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I haven't decided how this will be distributed yet but thought I would share it with the list. I intend to get it into as many Texas hands as possible. August 12, 1997 In Search of a Cure - Washington Reflections 1997 After visiting the Hill nearly a half a dozen times this year in search of a cure for Parkinson's disease, I must say that democracy is the worst form of government on earth, but I don't know of a better one so I take great pride in my efforts to help shape it. Shaping it is certainly more of an art than a science. Although military science may have prepared me for one kind of battle English literature may have prepared me better for the Washington battle. Words like, ear marking, disease du jour, right to life, grass roots, money, advocacy, ethics, morality, cure, chairman, money, committee, money, hearing, money, compassion, unacceptable, forum, money, gala, money, contributor, money, cosponsors, authorization, money, direct, money, indirect, money, research, money, appropriation, money, hope, money, some how this translate to - Cure Parkinson's Disease with Money. One only has to visit the Hill once to understand that it is the place where the war of words spiced with the power of money and the voice of the people, interpreted to mean voters who vote, CAN get the job done. As we near the finish line the race has many sub four minute milers. sub ten second 100 yard dashers, valedictorians, fast ball hurlers, line backers, and more curve balls than any batter has ever faced. So where are we? What is the name of this game? Who are the best players? Who has the best team. Will there be winners and losers? The Udall Bill after years of discussion, debate, grass roots advocacy and the unifying efforts of a Parkinson's Coalition of all the major PD organizations is positioned for victory. We have the needed cosponsors in both houses . We have a majority in virtually all the key committees and we have the Parkinson's community united The Republicans have made a weak showing including here in Texas but those who have cosponsored are committed to victory. Senator Mc Cain, Republican from Arizona, and friend of Mo Udall has promised victory. Senator Wellstone , Democrat from Minnesota, with two parents victimized by Parkinson's says victory is close at hand. This year our Texas congressmen saw and heard from many Parkinsonians. Several made the very strenuous trip to Washington to voice their support for the Udall bill. My wife Nancy made two of these trips to tell her story. Now faced with back surgery from the years of fighting dyskinesia she will be sidelined for a few months but our team of Joe, Nina, Cherry, Marlene, Arthur, Candyce, Fred and Barry will no doubt continue their courageous battle. We need Congressman Bliley from Virginia and Congressman Bilirakis from Florida to allow the bill to move through the Commerce committee in the House. We need Senators Jeffords-VT, Coates-IN, and Frist-TN, to allow the bill to move through the Labor And Human Resources committee in the Senate. We must insist that Congressman Armey TX schedule the bill for the House floor. We must educate many Americans on the merits of fetal tissue research, NOT ABORTION, and the disruptive if not harmful behavior of the Right to Life Committee as they tag Parkinson's research with devious at worst and harmful at best abortion issues. And most of all we need YOU to be Invisible no More. We have suffered in silence far too long. The AIDS activists have succeeded in redirecting the National Institute of Health priorities with their powerful call for help. Those who suffer from Diabetes have recently been successful. It is our turn and we should not be timid about it. More effective treatments are certain and a cure maybe near. You deserve it, its yours if you want it. Let your voice be heard! Call your congressman 202-224-3121 and ask him to help you get the Udall Parkinsons bill passed. If you have any questions call Bob Martone at 281-358-5168. -- [log in to unmask] Kingwood, TX