Barry B's Blog

Make Fighting Cancer a National Priority

Barry Birdwell — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:22:00 GMT

Think of this I live in Brevard County, Florida which has approximately 560,000 residents. That is roughly how many Americans lose their battle against cancer each year. So as you drive through Brevard just think, every household, every man woman and child in those houses represent an annual loss to cacner. That is the impact of cancer on our economy

In the late 90’s congress doubled funding the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Discoveries were on the rise, young brilliant minds were entering the field of research with very promising futures for themselves and for the betterment of healthcare. Over the last 8 years we have been un-doubling those budgets.

Funding is flat and last year was even cut. The Biomedical rate of inflation is greater than 6% so un-doubling is a fact. Researchers are struggling for dollars and young scientists are opting for other paths due to the lack of funding.

I looked into this and the Obama-Biden team has a clear plan to address cancer in America. It’s a good read. It addresses everything from funding at the NIH and NCI to access to clinical trials.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/healthcare/Fact_Sheet_Cancer_FINAL.pdf

I went to the McCain site and found nothing, only Myth/Fact statements that said nothing.

McCain's website makes statements like

“Providing Some Protection Against Exclusion Of Pre-Existing”

“That If You Are Employed And Insured You Will Build Protection Against The Cost Of Any Pre-Existing Condition.”

These statements are so out of touch, “If you are employed” What a joke. People lose their jobs everyday and especially if they are sick. COBRA is not and option when you are out of work and in cancer treatment, where will the $$ for premiums come from. No protection that is the FACT in McCain’s plan.

Wake Up America, we need a leader that will address issues, not “look into it”

I read the Obama-Biden Plan and they have a plan that leads to ending tremendous suffering of many individuals and their families.

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/healthcare/Fact_Sheet_Cancer_FINAL.pdf

We’ve recovered

Barry Birdwell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:45:00 GMT

We’ve unpacked and recovered from our trip to Denver. It took us nearly eight days. Eight days to recover from the long travel days, the long convention days, the motivating speeches and all the excitement that left us pretty drained. It will take more than eight days to recover from the eight years of the current administration.

We watched the Republican Convention and saw more of the same. No plan for the future, the only offer of action seemed to be “Drill baby drill.” We all know that that is no solution, it only prolongs problem.

But enough of that back and forth banter, its time to use the next eight weeks to get out the vote. Eight weeks to insure Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and every congressional, senate and every state seat is filled by leaders that will work for our diverse needs and advance our economy. Eight weeks to elect those that will actully serve.

Here are a few links to the best speeches we saw in Denver. Watch them and enjoy. It will take a awhile to watch them/ It is TIME WELL SPENT!

Dennis Kucinich at the DNC: Wake Up America!

Governor Brian Schweitzer "I'm a rancher"

Ted Kennedy

Joe Biden

Barack Obama

YES WE CAN

Peace

By Acclamation

Barry Birdwell — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:32:00 GMT

The crowd’s enthusiasm was thrilling. We arrived early and Michele secured a place in the “Honored Guest “section, thanks to the Obama Policy team. She sat on the 2nd level front row. Let me tell you securing credentials is like mining for gold, and worth even more. Tonight Michele will hopefully get “Community Credentials” which will allow her access to Inveso Field at Mile High Stadium to see Barack Obama accept the nomination.

The line up was fabulous and the words poignant the message clear. As the night proceeded roll call started. State by state the votes were being counted. “California how do you vote” called out the chair. The response was “California passes”

What up?

Must be that the 400+ votes would but Barack to close and they wanted to hold out to be the state that puts them over. Then on down the state list, each called out their numbers until Indiana states “Indiana yields to Illinois”. This must be it, they want to have Illinois put their native son over the top. Illinois then states “Illinois yields to New York”

Ok what’s going on?

The crowd erupts as Hillary Clinton makes her way down the aisle to make the motion

“I move that we suspend the rules and proclaim Barack Obama our nomine by acclamation”

The chair Nancy Pelosi responds “Do I have a second?” This time in one voice the entire crowd confirms “SECOND!”

“SO MOVED!” proclaims the chair.

The solidarity of the moment was quite moving, quite exciting, extremely fun, and monumentally important.

What more? A moving performance by Mellissa Etheridge, and a speech by Harry Reid was motivating. Then Florida had the honor of our Congressman Kendrick Meek introducing Bill Clinton. Then on came John Kerry, and then a moving introduction given by Beau Biden of his father Joe Biden.

Then one more surprise, Barack Obama joins Joe Biden on the podium to close out the evening! A full evening; a full day for us.

Pictures on http://picasaweb.google.com/barrybirdwell/ByAcclamation my battery failed. I will be collecting more picture of the evening later today. So keep checking for updates

Need to run, one more night then on to SLEEP!

VOTE!

We meet again

Barry Birdwell — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:20:00 GMT

Last night was exceptional. Michele got in to the Pepsi center and saw a great line up. The center was live and electric. We got there early and I was able to get a much better seat on the floor. I was practically 40 feet from the podium. I received several text and phone calls saying I saw you on CNN. It was so exciting me on CNN. But seeing me could not compare to what I was seeing and hopefully all of you saw on the podium.

Just so many things to say I do not know where to start, check out last night photos on

http://picasaweb.google.com/barrybirdwell/UnityConfirmedInDenver

see all of my pictures on

http://picasaweb.google.com/barrybirdwell

I’ll have to fill in the details later, but Hillary was truly amazing again. In addition to her speech giving full support to Barack Obama; I really believe it was her input that insured the words, indeed the policy statement “We will increase funding at the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute.” That statement is in the Democratic Party’s Platform 2008. I thank her team, the Obama team and all the local platform meetings that added that policy statement.

