A Quote of Lincoln all Politicians should follow

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves"- Lincoln

Bill Haslam as the Next Republican Governor of the Great State of Tennessee

First let me say I like Zach Wamp, always have. His office has helped me on a couple of issues and were always prompt and courteous and got the job done

I have decided that Bill Haslam will be the best choice for Governor based on very important point. He has ran a very successful business. His father, Jim Haslam started Pilot Oil Company with small Service Stations. Gas, Cigarettes, Coca-Cola Machine, Tom's Peanuts, and Someone to pump your gas. His vision into the Self Service Market helped catapult Pilot Oil Company into what is today. Travel Centers, Convenience Stores, Multi State Operations.

Bill worked and ran the Company for 23 years then ran for Mayor of Knoxville. He has had a very successful Term as Mayor, running Knoxville like a business, period.

After 2 Terms of Bill Bredesen and some really bad Governor's before him,( Remember Ray Blanton?),the time has come for the State of Tennessee business as usual to end. Stop the crony operations, clean out the partisan boards that create Czar type County "Governor Reps" that dole out the favors to the good old boys. When it came time to "clean up Tenncare" Governor Bredesen threw Me and others like me under the Bus.

Here's the Kick in his wisdom, We were paying a monthly premium for our prescription coverage. It never was the same, sometimes 50 dollars a month, somtime 350, but never ask those geniuses why, they would send you a letter stating your appeal is being considered and you will not lose your Tenncare now. Really makes you want to ask questions.

The reason I know that Bill Haslam has to have a keen business mind and a quick thinker, my father was an Exxon Distributor in Blount and Knox County for 30 years, AS my Dad did, the Haslam's had to deal with shortages, rationing, wild price fluxuations, Personell Issues, Federal and State and City Regulations, and the list goes on and on. My Dad's Career was cut short by Colon Cancer at 58 years of age. The Company was sold by my Stepmother and that was that.

Some have criticized the Haslam's for "Being Wealthy". I appreciate any successful business person and if they accumulate some wealth, fantastic.

If Bill Should happen to lose to Zach Wamp, I will support Zach for Governor, but as for now, I want a Successfull Business Man Running this State..

Thank You,

Mitch Thurmer

An appointment at Vanderbilt MS Clinic

After so much frustration with Neurologists in Chattanooga and with my worsening Cognitive problems, I decided to request a referral to the Vanderbilt MS Clinic in Nashville. The appt is set for July 20. I can't wait.

I am ready to go to someone who understands MS, as it really is. I have had too many Doctors try to minimize the symptoms and wish away the pain. Now I am on pain meds that I see no way off of. I am looking for help. The worsening cognitive issues may be due the meds as well, I just don't know. Periods of appearing "Drunk" and having no memory of these episodes is terrifying.

If I stayed in that condition, I would have to go to a nursing home, there is no way Deanna could keep me out of trouble.

I will post the outcome of this new chapter..Mitch

It's Been Too Long Since my Last Post, And Why

I had written in the last couple of posts that I was having MS problems, it has been rough. Since my last post I had one episode that lasted three days and took two more to get over.

The new word for these I think is Complex Partial Onset Seizures. The decriptions fit what I am doing. I found that the closest MS Clinic is at Vanderbilt University hospital In Nashville. Evidently no one in East or Southeast Tenn thinks MS is a serious enough problem to devote the resources.

I have got to get an answer and try to recieve treatment to this worsening problem. I always have new cuts and bruises, Deanna is a wreck, and I fear I am really going to get hurt bad or killed during one of these if it is not treated. Usually I have no memory, but this last one I remember for a unknown amount of time trying to stand up out of my office chair and my legs not working, they would not work, period.

Deanna came home and found me in the floor, still trying to get up.

My Cognitive issues are worsening, can't remember much of anything, even the little things during the week. During one of the episodes one friend came by and stayed here three hours. In his words, I always appear Drunk. Anyway, he thought I was some better and left me in the basement with my radios, me promising I would stay there until Deanna got home. Well, you can't believe a thing I say. that was the day she found me in the floor.

I plan to write more, when I remember to...
Mitch

I have got to admit the truth about MS

I was diagnosed 20 years ago this month. I can honestly say the Doctors have done a pretty good job of managing the MS, what little they can do.

The truth is there is not a whole lot they can do. They can treat the pain with opiates, but, after 20 years the dosage gets higher and higher. The DEA and all the other government agencies have the doctors and pharmacists scared to death. I have to admit the meds all just treat the symptoms, period.

Sadly, you are judged by the others who don't have a clue as to what you are dealing with. You can't even tell your relatives what meds you are on or you will be classed as a druggy.

The last attack I had this week has till got me slowed down. Deanna had to call members of the WRES to come and lift me out of the floor, I could not stand up. I am scared what each episode may bring. If I stayed like that, she could not take care of me. I am getting worse, That is the truth.

What to do when dear friends still think you can do anything with Multiple Sclerosis.

Back in 2001, I was elected as Worshipful Master of Signal Mountain Lodge # 758, Free and Accepted Masons. I had transfered to this Lodge from My Home Lodge, New Providence # 128 in Maryville Tenn back in 1995 or 96. Since becoming a Mason in 1981, this was the Pinnacle at that time of my Masonic Membership.

Like the founders of this Country were mostly Mason's. the Masonic structure of internal Government is structured like our Governement. Each Officer is elected each year, based on his performance in his current position and his vision for the Lodge's success, within the guidlines set by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.

AT the time, I was on Ritalin for hypersomeulence, in other words, chonic fatigue. In adults, it really turns your crank and there is not much you cannot do. I attack challeneges wide open, started a weekly School of Instruction, and did everything I could to promote the Lodge to the Community. Alot of people did not even know there was a Lodge here on the Mountain.

I also had the challenge of being WM when 9-11 Happened. I had to show the Masonic Family waas ready to step up and help others, if only just to have someone to talk too. The next year on the 1st anniversary, we handed out 500 American Flags at the local Grocery store here on the mountain, Eaach had a labed stating, " Courtesy of Signal Mountain Masonic Lodge # 758, We Will NEVER FORGET. It wwas a huge hit and for a time , we recieived some acknowledgement.

Let me clear something up right now, before anyone freaks, Masonry is based on the Bible. There is NOTHING negative, prejudicial, or otherwise wrong with this organization. The Motto is, " To make good Men Better ". The Master is a title that has been stated as such since King Solomon's time and does does show that this man is any higher up the "ladder" than any other Mason. We are all on the "Level". just someone has to lead for a year term. I had the honor of being the first Master to serve 2 years back to back, and hold that today.

The last 10 years has seen a worsening in my condition. I get tired quicker, fatigue kicks my but, The is also a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star at the Lodge and they are experiencing a period of growth. They want the Masons to support them, of course we will. The problem I face is 1 practice/school a week and 1 stated meeting per month is about all I can handle, plus what I try to do at home.

My friends, based on my past performance think I can roll right into everything that's needed, some repaired, helping the ladies advertise a monthly breakfast open to the public every 4th Saturday. I can't participate. I may get to come and eat sometimes but I can't be the go to guy I was 10 years ago. I don't look much different, maybe a little grayer, But I am not the same fireball I was then.

MS causes this problem and I am sure there is not a one of those of us who have this mess who hasn't experienced what i am talking about. It's just something I am going to have to try to get it across. And then of course there is the feeling you are letting them down..

Just another episode in this Merry Go Round

More to come, Mitch