Thursday, June 29, 2006

The LuLac Edition #39, June 30th, 2006

























PICTURE INDEX: Senators Santorum and Specter, Entercom Communications Shadoe Steele, Senator Santorum, WILK'S Rob Nyehard and Joe Thomas, WILK'S Sue Henry, Congressman Paul Kanjorski, WILK'S Nancy Kman and Kevin Lynn, Wilkes Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, Governor Ed Rendell, and Luzerne County Commissioners Steve Urban, Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid.


TO ALL PICTURED ON THIS EDITION OF THE LULAC POLITICAL LETTER, FOR YOUR DEDICATED AND UNSELFISH WORK IN THE FLOOD CRISIS THIS WEEK, WE SIMPLY SAY:

"WELL DONE!!!!!!"

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

The LuLac Editon #40, July 3, 2006

























Picture Index: Old Glory, 1776 playbill, map of original 13 colonies, the flag and Statue Of Liberty, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Frank Sinatra and Benjamin Franklin.


IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776---The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred. to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

THE SIGNERS
— John Hancock
New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts:John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut:Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York:William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey:Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania:Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware:Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland:Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina:William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina:Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia:Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

FRANK SINATRA'S "The House I Live In".

Track Title: The House I Live InAlbum Title: The Columbia Years, 1943-1952, Vol. 3 Prime Artist: Frank SinatraOriginally made famous by: Earl RobinsonWritten by: Lewis AllenWritten by: Earl Robinson From the Film: The House I Live In 1945 (M)

Lyrics:INTRO: What is America to me? A name, a map, or a flag I see? A certain word, "democracy"? What is America to me? The house I live in, a plot of earth, a streetThe grocer and the butcher, and the people that I meetThe children in the playground, the faces that I seeAll races and religions, that's America to me The place I work in, the worker by my sideThe little town or city where my people lived and diedThe "howdy" and the handshake, the air of feeling freeAnd the right to speak my mind out, that's America to me The things I see about me, the big things and the small The little corner newsstand and the house a mile tall The wedding in the churchyard, the laughter and the tearsThe dream that's been a-growin' for a hundred and fifty years The town I live in, the street, the house, the roomThe pavement of the city, or a garden all in bloomThe church, the school, the clubhouse, the millions lights I see, But especially the people----That's America to me.

THE PLAY 1776

Original stage productionThe original Broadway production of 1776 opened on March 16, 1969 at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) and closed on February 13, 1972 after 1217 performances. In its three year run, it would play in three different theatres: the 46th Street, the St. James Theatre (1970) and, finally, the Majestic Theatre (1971).The show was lauded at the 1969 Tony Awards, where it was nominated for five awards and won three: Best Musical; Best Featured Actor in a Musical (for Ronald Holgate as Richard Henry Lee), and Best Direction of a Musical. It was also nominated for the Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (for Virginia Vestoff as Abigail Adams) and for Best Scenic Design. 1776 also won the 1969 Theatre World Award and two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Book and Outstanding Costume Design.Many members of the original Broadway cast reprised their roles for the film. Both the stage version and the movie feature William Daniels as John Adams, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, and Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin. (Rex Everhart replaced Da Silva on the original Broadway cast album.) Betty Buckley played Martha Jefferson in the original stage production, while that role featured Blythe Danner in the film.This musical was nominated for 5 Tony Awards and won 3.[edit]Revival1776 was revived by the Roundabout Theatre Company in 1997, with Brent Spiner as Adams, Pat Hingle as Franklin, and Paul Michael Vallee as Jefferson. It played a limited engagement at the Roundabout's home theatre, the Criterion Center, before transferring to the Gershwin Theatre for a commercial run.The revival was nominated for the Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (for Gregg Edelman as Edward Rutledge). Edelman won a 1998 Drama Desk Award for his work as Rutledge; the show also received Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Revival, Outstanding Direction (Ellis) and Outstanding Actor (Spiner).Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.[edit]PlotAlthough it tells the story of what happened at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 leading up to the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and it accurately portrays the serious personal and political issues at stake -- frequently in the characters' own words, written by them at the time -- it remains a musical comedy. The play has often been criticized for straining too hard for historical accuracy instead of exercising literary license when that would help the plot or presentation along.