After a terrific night on the floor we went to Invesco Field, where Barack will give his acceptance speech. We went for a party with New Jersey, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania. I thought it was kind of a strange grouping but what the heck the food was free!

Then over the loud speakers we here “Please give a warm welcome to, Hillary and Bill Clinton.” It became clear the four states in attendance had given strong support to Senator Clinton in the primaries.

It was truly exciting to hear them speak and tell us how important it is to get Barack in the White House.

I could not agree more.

PEACE

Meet Michele Obama

Barry Birdwell — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:36:00 GMT

The first day was really great, except for a tourist boondoggle Michele and I fell into. Oh well some times advertising works.. Let's talk about the best part of the day.

We started with the excitement of getting our credentials and having our delegation breakfast. The mayor of Orlando Buddy Dyer spoke as did the Mayor of Los Angeles.

We got on the bus to go downtown and on walks Bob Graham. It always fun to see top statesmen.

Soon it was 2:00pm and time for me to get on the bus to go to the Pepsi center. After the usual bus ride, walk to and through security it was on to the grounds of the DNC convention. I had my Florida attire on as did the entire delegation and mine had pink flamingos pinned to my shoulders.

I was easily identifiable as a Florida delegate and the press cameras started clicking away. I made it to location on the floor and it was so cool. On the FLOOR in the Front!

The major theme of the Night was meet the Obama's . Most of the speakers were from Barack's service in Illinois and also in the US Senate.

I am going to move quick because the day is already moving fast. Last night Michelle O was super. In all of our busy lives it is sometimes hard to digest all that is presented to us. But it is so different when you can look at them live in person (also thanks to the HD Big Screens). Her sincerity as a mother a woman a devoted spouse and a proud American. I just have to say it a 19 year marriage two beautiful kids, and a partnership like the Obama's is the American dream. Now contrast that with ... oh well mom says If you can say it nice..

Today at breakfast we had Alex Sink the State of Florida CFO speak, a very fine woman. And Senator Nelson explained how the Obama campaign is listening to how to handle Florida.. because we are special. He spoke of the swing votes on the I4 corridor and how when Senator Obama came to Florida he went from St Pete to Titusville. No accident, he listens.

Let's talk Joe Biden, what do you need in a VP, 1) It must feel right for the party and does it ever, 2) He has to be able to handle himself in the VP debate.. Joe Biden? slam dunk. 3) He must be a strong campaigner. That we now he will do for Senator Obama.

Lastly and most exciting, I ran into Will. If you look back in my post he hosted me as I meet Senator Clinton. The Clinton campaign is so wonderful to me. He offered Credentials for Michele TONIGHT!! Nothing is ever 100% but we hope to meet him later today and pick them up. So Hopefully we will both be in the hall tonight!

More pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/barrybirdwell/DemsUniteDNCDay1

More to come

PEACE!

Un doing the mess

Barry Birdwell — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:49:00 GMT

Michele and I have arrived and checked into our hotel in Denver.

We had a connection in San Antonio where we packed the plane with Dems headed to the convention. It is so great to be in a confined area with so many of like minds!!

On the plane Michele and I did some reading and planing and discussing what we would be doing in Denver and just what the Convention would be about. We discussed the Bush Legacy. We believe it will read like this. The Bush Legacy goes on and on as the country's leaders realize that more and more needs to be UNDONE. The legacy will be just how long it takes to undo them.

It seems almost every day I learn more, like the median family income was 49k in 2001, now it is 48k. Put the price of milk, gas, well heck the price of anything you need; add it all up and that is a solid decline. You could say free fall. Now just think a bit more, Gitmo, all the signing statements that change or ignore laws created by congress, the Plame game. It just keeps going and so easy to find more. ANY citizen should be aghast.

When we got here we were not sure what we would do Sunday Evening. There was a Delegate reception for all the Gulf States that was hosted by Louisiana. It was to recognize the Katrina relief organizations. I was not sure if I had RSVP in time. I did! And it turned out to be a blast.

It was fun filled music food and a great "get to know you" environment.

Check all my pictures on http://picasaweb.google.com/barrybirdwell/DemsUniteInDenver

Check them out Pictures say a lot of what is going on here. Fun for now and more work today as Howard Dean opens the Convention at 3:00 pm today.

More to come.. Peace out!!

Where to start

Barry Birdwell — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:44:00 GMT

It has been quite awhile since my last post. I guess I just did not know where to start again. Well here we go.

Michele and I are currently spending the night in Orlando, and prepared for the first flight in the morning to Denver. This is where I will officially start my role as Florida Delegate.

It promises to be as exciting and fun filled as historic. So imagine that! As much excitement as this thing is historic. There has been lots of twists and turns over the last few weeks. I will start posting as I see interesting events shaping up at the convention.

Let's start with some close to home excitement. We have been able to secure credentials for Michele for Wednesday and Thursday so she will be in the community gallery on those nights. We are excited to be together!

Here we go.

More coming very soon!

It is not a spectator sport, it is democracy in action!

C ya!

Barack Obama and Me

Barry Birdwell — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:18:00 GMT

Some of you may have been reading this blog and think.. Hey, he really is a Hillary supporter. Well you know what I am, I am also a Barack Obama Supporter, I am a John Edwards supporter, Chris Dodd, if that Yeller dog over there is a Democrat, than I am a Yeller Dog supporter.

So here we stand on the delegate trail.

Last week on Tuesday I gave my support to Senator Obama. This came after several discussions with members of the Obama Campaign, and you guessed it our discussions centered on the war on cancer.

