regulations at US Refineries, Endangering Employees' Lives"(May4.2010) and is a must read as they do have a problem with Safety Violations that is worrisome, especially as the Government has been allowing them to manage the spill but also the Clean Up.Their OSHA track record is worrisome at best. As BP now plans "Worker Camps" it is time for someone to monitor them.
{2} Jay Rosen posted regarding the situation that BP made fishermen sign a contract banning them from speaking to media about what they saw on the job. That also raises questions as to whether that contract was a way or preventing the workers from speaking to Health Issues or Working Conditions. ( Especially after we have heard that workers were threatened for requesting Respiratory Masks.
{3} Thom Hartmand has a post on COREXIT that explains more regarding the Dispersant and is a Must Read.
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Clean Up Workers Resources and Dispersant Information
{1} OSHA 's Oil Clean Up Manual
{2} NIEHS has partnered with OSHA re. Clean Up Workers
{3} OSHA Oil Precaution Sheet (helpful for Fumes,Oil)
{4} NEW DOCUMENT ::: COREXIT Dispersant CDC/NIOSH ( UPDATED May19,2010) does address Respiratory Issues/Respirator requirements,Precautions.
{5} Federal Law: 40CFR300 addresses
Marine oil spill response is organized and managed according to the regulations found in 40 CFR 300, the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP).
{6} Oil Pollution Act 1990 (does not fully address safety of Dispersant use for workers or ecosystem safety.
{6} NOAA's Dispersant guide (last updated 2007) (Does not address using such vast quanities in worker proximity.
{7} EPA website {timeline/statements} re: Dispersant
{8} NIOSH (w/CDC ) Respirator use/Respiratory Precautions re.chemical safety
{9} Technical document re: different forms of COREXIT

Gulf Oil Disaster : Day 43 Monday June1st (Clean Up Worker Issues: Dispersant Exposure,BP's Planned Clean Up Camps)

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"When one tugs at a single thing in nature,he finds it attached to rest of the world."~John Muir
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We all are connected to this Event in the Gulf, as it unfolds I encourage that there is much Media /blog coverage worth seeing : Think Progress, @TheOilDrum, @GOHSEP, @IRBBC,Truthout, LA TImes, NOLA.com and NYT,Mother Jones,Miami Herald, The Guardian and Huffington Post.
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As of today after a long weekend, BP is pursuing their new Capping Method, LMRP , which will possibly raise the amount of oil coming from the broken rise by as much as 20%. The Robotic work continues and the spill continues. Yesterday Scientists latest data is that at conservative estimates, 12,000 -19,000 barrels/day, which translates to more than 510,000 gallons a day, atleast. Over the weekend Carol Browner came on Meet The Press and called this our Worst Environmental Disaster ever. But the issue that makes it so much more stressful is that disaster is not over, it is ongoing, on growing.

