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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 10:40 AM
Original message
Clark stumping for Boswell today in Iowa
General Clark has endorsed Rep. Leonard Boswell for reelection in IA-03, a seat that has been targeted by the Republicans and where Clark expects to be the focus of swiftboating attacks against the Democratic incumbent. Boswell and Clark will be speaking in the State Capital Rotunda in DesMoines on the need for better post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) services for troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. On Saturday, Clark will speak at a fundraiser for the Hawkeye Labor Council in Cedar Rapids.

General Clark sent the following email to his supporters yesterday:

Tomorrow, I am going to Iowa to campaign for Leonard Boswell, a respected Democratic Congressman and a veteran who may well be the next target of Republican swift boat attacks.

Leonard's seat in Iowa is the number one takeover target for Republicans in the House of Representatives this November. We need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him to defend this critical seat.

This is my first trip to Iowa this year, and I'm asking you to send a message. Show Leonard Boswell and all Iowans that the Clark community is ready to help them fight back against Republican attacks.

Please contribute to Leonard's campaign today!

The single most important task for Democrats this year is to take back Congress, and that goal is clearly within reach. But we need to work together to make it happen -- and the best way to start is by helping Leonard hold on to his House seat.

Leonard Boswell is an American hero. A career soldier, he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, the Soldier's Medal, and numerous other awards. Now, he sits on the House Intelligence Committee, providing valuable oversight and guidance for the war on terror.

We have all seen the despicable strategy Republicans use when they face genuine American heroes like John Kerry, Max Cleland, or John Murtha: They attack their patriotism and smear their good names.

Well we can't let the Republicans do the same thing to Leonard Boswell.


Donate to Leonard Boswell's campaign today. Stand up for this good man, and do your part to help the Democrats take back the House this November.

Unfortunately, we can expect the worst from Boswell's opponent, Jeff Lamberti. He is an advisor to a radical right-wing group that worked with the Swift Boat Veterans to smear John Kerry. They called Iowa's decent and hardworking senator, Tom Harkin, "communist loving."

If you can judge a man by the company he keeps, then Lamberti should give us all pause. He has hired one of Tom DeLay's consultants to be his political advisor. If he is elected, you can be sure we will never see an end to the culture of corruption in Washington. And that's completely unacceptable.


I'm going to Iowa tomorrow to help Leonard Boswell. But you can help Leonard today.


Please contribute to Leonard Boswell's campaign now!

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

P.S. When I see Leonard in Iowa on Friday, I want to be able to show him that he has the full support of the Clark community. A contribution of $25, $50, or whatever you can afford will send that message. Please donate to Leonard's campaign now – before my trip to Iowa on Friday!
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Clark2008 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 10:47 AM
Response to Original message
1. Did you see the full-page ad in the Cedar Rapids newspaper?
It's GORGEOUS!

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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 10:52 AM
Response to Reply #1
2. How great!
No, I hadn't seen that :D
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KittyWampus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 12:16 PM
Response to Reply #1
12. Like how it's "old fashioned"
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 12:42 PM
Response to Reply #1
13. Gosh, that one in the middle looks just like a President!
Well anyways......guess I'll have to dig up some cash from somewheres.....sounds like a "cause" to me!
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Liberal Dose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 12:55 PM
Response to Reply #1
14. Wes is hot. There. I said it. If he turned that megawatt smile on me, I
don't know what I'd do. Probably turn into a stammering idiot right before I melted. Like butta.

:blush:
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Texas_Kat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 01:06 PM
Response to Reply #14
16. It happens to most... the first time they meet him
Stuttering and stammering a little.

The most amazing thing though.... Clark never looks away while you're trying to remind yourself what you intended to say. He always waits to hear what you wanted to talk about ... then answers.

Apparently, the smile thing not a new phenomena.

From a poster at CCN:

circa 1990....."all the secretarys on Fort Irwin were fascinated by the "movie star" looking Colonel that had just been made the Commander of Fort Irwin, National Training Center, lol, I knew him when...."
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Liberal Dose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 01:16 PM
Response to Reply #16
18.  (sigh) n/t
Edited on Fri May-12-06 01:16 PM by Mzztakable
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 01:27 PM
Response to Reply #14
19. I like his eyes the best....cause they are not squinty or weasel like....
and in fact are quite large and an odd color....like dark violet blue (His eye color is similar to Liz Taylor's).

I was a bit intimidated the first time I met him.....but not anymore. I call him Wes now, and never hesitate in approaching him and asking him what I need an answer to.