We were so in tune that I was given the opportunity to work on the Obama Heath Advisory Team/Committee and I jumped on the chance. It was a true honor to be asked and I intend on doing my best for the country and especially for the cancer patients that I advocate for.

This committee has input into forming the Democratic Party’s Platform and I may be calling upon you to show your support for the War On Cancer by contacting the Obama Campaign and the democratic party, standby and I’ll let you know.

This Saturday I have a statewide delegate meeting and in the evening there is a major fundraising dinner for the Florida Democratic Party. Last year Nancy Pelosi was the key note speaker. There is a lot of buzz who will be there this year.

You will just have to follow the blog to find out more. Or better yet subscribe to the blog it is free!!

Peace

Media Noise Makers

Barry Birdwell — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:22:00 GMT

Leave it be

I am really having trouble with the media. All this noise about how and when Hillary should drop out.

Look this is how I see it.

If I had (I did not) been working on this campaign for as long as her dedicated supporters have. If I had been supporting her with my friends and family for as long as many have, I would be telling the media LEAVE US ALONE.

They have worked hard and deserve respect. They do, they did and they will bring plenty to the party and they, unlike you the media, are full of grace and above all full of capability that will bring great things to this country.

I can only imagine she needs time to thank her supporters properly, not on CNN or FOX or any other public outlet. As I understand she has been closing down her campaign in a graceful manner, she is having a celebration for her supporters this weekend. She has let her staff work through the week. Imagine busting your butt for all these months and then hearing a speech that the media and other outsiders forced upon her. That would not be her style, maybe some unthankful other common day politician but not a true leader of our party.

If you look back at my previous posts you will see I predicted June 7th as the day she would concede, that prediction was because I believed she had the class and respect for her staff to do it appropriately on her terms. If we would just listen to the candidates and turn the sound down on the rest of these noise makers we would all make better decisions and all be better for it.

Where's Barry

Barry Birdwell — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:10:00 GMT

Lots of things going on and I have lots to say. Standby, things on the delegate trail are on the move. What a fine set of candidates we have.

Back to you soon

Don't forget, pay attention, as of today 4090 of our service men and women have lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq (3951 since the words "mission accomplished").

They are not forgotten. Just like the war on cancer, we win some battles but the war rages on. It is still averaging more than 1 soldier per day in Iraq and Afghanistan.

1 too many

Barry B
Peace

Half empty or half full is still half as good

Barry Birdwell — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:31:00 GMT

I have my tickets to Denver and I am ready to go.

Yesterday I ran the San Diego Marathon with the TEAM, We raised 12.5 million dollars for blood cancer research, so you see my passion goes beyond words there is action in our team.

I have not been able to digest the Rules and Bylaws Committee ruling yet. But it is what I expected and still don't understand what the Florida Voters did that deserves punishment. We voted our will is known and the glass is half emptied. You see what I said it was EMPTIED, poured out. I can't see where half full is a good thing, when I paid for a full glass.

Yesterday I had a call from the Clinton Campaign(voice mail plan to follow up), last night an indirect call from the Obama Campaign. This morning from CNN and as I was going through security I received a call from the Florida Democratic Party, I am waiting for them to call back. Since Senator Edwards my first and pledged choice is not an option, I am asking for wording that supports the War On Cancer to be in the party's platform. With a guarantee of that and a role where I can express my passion and experience, will go a long way to get my commitment. Until then the glass is definitely half full for us all.

PEACE

Speaking with a leader

Barry Birdwell — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:26:00 GMT

On Tuesday I called Jeremy a member of Senator Clinton's Delegate outreach staff. I discussed their invitation for me to see Senator Clinton. I asked if I would I have a chance to speak to Senator Clinton? He said "Oh yes, that is why we asked you to come. We plan on setting aside some time for you to speak with her."

I told him it was short notice. I told him I was one of the lucky ones that has good job and did not know if I could make it.

I thought that there would be a chance I would get to speak with her. I also believed there was a good chance they would be behind schedule or a number of other reasons I might not. It might just turn out to be a round trip to Boca without a chance to speak with her.

After speaking with my sister and reflecting on my role as a cancer patient advocate and a delegate I decided it was worth the chance. I was not disappointed.

I went to work on Wednesday and after a morning meeting I sent Jeremy an email stating that I was leaving now and I would be on site in about 2 hours. As I was approaching Century Village the location for "Hillary’s Solutions for America" rally, my phone rang. It was Jeremy, he said he was glad I was coming and gave me further instructions to contact Will once I got to the site. I called Will and he said "I’ll be right out to get you."

Will found me in line and escorted me directly to the front of the very long line, through security and to a front row seat. He said that after her speech I would have the opportunity to speak with her.

There was real excitement in the air, lots of people holding up various signs, for Hillary, and that our votes need to be counted in Denver. As I waited there on the front row, I reviewed the policy papers Jeremy sent me a week earlier "Hillary Clinton's’ Plan to Fight Cancer."

Will came from behind the curtain and asked me "would you like to speak with her before she speaks to the crowd." I said "of course"

He took me behind the curtain where I was introduced to State Senator Ted Douche, and a local Clinton Delegate and a few others. We all spoke for a few minutes and I took the opportunity to tell Senator Douche that I had worked on Tony Sasso’s campaign and that I was working a grass root effort to get an access to clinical trial law passed in Florida. (never miss an opportunity to advocate, that’s my motto)

A few minutes later senator Douche received a message on his Blackberry and stated "They’re here." Will started moving me toward the doorway, he wanted me to be first to speak with her.