Over Memorial Day Weekend the reality of watching this gusher livecam all summer hit alot of folks hard, especially the Gulf residents. Many are devastated, and we need to have compassion for what they are facing and recognize they are looking at a grim summer, but also dire situation. I heard people on Blogs and on Twitter saying " well it is not an Apocalypse". It does not matter what those of us in other states feel, it is their Reality we have to comprehend.These are strong people, but these are also people that have been abandoned before. Katrina has left deep scars and many are still recovering from that wretched year. Others who live there have even voiced concern that Katrina PTSD is a real concern.
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Sadly if anyone says that this is not a Crisis, please do share these photos with them, NYT posted these nine photos over the weekend. The ones that are disturbing are especially slides 6 and 7 that show the FishKills in Waveland Mississippi of massive amounts of fish on the beaches. I have seen Fishkills in the Northwest, and I have never seen photos like this before. If we look at those photos and think of the impact of this disaster on the FoodChain it is staggering and can not be diminished by BP. Just for reference I did also check NOAA Fishing zones, and that area has already been closed off. On another note as the Oil Slick grows, and is over 29,000 Sq.Miles now, it is hard for some to fathom, a wonderful artists named Andy came up with the Map that is mobile, allowing any of us to visualize the Slick in our own Region , Our Home, just go to the Beowulfe site and type in your address or City and see the full impact of the Spill. People around the world are now using this tool to see how big it really is.@Unclo ( or Larry ) of Twitter deserves so much credit for educating so many with this tool.
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I had mentioned in earlier posts that the we need more Science and Marine Scientists there studying this situation. The Costeau family is there doing dives, studying the water and filming. This Video was by JM Costeau and posted to twitter and is a Must See, so do click this link.( Ocean Futures Society is their family organization if you want to support their work). The Costeaus are exploring the damage to the ecosystem and the marine life caused by the oil and dispersants in the water column. They too are worred about the plumes causing damage and lowered oxygen levels, and the effects on the food chain.
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@GOHSEP -The Governor's Office of Louisiana issues daily reports on Spill Sitings but also of the expanded NOAA maps. This is Link to May 31 Report on new Oil Spill sightings throughout coastal Louisiana. NOAA and GOHSEP have done an amazing job tracking all of the oil and fishing zones and GOHSEP has been an amazing source of all information related to Louisiana.
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For anyone that has not understood the importance of the Maps that NOAA and GOHSEP are issuing. We need to remember that many that fish and Shrimp and maintain the oyster beds are effected by these closures. They face uncertain futures at this point. I have attached this amazing Article here that explains the Shrimping Industry and History of the Gulf. This is a Culture, a way of life, but families that fish and shrimp in region have carried on for generations. So far BP has been more than stingy with what and how they are paying for the damage to the region. To see how contorted this situation is this weekend the LA Times did a post on a Fisherman who tried to file his claim with BP and it is disturbing and raises questions as to how the Fishing men will be reimbursed. More than 40% of All shrimp and fish for North America comes from this fragile region, and that means also thousands of jobs are at stake. As these men face loss of work, it makes sense that they also will pursue working on the BP Clean Up Crews, but this can not be looked at as viable long term work or replacement of their current or past income.
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Health Information : This weekend on Day 42 finally Federal Government,
DHHS did bring forth the first Mobile Unit to assist and meet the Medical Needs of this situation. As Clean Up workers in the Region have been experiencing symptoms and some have been hospitalized, it was time to set up a system to care for them and the residents, hopefully this is the first step. Do click the link to learn more, especially if you live near Venice. ( Please also do see posts below regarding Dispersant and also regarding the Sick workers that BP has tried to blame their illnesses on Heat and also foodpoisoning.)
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This Weekend is when Tony Hayward spoke about the Illnesses of the workers and tried to blame it on "Food Poisoning" . It was filmed and CNN posted the video, and it remarkable and worrisome.
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LA TIMES has an article up last night regarding Suttles and Haywards plan of "Floating Clean Up Camps" and "Tent Cities", (see post below) it turns out that the Plan is NOW to use Trailers that look like Semi Containers? or Box Cars. They contain bunk beds. and some bathing facilities, although these workers will need FULL Showers if they are working near or around chemicals and oil. Also it is unclear from this article if OSHA has approved this plan as it means the Workers will be working 12 hour shifts and then sleeping in the Contaminated zones which does present Safety issues.
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Post from the Weekend with Suttles explaining the BP plan for Floating Worker Camps and "Tent Cities". (We now know Trailers were also part of the plan).
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Shrimpers working as Cleanup Workers got sick after Corexit sprayed by low flying planes overhead, this was reported by local Media , but not by MSM. Dr.Gupta will be doing special on CNN Tuesday Night on this Dispersant and it's possible relationship to Workers complaints and hospitalizations. Nine -12 have been hospitalized so far. Wives of the workers are reporting to media worried about their husbands, who are feeling intimidated or harassed to not report problems for fear of loss of work.This just became an issue over weekend, we will see if it improves. BP's Worker Camps we can hope that OSHA makes them set up Medical Care as well.
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As a nurse I have concerns for the Workers and residents there regarding the Exposure to the Dispersant COREXIT in such huge volumes, now being pumped in at well site, entering directly to the Water Column.This post I wrote earlier in the Month is regarding this Compound being used. OSHA has issued Precaution fact sheet for workers and residents regarding the Oil, but there is no monitoring or precautions issued regarding the COREXIT.EPA had told BP to cease using it, but for some reason BP is still using it, and now putting it directly at wellsite. The Literature has not information on that usage, it did have information on diluted spray form on limited small spills , early on after a spill. I have tried to write to OSHA, EPA and CDC regarding this chemical and have gotten no response. EPA and OSHA also were not present at the weekend pressers where the Work Camps were discussed by BP.
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Another source of discussion that has been ongoing on the Internet and Twitter is the Hurricane concern. I continue to encourage people to check Weather Underground for updates. Scientists and Weather experts are worried as NOAA has predicted up to 23 Storms, with 14 Hurricanes. Please do click this link to learn more. And to answer anyone's questions, the Hurricane with the Oil Slick poses huge risks due to the Surge issue. Another aspect of this is BP plans to set up Flotillas , Floating Clean Up Camps, which also raises questions about their safety in Hurricanes.(please see posts below regarding floating camps).
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The Guardian has this excellent post from the weekend exploring Scientists concerns regarding the giant Plumes forming under the sea from the Oil, and the ongoing battle with BP regarding the Damage. BP has continued to argue with Scientists regarding assessing ecological damage , but also the ongoing amounts of oil as well.
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Enigma Note: I am still reporting information what I find from the Internet and Twitter and reports from the region. I do raise questions of concern. I think all of us should question what is going on there, but also be trying to employ critical thinking and problem solve. Problemsolving can be done with compassion and vision. To help the Gulf we will need to be creative and supportive.I am not an engineer or a oil person, but I post what I can so we can all learn more. I after all these days will only be checking Gushercam sporadically. Most of my focus will be on Gulf Residents Health ,Wellbeing and also the Clean Up Workers. I will continue to post Science related to the situation from a variety of sources. This blog will continue to document the damage to the region, and chronicle this Disaster, which is what it is, Our Greatest Environmental Ecological Disaster. My main focus, as always for this blog is the Humanitarian Aspect of this Crisis. If you live in the Gulf and want to be interviewed regarding your concerns, I would be happy to post your story or photos here as well.
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More Updates Later today......

*** As I continue doing research on COREXIT and dispersants, I learned of a National Academy of Sciences Study of Dispersants in 2005 that supposedly is very illuminating, if anyone has the link I would be grateful.