Last time I saw him, last month at a fundraiser for a 2006 candidate in the Bay Area, he held my hand for what seemed For-E-ver to me ....while he speaking to my table. Lady next to me who wasn't a supporter per-se...said something to the effect; That's a real handsome man!

I really do feel like I know him personally at this point. Feel like I could invite him over to dinner....and that he would certainly entertain the thought. Of course, the beautiful dynamic Gert would be invited too....after-all, I am a married woman! :blush: LOL!
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Texas_Kat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:02 PM
Response to Reply #19
22. From the looks of this photo, Frenchie...
Edited on Fri May-12-06 02:03 PM by Texas_Kat
I'd say you'd have to.

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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:14 PM
Response to Reply #22
24. Hey Texas-Kat....what photo is that?....All I can see is a square w/t an X
and now I'm curious, and all!
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Clark2008 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:39 PM
Response to Reply #24
26. It's that picture of Wes and Gert dancing where Gert
is smiling at the camera and Wes is all goo-goo eyes at her.

:loveya:
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:50 PM
Response to Reply #26
28. Oh yeah........
That pic really shows the intense "passion" in that relationship, after all of these years.....which is not something all couples can exude to the point of where it can be "felt" by those viewing a single photo shot!

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Texas_Kat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:50 PM
Response to Reply #24
27. here's a link to the page it's on
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Stan Davis Donating Member (22 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 10:53 AM
Response to Original message
3. Wish I could be there
Wish I could be there, but the drive is a bit long from Denver.

This is the first of several stops Gen. Clark has planned in Iowa. He was in New Hampshire earlier this week.

Hmmm...

Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:03 AM
Response to Reply #3
4. Heh, Stan
Your sig's a little old ;)
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Tom Rinaldo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:04 AM
Response to Reply #3
6. Yes, Iowa and NH lol, but Clark is working the trenches everywhere
Not just where the media will talk about his potential 2008 chances. He's worked for Democrats in Alabama, and in Texas, and in Main, and in California, and in North Dakota, and Oklahoma, and Florida...
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Clark2008 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:38 PM
Response to Reply #6
25. He'll be speaking at the Tennessee Democratic Party's
Jackson Day Dinner in Nashville on June 24 - and I'm going! :woohoo:
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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 03:08 PM
Response to Reply #25
30. Lucky stiff
:D
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IA_Seth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:03 AM
Response to Original message
5. Info on the Cedar Rapids event....
Edited on Fri May-12-06 11:06 AM by IA_Seth
In case anyone IS interested, here is some additional information...

He will also be at a local coffee house beforehand doing a podcast.

PM or reply if you are interested and need more info.

ON EDIT: The guy to the left of Clark in the picture, Dave Loebsack, is really bringing the heat on Iowa's embarassment, Jim Leach, in his quest towards Congress. Help him out if you can here: http://www.loebsackforcongress.org/contribute/

Any little bit will help turn Iowa the blue it should be.


-----------------
Hey, Dems! It's not too late to purchase tickets to the Workers for a
Better
Iowa Fund Raiser!

Be at the Teamsters Hall, 5000 J Street SE, Cedar Rapids this Saturday
evening
at 5:30 pm for this truly great event sponsored by the good folks over
at
the Hawkeye Labor Council.

The featured speaker for the evening will be General Wesley Clark. The
event
will also include speeches from two great Democrats campaigning for
public
office this year: Gubernatorial candidate Mike Blouin and congressional
candidate
Dave Loebsack.

Now, I'm quoting the Hawkeye Labor Council here directly from their
flyer.
There's going to be "Free Beer -- Good Food, Musical Entertainment,
(and
a) Silent Auction." And if that wasn't enough, Hawkeye Labor is also
raffling
off a Maytag "ICE 2-0" Refrigerator, a COOL little item valued at
$2500.
The drawing for the refrigerator will be at the conclusion of the
evening.


Event Tickets are just $25. Pick them up at the Hawkeye Labor Council,
1211
Wiley Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, 319.396.8461 or at the Teamsters Hall or
at
locat union offices.