A few minutes later in came the entourage, first a few members of staff, then the secret service. Just like in the movies, they came in cased the location, took their positions with their eyes continually scanning the area. I don’t think these guys blink.

A few more came in, one guy came in pretty unkempt, must have been from the continual campaigning. Then in walked Chelsea, I said "Hi Chelsea" and she smiled and said "Hi." My heart went WOW; this is really going to happen. A few more came in and after a few more minutes in walked Senator Clinton. She approached me and I was prepared.

As Will began to introduce me I stepped over his introduction (sorry Will) and began my pitch. After my introduction as an Edwards delegate I said "Senator I am very concerned and troubled with the state of funding at the NIH and NCI" She replied enthusiastically "me too."

I continued telling her that I had read her policy papers on cancer and we were in total concert. I told her in my opinion that we needed to accomplish two of her policies and the rest would fall in line. Those two are 1) Doubling funding at the NIH and NCI, and 2) insuring access to clinical trials.

We continued our discussion for a good 5 minutes, discussing things like how our brightest scientists are either not entering or leaving the cancer research field. I said we need to get these things on the party’s platform and she agreed. I closed with a thank you for all you do for this country. Will escorted me back to my front row seat.

She spoke to the crowd of how "you did nothing wrong, you did not break a single rule" and "when the will of the electorate is known it should prevail." It was VERY well received. I must admit, since my primary vote was tabulated when Senator Edwards suspended his campaign, I did not realize how the Obama and Clinton supporters feel. They feel shafted again. I heard that message loud and clear and I will support it with whomever whenever I get a chance.

The most exciting thing, after her speech she came around for pictures and autographs. As she came close, I pulled from my back pocket my copy of her policy papers. "Hillary Clinton’s Plan to Fight Cancer." I handed it to her and asked for her autograph, as she read what I had handed her I said "Senator we must get this on the party’s platform. I want to work with you on this in Denver." She replied "We really do" and looked to her chief of staff and said get Barry in touch with Myra of our policy staff.

Myra did call me the next day. She kept asking me "If you have any questions" I replied "I want to know what I can do and what we are going to do together in Denver"

That is where it stands.

I pray for the patient’s and the families and for the future families. I pray that things will be different. I pray that they will be different for them soon.

You probably are wondering, are you ready to commit? The answer is no, I can not discuss commitment until I know for certain that my vote will be counted in Denver.

Peace out , peace soon , check it out!

Look to my previous post to read Senator Clinton's plan, it is exactly what we need, and you may be surprised that these things are not already in place. THEY NEED TO BE, review it and start advocating!

Where's Obama?

Barry Birdwell — Tue, 20 May 2008 21:36:00 GMT

I have not heard from the Obama campaign? Should I? I hear rumbling that he is going to claim victory tonight with 2025 delegates.

In order for 2025 to be the magic number he has not included the pledged delegates from Florida or Michigan. So what does that mean?

I have to guess at this point, at least for now, I should not expect a call.. ha!

I did hear again from the Clinton Campaign, they are following up with our previous discussion and they also invited me to come see Senator Clinton tomorrow. Let's see what does "see" mean? Could it be a meeting or a seat close to the stage, well let's see? hmmm Really it is unfortunate I may not be able to accept the invitation. work is a pesky thing, but I am glad to have a good job.

Short of getting her the nomination, I am not sure how to get her views on the Cancer question in the party's platform. That is something I would like to discuss with whoever considers a Florida Delegate's voice is one that deserves hearing.

Stay Tuned, and don't for get to vote! In every election, local, state and of don't forget November!

I asked and I received

Barry Birdwell — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:35:00 GMT

A few days ago Senator Clinton's campaign contacted me in regards to my role as a Florida Edwards Delegate. I explained that I was committed to Senator Edwards' platforms, and since his endorsement of Senator Obama, I remain uncommitted.

I did explain that one if not the most important issue to me is the state of NIH funding. I discussed with him the current state of funding at the NIH and the NCI and ask what Senator Clinton's plans are for those two agencies. Her campaign worker said "I will get you her policy papers on the subject" he did and here they are. You will see that they are consistent with what I advocate.

I am still waiting to hear from the Obama campaign.

Best to you all, please read what Senator Clinton has to say.

Barry B

Hillary Clinton's Plan to Fight Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death in this country for people under age 85. One in two men and one in three women will get cancer in their lifetime. About 1.4 million new cancer cases are expected in the United States in 2007, and more than 1,500 people per day will die of cancer. NIH estimates the overall cost of cancer in the U.S. in 2006 was about $206 billion for direct medical costs and lost productivity due to illness and early death. As President, Hillary Clinton will invest the necessary resources so that our nation is on a path to achieve the National Cancer Institute’s goal of ending death and suffering from cancer by 2015 through:

Ending Insurance Discrimination. Today, insurance companies spend millions of dollars working to discriminate against those with expensive, pre-existing conditions by denying them coverage or treatment. Cancer patients are those most victimized by insurance company practices of trying not to cover care when it’s needed most. In order to end insurance discrimination, Hillary Clinton will:

Create a guarantee issue system. A "guarantee issue" system, built on the concept of shared responsibility, allows anyone to join a health insurance plan. This system will end the days of relegating high-cost individuals to separate, more costly, plans or public programs. In addition, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to carve out benefits or charge higher rates to people with health problems or at risk of them.
Reducing marketing costs and improving value for the premium dollar. Under a universal coverage plan with real insurance regulations, insurers would compete on low costs and high quality, not on successful underwriting and deceptive marketing practices. Hillary Clinton will create a structure of accountability for public and private insurance plans that provides transparency for consumers and allows us to wring out administrative costs that do nothing but add to the bottom line.

