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We've worked awfully hard this year to pass direct legislation to cure Parkinson's and came up a bit short. In less than one month the entire House of Representatives and much of the Senate is up for re-election. It is time now to reward those in Congress who have supported our cause. The simplest way to reward our friends is to vote them back into office. Another way is public thanks through letters to the editor of local papers or calls to a talk radio shows. There are lots of ways to let our feelings be known to our friends. (I, for one, would not object to some international help in this effort. Americans have been known to get 'involved' in the affairs of other countries from time to time.) We can also contribute to campaign funds for our supporters. Politicians seem to be particularly responsive to this last mode of thanks. Believe it or not, it may actually help get you in to see your representative the next time you call. ;-) Eventually, the PD community should consider having its own political action organization to financially support our advocates in Congress. In addition, we have a right to seek the removal from office of those who have thwarted us or ignored our appeals. I hate to be negative, but there are a number of candidates that I would be happy to send packing from Washington. Minimally, this is an opportunity to gain their attention after all of our efforts to reach them have yielded no response. Election campaigns are the time when politicians are most sensitive to the issues that affect their constituency. Perhaps someone can repost the list of Udall co-sponsors between now and Election Day. Let's send a clear message that the Parkinson's community is not INVISIBLE and that we deserve a cure.