Thanks so much, Dems, and we'll see you at the Workers for a Better
Iowa
Fund Raiser!

sincerely,

Mike Robinson, Chairman
Linn County Democratic Central Committee

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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:13 AM
Response to Reply #5
7. Thanks
I was hoping for more info on that event :hi:
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SharonAnn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 09:50 PM
Response to Reply #5
37. Sigh! My home town area. Wish I could be there.
Grew up in Waterloo, IA. It's about 60 miles from Cedar Rapids.
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Tom Rinaldo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:14 AM
Response to Original message
8. The thing is we can't afford to take Iowa for granted anymore
The Republicans have worked hard to steal all of Iowa away from the Democratic column, just like they've been trying to do in Wisconsin. Iowa ended up in Bush's pocket in 2008. Boswell was the only Democrat running in Iowa's 5 Congressional Districts who won in 2004.
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IA_Seth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:21 AM
Response to Reply #8
9. All the more reason...
To donate to one of the fine Congressional candidates we plan to send to Washington this fall. You can help the one without a primary here: http://www.loebsackforcongress.org/contribute

Iowa's First Congressional District has a primary going now that will be wrapped up the beginning of June, but by all reports we seem to have firm handle on painting the eastern side of Iowa blue!

(the first district is the seat vacated by the scumbag Jim Nussle, who is trying to run for Governor)
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JNelson6563 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 11:39 AM
Response to Original message
10. Great news!
This is important and I am glad to see Clark in the trenches with us for 06. Great letter from him BTW. Good stuff.

:toast:
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Tom Rinaldo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
11. It literally creeps me out
...that Republicans keep returning to the Delay and Swiftboater well for political inspiration. They utterly have no shame. This has to be turned so decidedly against them that they run away to lick their wounds with their tails tucked between their legs.

Here is our chance to bury the Rove/Delay/Swiftboater School of Politics. It gives me all the reason I need to key in on Boswell's race.
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wryter2000 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 12:57 PM
Response to Original message
15. How is Boswell?
I heard a while back he was sick. Is he better now?
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IA_Seth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 01:07 PM
Response to Reply #15
17. Recovering...
And ready to keep the seat in the hands of the good guys!

I really can't tell you specifically what his condition is, as I think they keep it under wraps a little. He is healthy enough to serve anyway.

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wryter2000 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 01:51 PM
Response to Reply #17
21. Thanks
I just wanted to know he's okay or getting better.

I sent him some money back in 2000 when Howard Dean asked me to. I always think of Boswell as mine, even though I live in CA.
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CarolNYC Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 01:35 PM
Response to Original message
20. From The DesMoines Register....
Pair help Iraq veterans 'survive peace'
An Iowa couple's son killed himself while suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 'We can't ignore the others,' they say.

Grundy Center, Ia. — The secrets that troubled veterans confide to Randy and Ellen Omvig weigh heavily on their shoulders.

Their son, Joshua, a 22-year-old Iraq veteran, was so anxious to clear his mind of the trauma of war that he killed himself in front of his screaming mother. A Web site they created in his memory has become a whispering wall of sorts, a safe place where other soldiers confess their silent suffering.

"It's been hundreds a day - so many heartbreaking stories," Ellen Omvig said, holding on her lap the note her son left, explaining his own torment. "It's like the same story over and over again, just different names, different towns. A lot of them will make you cry, there's so much pain."

The Omvigs, of Grundy Center, will be at the State Capitol Rotunda today with Congressman Leonard Boswell and Gen. Wesley Clark, who will speak at 3:30 p.m. on the need for better services for troops with post-traumatic stress disorder, returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"You know the phrase you've got to be careful of?" Randy Omvig said. He paused, his breathing ragged. "When they say: 'I'm fine. I can handle it.' That means: 'I'm having trouble.' "

Go here for more....It's really sad. :(
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060512/NEWS08/605120397/1001/NEWS
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Adelante Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:07 PM
Response to Reply #20
23. How very sad
:cry:
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 02:54 PM
Response to Reply #20
29. How terribly dreadful.....to see one's son ......What a nightmare!
I don't know how I could deal with that!
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Sparkly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 03:21 PM
Response to Reply #20
31. Tragic!!
:cry:

And now they're helping others... I'm glad Boswell and Clark are helping bring the issue to light.

Terribly, terribly sad. I can't imagine what his mother has gone through.
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FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 04:53 PM
Response to Reply #20
32. I wrote the article author a letter.....
Thank you for reporting on the tragic story experienced by the Omvigs and their son. It was a service rendered close to Mother's Day to remind us of the consequences of war, and the humanity impacted by this elected conflict.

I salute the Omvigs for doing what they "have" to do in their son's name; and I applaud those few Democrats who back in 2002, had the fortitude and insight to advocate that this Iraq invasion would be nothing more a strategic blunder of yet to be measured magnitude; such as General Clark. His is the kind of leadership that I have come to appreciate; Leaders that stand when everyone else is sitting.