Ending Genetic Discrimination. Today, many Americans, especially those with a history of cancer in their family, are fearful of getting genetic tests, because they are worried they will be denied health insurance even though these tests could enable them to make changes in their lifestyle or obtain more regular screenings that could save their lives. Senator Clinton believes in the power and the promise of genetic testing to do good, but does not want to see these tests exploited to harm the very people who are at greatest risk for getting cancer. Hillary will prohibit health insurance companies from discriminating against individuals or their families on the basis of a genetic test. Insurance companies would not be allowed to require genetic tests or consider the results of any test when determining eligibility for or cost of health insurance.

Increased federal funding for cancer. Cancer research has made remarkable progress in prevention, detection, and treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, the absolute number of cancer deaths declined for the second consecutive year last year. Despite these advances, research funding is not keeping pace. During the Clinton Administration, the NIH budget more than doubled – from $8.9 billion in 1992 to $20.5 billion in 2001. It then grew to $27 billion by 2003. But adjusting for inflation, the NIH has not been increased over the past four years. Since 2003, funding has fallen behind medical inflation and in 2006, the NIH budget was cut for the first time in 35 years. Today, the National Cancer Institute has 12% less purchasing power than it had four years ago. The American Association for the Advancement of Science predicts that the percentage of NIH proposals receiving funds will be cut nearly in half by the end of 2007, compared with 2001 levels. As a result, cancer programs have stalled at major centers across the country; clinical trial accrual has slowed, and in some cases, clinical trials have been abandoned for lack of resources. Young researchers are turning to other career opportunities because of the uncertainty of future funding, and many of the best and brightest no longer see the promise of a career in science. In 1970, the average age of a first research grant was 34.2 years; today it is 41.7. If the current situation continues, there will be lasting damage, even if funding is increased in future years. As President, Hillary Clinton will:

Double the NIH and NCI budgets. She has proposed to increase the NIH budget by 50% over five years and double the budget in ten. She will call for comparable increases to the National Cancer Institute’s budget.
Expand the Cancer Centers program so that every American lives within the service area of an NCI Cancer Center. Today, there are 18 states with no Cancer Center, including large swaths of the country. As President, Hillary will expand this vital program so that it is in reach for every American living with cancer.
Increase by fivefold the number of patients participating in cancer clinical trials. This will require expanding access to experimental cancer therapies at NCI Cancer Centers; increasing the Community Clinical Oncology Group, which places undeserved populations in rural and urban areas in community-based clinical trails; increasing funding for the cancer clinical cooperative group; and increasing the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORES) program, which conduct research on different types of cancer.
Preserve Medicare coverage of clinical trials. President Clinton issued an Executive Memorandum in 2000 requiring Medicare to cover the routine costs associated with participation in clinical trials. This policy has made it possible for many more Medicare cancer patients to participate in clinical trials - the number participating has grown from 25% to 38% of enrollees since the Clinton policy was adopted. This policy has been praised by researchers, as well as advocates for cancer patients and the elderly, and there is no evidence it has caused harm, raised costs or negatively impacted the quality of care patients receive. Nevertheless, the Bush Administration has proposed abandoning this simple system in favor of one that is much more complex and likely to deter researchers from using Medicare patients as part of their trials. Senator Clinton will maintain the successful Clinton-era set of rules for enrolling Medicare participants in clinical trials.

A Smart Approach to Prevention and Early Detection. According to the National Cancer Legislation Advisory Committee, we could prevent up to two-thirds of all deaths from cancer if Americans consumed a healthy diet, got their cancer screenings, used sunscreen and minimized sun exposure, exercised, and refrained from smoking. Timely and regular mammograms can prevent 30 percent of all deaths from breast cancer in women over 40. If all adults over 50 were screened for colon cancer, we would cut the death rate in half and save 30,000 lives each year. Almost a third of all cancer deaths are the result of tobacco use. Early detection and treatment not only saves lives; it saves money. Treating a precancerous lesion found in Pap smear costs $1,000 to $2,000. Treating a cancerous lesion costs 30 times that. Hillary will promote a five-tiered approach to preventing and detecting cancer early:

Require all insurers participating in federal programs to cover prevention priorities: Hillary will make it a condition of doing business with the Federal government that health plans cover high-priority preventive services. Covered services would be based on recommendations from the U.S. Prevention Services Task Force. Insurers would provide both individuals and providers with the financial incentives, such as eliminating copays for high-priority prevention services.
Target prevention by coordinating and pooling public funding: She will also ensure the government coordinates public spending on prevention across federal programs in the Department of Health and Human Services to maximize high-priority prevention. This public-private collaboration would ensure that prevention is pushed outside of the boundaries of the health care system and into schools, workplace, supermarkets and communities through free provision of preventive benefits. It would enlist a new prevention workforce including pharmacists, church leaders and others who can best use funds to ensure 100 percent use of cost-effective prevention.
Increase access to screening tools that have been shown to work. In 2006, the biggest decrease in cancer deaths was instances of colorectal cancer in men and women. This decrease occurred because of increased screening and early treatment. Hillary will:

promote a national education campaign to increase awareness about effective screening, such as mammograms, colorectal screening, and the HPV vaccine;
require group and individual health plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings;
authorize a colorectal cancer early detection and treatment demonstration program to serve at least 2 million low-income, uninsured individuals ages 50-64;
remove Medicare co-pays for colorectal and breast cancer screenings and extend the Welcome to Medicare visit time limit from six months to one year;
fully fund the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; and
invest in research aimed at identifying the molecular and genetic combinations that make people more or less susceptible to different types of cancer. Knowing more about the risks will enable people to alter their lifestyles in ways that could lower their risk of attaining cancer or increase their chances of catching it early.

Help smokers quit and decrease the chances of young people starting to smoke. Most smokers want to quit, but quitting is hard and they need more support. Yet states aren’t dedicating the necessary funds to anti-smoking programs - even though they received substantial funding from the tobacco settlements - and the federal government is still hamstrung in regulatory efforts. Senator Clinton will:

Enable the FDA to restrict advertising of tobacco products to children and stop illegal sales of tobacco products to children by finally enacting the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Most smokers try their first cigarette at age 13 and by 15, are smoking daily even though it is illegal for them to be purchasing cigarettes. By empowering the FDA to regulate tobacco advertising and sales, we can reduce the number of children becoming addicted to this deadly substance.
Promote smoking cessation programs and fund them by increasing the federal excise tax on cigarettes. When the federal tax was implemented in 1960, it accounted for one third of a pack of cigarettes. Today, it makes up only 10 percent. Evidence strongly demonstrates that a higher cigarette tax discourages children and adults from smoking.
Provide coverage for comprehensive smoking cessation in Medicaid.

Put physical education and sports programs back in schools and take the junk food out. Fighting cancer starts with instilling healthy habits in our children. We want the next Lance Armstrong to have access to a bike, a pool, a track, and the time and encouragement to discover his potential. Unfortunately, schools are cutting physical education and recess, cutting back on team sports, and relying increasingly on junk food vending machines to supplement their budgets as a result of inadequate education funding and an intense focus on raising reading and math scores. As President, Hillary will:

increase funding for the Carol White Physical Education program, the only federal program aimed at improving physical education programs in schools, by 50% - $36 million - and ensure that this funding gets to underserved communities with the highest rates of childhood obesity;
implement a healthy schools program that will provide funding for schools that commit to replacing all unhealthy food in schools with healthy food by the year 2012.

Improved Quality of Care for Americans Living with Cancer. One of the greatest challenges facing cancer survivors and their loved ones is the complexity of the system they must navigate in order to obtain the care they need. Survivors often interface with a variety of specialists, face challenging decisions with limited information, and feel enormous stress throughout the treatment process. In order to improve the quality of care for cancer patients, Hillary will:

Provide funding for demonstration programs for comprehensive care and communication models. She will propose $50 million to support the development of comprehensive care and communication plans (plans that let patients know what to expect with respect to their treatment) for patients in underserved areas and those enrolled in Medicare. The plan should outline the care the patient will receive in clear, concise language, and should be revisited at each major transition point in treatment, and when transitioning from active treatment to survivorship. She will fight for Medicare to reimburse health care providers who adopt this type of plan.
Develop patient-friendly decision aids to promote informed patient choice. She will provide $25 million in federal funding to encourage the development of new programs that ensure that patients have access to up-to-date information and tools to help them understand their treatment options and make decisions that reflect their values. Cancer is complex and cancer patients often lack access to basic information about their disease.
Reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. She will provide $50 million in federal funding for the development of culturally and linguistically competent clinical care programs, to ensure that our healthcare providers can communicate with their patients and have training and skills to fully understand and respect cultural differences in the patients they serve.

New "Paperless" Health Information Technology System. Standardized electronic medical records will make possible significant advances in research, detection, treatment, and care over the long-term while empowering doctors and other healthcare providers to communicate electronically, reducing waste and redundancy, and improving safety and quality by reducing medical errors.
Environmental Health Tracking. Hillary will expand the Centers for Disease Control biomonitoring work, establish a nationwide tracking network to help identify connections between disease and environment and develop a response system for addressing public health threats. This plan will enable us to identify the linkage between cancer and other chronic diseases and environmental factors.
Enhanced Support for Survivors. Cancer treatments save lives, but they often have serious side effects and long-term impacts that we don’t yet fully understand. In addition, adolescent and young adult survivors face unique physical and emotional challenges, and there is a paucity of research on how to best treat and support them. As President, Hillary will undertake a federal survivorship initiative to:

Increase our Understanding of Survivor Health. By developing a survivorship study – an epidemiologic tracking of cancer survivors - with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults, we will be able to better understand the long-term health impacts of cancer treatments. We can then factor this information into approach to treating cancers so that we not only save lives, but also improve the quality of life during and after treatment.
Improving Access to Support Groups. The CDC will provide $25 million to community-based groups, in conjunction with the health care institutions providing cancer treatment, to run survivorship support groups that allow cancer survivors to meet with other survivors in their communities and gain the support and information that would not necessarily be provided by health care professionals.
Special focus on young people. Adolescent and young adults diagnosed with cancer face different challenges than older individuals: they may feel more isolated; wrestle with body image and fertility issues; they are more likely to lack health insurance; and they have not yet lived out their dreams. In addition, these are the only age categories that are not experiencing an increase in five year survivor rates. Hillary will dedicate 10% of the funding within the survivorship study to analyzing the long term impact of cancer on adolescents and young adults.

Guaranteed, high quality health care coverage for all. Nearly 45 million Americans lack health insurance and about 16 million more are underinsured. Studies consistently show that those who lack insurance or who are underinsured have higher cancer mortality rates than those with high quality coverage, yet for cancer patients, or those at high risk of obtaining cancer, securing and maintaining high quality insurance can be an uphill battle. One out of every four cancer patients with insurance use up all or most of their life savings while treating their cancer because of the extraordinary costs of cancer drugs. Universal health care with a high quality meaningful prescription drug benefit will help those without insurance and those with underinsurance obtain the treatment they need.