Pandora's box is open, and even the lid being shut closed today will not reclaim the demons let out, some of which must have been the cause of the Omvigs' child untimely death.

I will pray for Mr. and Mrs. Omvigs, knowing that they understand that coming forward with their story means that their young soldier son will not have died in vain.

President Bush needs another plan for Iraq, because his is not working, including how under his watch, our brave soldiers are being failed by their own government.

Thousands of mistakes were made in Iraq, according to Sec. of State Rice. Unfortunately, many of those mistakes are not being addressed nor rectified by the current administration nor by the majority party currently holding power of our congress.

I will do what I can to insure the return of a two party system working in congress for those important checks and balance that our constitution specifically intended. It is all of our patriotic duty to do so.

Respectfully,


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wiley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 05:40 PM
Response to Reply #32
33. I sent money
and my prayers.

Great letter.

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Frustratedlady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 06:08 PM
Response to Reply #32
34. Amen! Great letter.
I have contributed what little I can to Boswell. I've never met the man, but do receive correspondence from him and he seems very sincere. I've never heard any negatives but sure have heard a lot of positives.

I will not forget the horror Mrs. Omvig must have gone through that horrible day. Bless them all.
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Donna Zen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 07:07 PM
Response to Reply #20
35. Wes Clark and Bob Herbert (NYT)
At the conference on Vietnam and Presidency, Bob Herbert told the story of his two high school friends who did their time in 'Nam. One never made it back. The other friend returned to his life with his new wife and baby, but his life would only last another year before he too became a victim of war. After months of silent suffering, he shot himself.

Clark leaned forward and reminded all of us, that young kids looking out through a tank barrel at others humans pull the trigger to find themselves staring at bits and pieces. He said that the images stay with a person, sometimes for years. And sometimes the memory is more than one can live with. He said that today we have thousands of soldiers caught in this grip, and that we who sent them need to help them.

Both men agreed that the resulting suicides died in the war just as surely as if their bodies fell on the battlefield.

It is my understanding from this morning's news, that the bush Pentagon is currently treating about a fourth of those who have been identified as showing signs of PTSD. I guess those millionaire tax-cuts are more important.
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CarolNYC Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 10:31 PM
Response to Reply #35
38. Couple of stories
I believe Wes spoke of this experience at the Vietnam Conference also...

"Former Democratic presidential hopeful Wesley Clark is warning that soldiers returning from the Middle East should get more help in coping with delayed stress symptoms. The retired Army general and NATO commander was at the Statehouse today, joining veterans and Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell in promoting the dangers of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Clark and Boswell want more money spent on treating the disorder, which affects nearly 20 percent of troops returning from Iraq.

Clark related his own story of delayed stress surfacing years after he was wounded in the Vietnam War in 1970. It took nine years before he could purge himself of repressed feelings -- a revelation that came as he was shaving one morning. He says all of a sudden he felt anger and guilt that the enemy had shot him and he didn't shoot him back.

Clark says the war in Iraq has been particularly difficult because there aren't clear battle lines, and troops who are doing traditional support duty often find themselves in violent situations."

http://www.woi-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4898415&nav=1LFX

And another story about the Omvigs....They are very courageous....
http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2006/05/12/latest_news/doc4464be777e1e4436995410.txt
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Donna Zen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat May-13-06 05:56 AM
Response to Reply #38
39. Herbert at the conference
During the exchange on PTSD, Bob Herbert mused about the ages of the dead represented on the Wall. They were so young. He asked the audience--which included Kissinger--what if the ghosts of the fallen suddenly entered the back door and walked down the aisle, how would they answer the question: was 'Nam worth it?"

Also, at one point, General Clark said that the Vietnam was an "elective" war, just like Iraq. In our upside-down world, we who "elect" not to go are the same people who "elect" to help those who need us once they return. While those who chose to send the troops, only to turn away when the broken return, are the same people who want to label us "unpatriotic" leftists.

You know what this is? This is a sin.

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tishaLA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri May-12-06 07:42 PM
Response to Original message
36. Go Clark!
I got an email from him yesterday--maybe Wednesday?--and it had "It Starts in Iowa" in the subject line. I admit I had some atrial fibrillation problems when I read that.
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Totally Committed Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat May-13-06 08:05 AM
Response to Original message
40. Glad to see Wes out there,
taking care of '06 business... especially like this.

TC
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