When a campaign comes a calling

Barry Birdwell — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:53:00 GMT

What to do when a campaign comes a calling?

Last night I received a call from the Clinton campaign, and they weren't asking for money? We all have been receiving those phone calls from all the candidates, and committee but his time it was to speak specifically to me. I was called because I am an Edwards delegate. I spoke for about 20 minutes with one of Senator Cinton's staff. I discussed what is most important to me. They are going to gather specific information on where she stands in regards to funding at the NIH and get back to me. So I am now waiting.

No calls from either side yet today

Stay tuned

Breaking News! St Petersburg Times speaks to Florida Edwards Delegates

Barry Birdwell — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:28:00 GMT

Breaking news! As promised this campaign season continues to be exciting. I received a call from a St Petersburg Times reporter asking about my position, now that Senator Edwards has made an endorsement.

Start looking tomorrow at www.sptimes.com for an article about Edwards Delegates. You will find my comments consistent with my communication to you.

Now is your time to provide input to me. When I sit down Senator Clinton and when I sit down with Senator Obama, I want to be able to ask my important questions and your important questions. All in an effort to determine who indeed deserves my support, and ultimately your support. (the "sit down with" statements kind of fall into the previous posts "what if" statements, ha!)

This is really exciting and I look forward to Denver as our country finally gets back on the road to,

Proper investment at the NIH
Health Care for all (bankruptcy due to illness is a national disgrace)
A real living wage for all
A tax policy that is fair to the middle class
Real demonstrative and substantive respect for our veterans
and PEACE!

Get engaged, be engaged, buckle up! It is a ride into a better and brighter future for all Americans

Barry B.. aka super delegate

What's a Florida Edward's Delegate to do?

Barry Birdwell — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:46:00 GMT

What an exciting campaign! This is politics and timing at its best. After her big win in West VA, While Senator Clinton is recording interviews for the talk shows expressing her strength in the middle class; the champion fighter for the middle class, Senator John Edwards comes out with an endorsement of Senator Obama. The landscape and the discussions switch from her big win, to Senator Obama. I am not sure who made the timing decision, weather it was Senator Obama, or Senator Edwards it was brilliant. I'll take the campaign at their word which makes me believe that Senator Edwards decision was only 24-36 hours prior to the announcement.

Where does that leave me an un-seated, shunned, Florida Delegate committed to John Edwards? While I am confident that Senator Obama will have enough delegates to clinch the nomination before the convention, just for fun lets have a "what if" discussion.

What if we get to the convention without a candidate that has enough delegates to clinch the nomination?

What if Florida gets a full delegation based upon the January 29th primary results?

Does Senator Edwards’s endorsement of Senator Obama mean that his delegates are now Obama delegates? NO! I committed my delegate vote to John Edwards and I am bound to that commitment....until....

1) Senator Edwards "releases" his delegates which allow them to vote for any remaining candidate.
Or
2) After the first round of voting on the convention floor, which includes the super delegates, and if there is still no candidate with the delegates needed to clinch the nomination. Should this happen, all delegates regardless of their commitment, can now vote anyway the wish in order to end the deadlock and nominate a candidate.

Scenario #1 is particularly interesting, should Senator Edwards release his delegates, which he will, and should Florida get a full delegation, which is doubtful, but if this does happen, you might as well call all Edwards delegates "Super Delegates." Their ability to vote for either candidate gives them the same influence as the group the media has been referring to as Super Delegates. FYI the true term within the DNC is "Charter Delegates" Not "Super Delegates." If this scenario does develop, you can bet I'll be approached by both campaigns. If that happens, I will review their policy papers and they better include appropriate focus on funding at the National Institute of Health. What are your issues/concerns? Send them to me and I'll ask the questions.

Ok, back to reality..

What is really on the front for me. The DNC rules and bylaws committee is meeting on May 31, and I expect some kind of ruling that will include Florida. What will it be? Honestly it could be anything from I get seated as an Edwards Delegate with a full vote, or maybe a half vote, or maybe I'll be excluded and not allowed to attend because of a penalty that reduces the number of delegates, or maybe I'll get sit on the floor but not allowed to vote.

There was to be a full delegation meeting in Tampa this upcoming weekend that has now been postponed until Mid-June in Fort Lauderdale. I'll keep you posted.

Please remember do not let anyone tell you their vote does not count. Just look what we have been through the last eight years, votes count and not voting hurts much more.

VOTE!

Peace out!

Barry B

What makes a great team?

Barry Birdwell — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:28:00 GMT

It looks like sparing will soon be over.
No more, who you going to call at 3:00 a.m. ?
No more, reverend crackpot.
No more, sniper fire.
No more, distracting questions.

So when will she suspend her campaign? My guess is that Senator Clinton will use the coming weeks to instill an air of unity. The air will be much different than the previous months of campaign competition. The democratic voters have spoken, the super delegates are listening and the choice is all but been made official. I predict somewhere around June 7 Senator Clinton will concede and it will be official, I will be heading to Denver with a nominee.

Competition turned toward cooperation is where we are headed.

If you listen you will hear more and more words from both candidates shifting toward "no matter who gets the nomination, I will support the candidate." Words like "my opponent is a great leader" and other unifying statements.

On one of the morning shows today, Senator Clinton's Campaign manager even dropped a slight comment of the possibility of a combined ticket being a real option.

Right now I am visualizing myself at the convention listening to Barack Obama on Thursday August 28th giving his "I accept your nomination" speech. I want to know, who will speak on Wednesday night? It is usually the presumed Vice Presidential Nominee. Will it be Governor Bill Richardson, will it be Senator Clinton, someone else? What is your prediction?

My prediction is, it will be a great team, regardless. Maybe not the "two-for" some wanted, but a winning "two-for" is in our future.

Barack now must focus on stopping the policies of George W for continuing a third term. Many people want to think McCain is a change agent, but in reality, they are frightened of change. They find it hard to believe that things can really get better. Barack must expose in great detail, there is little difference between McCain and Bush. Where there is it is very rarely, if ever, a positive step towards the things that are important to me.

A real living wage for everyone
Health care for everyone
PEACE

What makes a great team? I say, inspiration and experience makes a great team. I have seen a lot of this in this campaign. Now a move toward unity is the experience that inspires. It puts the change in motion for, a real living wage for everyone, health care for everyone and PEACE.

On to Denver!
Barry B

What I expect to do at the convention

Barry Birdwell — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:05:00 GMT

I hear a typical day begins with a state delegation breakfast meeting. We hear from Florida's Democratic leaders and special guests including national figures and campaign surrogates. THIS IS WHERE I GET MY ACTUAL and Official credentials for each day’s Convention proceedings.

The rest of the day is filled with caucus meetings and training sessions. The Convention proceedings begin in mid-to-late afternoon each day.

Convention Proceedings

Monday: DNC Chairman Governor Howard Dean takes the gavel and acts as the Temporary Chair of the 2008 Convention and calls the Convention to order . The first item of business is the report of the Credentials Committee, which will resolve all questions concerning the seating of delegates. I fully expect there to be some notice of the Florida Delegation during this part of the Convention, hopefully it will be a welcoming of the delegation. So far we have been shunned. In some society's this is the most severe type of punishment. Let's hope all this crap is over and the welcoming allows us with like minds to begin our love fest!

The second item of business is the report of the Rules Committee. Among its responsibilities, the Rules Committee will recommend the permanent convention officers, including the Permanent Convention Chair. Following approval of the Rules Committee report by Convention delegates, Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes the gavel as the Permanent Convention Chair. The keynote address has typically been on Monday evenings.

Past Key Note speakers

1984 in San Francisco; Mario Cuomo and Jesse Jackson tore the roof off.

1988 in Atlanta; Ann Richards, said George Bush was "born with a silver foot in his mouth."

1992 in Madison Square Garden; the Man from Hope, Ak launched his campaign for the forgotten middle class.

1996 in Chicago; President Clinton stated we needed a "bridge to the 21st Century."

2000 in Los Angeles; Al Gore lit the way toward "a better, fairer, more prosperous America"

2004 in Boston; the keynote address was given by a spellbinding young state senator from Illinois with an unusual name and an uncanny gift for oratory.

2008 in Denver; the key note address will pave the way for either the first African American, or the first Women nominee is history. It truly is history in the making. I must admit, the thought of what will come is making me a bit giddy!

Tuesday: the Convention features debate and discussion of the Party’s proposed National Platform.

Wednesday: includes the formal presidential nominating process with nominating and seconding speeches for presidential candidates being given. The alphabetical roll call of states and territories by the Convention Secretary and often the Party’s presumptive vice presidential candidate speaks.

Thursday: The final day of the Convention; we nominate the vice presidential candidate. The Convention concludes with the acceptance speech of the Party’s presidential nominee. A.K.A THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

peace Barry

Latest on the Road to Denver

Barry Birdwell — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:39:00 GMT

I have listed below the talking points of a recent correspondence from a Florida Democratic party member who is representing us on a national level. Where it sits now is that the appeals are continuing, however the most promising news is that ALL agree that Florida should be represented in some way at the convention, and a Hotel has been assigned for the Florida delegation.

I will be attending a meeting in Tampa in a few weeks. All the Florida Delegates are invited to this meeting. I hope to get some good and exciting news there. I also expect more details of how this thing will shake out. At any level this is an historic year. Stay involved and make your voices heard.

Here is a synopsis of my most recent information from the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) leaders.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC), have called a meeting of the DNC RBC for Saturday, 31 May 2008, to hear and decide the two appeals filed from Florida.
one, the Charter of the Democratic Party of the United States contains language stating persons holding certain positions (DNC Members, US Senators, US Representatives, DNC Officers, former DNC Chairs, etc.) Shall be delegates (a.k.a SUPER delegate) to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
two, the appropriate penalty for a state violating the timing rule (Rule 11 of the Delegate Selection Rules) is contained in Rule 20.C.1 which states a timing violation shall result in a 50% reduction in the pledged delegates (not 49%, not 51% and certainly not 100%).
Independent polling in Florida, previously sent out, clearly indicates that Floridians are very concerned about the 100% penalty. Over 62% of Florida Democrats believe that the appeals should be granted and that a 50% penalty is appropriate.
The arguments in appeals filed on behalf of Florida accept that fact that a penalty for the timing violation is appropriate and should be imposed. However, the penalty should have been 50% of the pledged delegates, not 100% of the entire delegation.
The whole reason for the penalty was that Florida held its primary before first four states designated by the DNC, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. The reason these states go first is to give candidates a forum where they can campaign in an "affordable" manner. It is important that they can launch their national campaigns without the need to have raised the BIG dollars that are afford other well connected candidates. This goal was achieved
Florida has been shunned and in some societies that is one of the most severe penalties that can be imposed. We would like to be welcomed back into the Democratic community. We want take the fight to Republican John McCain and his plans to continue Bush’s war in Iraq and failed domestic policies.

I look forward to moving past this issue and on to Denver!

Barry