[edit]Scene OneMay 8, 1776. Philadelphia. As the Second Continental Congress proceeds with its business, the weather becomes increasingly hot, humid and as unbearable as the irascible Delegate of Massachusetts, John Adams. Each of his proposals on independency have not even been given "the courtesy of open debate." The other delegates, sickened of his constant arguing, implore him, For God's Sake, John, Sit Down. Adams complains that Congress has done nothing in the year-and-a-half in which they've been convened but to Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve. Angered at the latest debate regarding the merits of compensation regarding a dead mule, Adams flees the chamber and reads the latest missive from his darling Abigail, whom he has conjured as a figment of his imagination. She asks that he simply "tell the Congress to declare Independency, then sign your name, get out of there, and hurry home to me." He asks if she's succeeded in his charge to make saltpeter, and she responds by telling him that not only has he neglected to tell them how saltpetre is made, that the women have no intention of doing so until they receive straight pins. Till Then, they pledge their love to each other and Abigail disappears. The delegates tell him, again, to sit down and shut up, and he goes of in search of Dr. Benjamin Franklin

[edit]Scene Two Adams finds Franklin sitting for his portrait ("The man's no Botticelli." "And the subject's no Venus."). Adams bemoans the failure of his arguments for Independence, and Franklin reminds him that no colony has ever attempted to break away from its parent country before. He explains that Adams is obnoxious and disliked by the members of Congress, and, perhaps the resolution would have more success if proposed by someone else - someone neither obnoxious nor disliked. Richard Henry Lee, delegate from Virginia, enters. Lee explains that, by the simple heritage of his good name of The Lees of Old Virginia, he is the best man for the job.

[edit]Scene Three June 7, 1776. A new delegate from Georgia, Dr. Lyman Hall, enters the Congressional Chamber and is greeted by McNair, the Congressional Custodian. He is introduced to the entering delegates, each of whom enquire of Georgia's stance on Independence. He evades an answer as Franklin and Adams return to the chamber. Adams, who has been uncharacteristically silent while waiting for Lee's return with his resolution from the House of Burgesses, is teased by the other delegates. John Hancock, President of the Congress, and Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Congress, take their respective places. Hancock gavels the 380th meeting of the Congress to order.Before introducing Hall to the rest of the delegates, Hancock's first order of business is to shut off the store of rum to the delegate from Rhode Island, Stephen Hopkins. Thomson notes that all members of Congress are accounted for save the New Jersey delegation. ("Where is New Jersey?" "Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania.") Hancock asks Franklin if he knows the reason for their continued absence, as his son, William, is the Royal Governor. Franklin informs Congress that he and his son have stopped speaking due to their differences over the issue of Independence. Hancock asks Thomas Jefferson for the weather report. He announces that it is 87 "very humid degrees", and Jefferson announces that he is leaving for Virgina that night.Thomson receives a communiqué from George Washington, the Commander of the Army of the United Colonies. Washington fears that his exhausted and under-equipped troops will be ineffective at stopping a large force of British soldiers from attacking New York, a move that would separate New England from the other colonies. Colonel Thomas McKean, of Delaware, grumbles that Washington's letters are always gloomy and depressing. Hancock opens the floor to new resolutions, and as Josiah Bartlett of New Hampshire is reading a resolution discouraging extravagance, Richard Henry Lee lavishly canters into the chamber. Lee reads his resolution into the record and it is seconded by Adams.Hancock calls for debate on the resolution, and John Dickinson of Pennsylvania moves to indefinitely postpone the question of Independence. George Read, also of Delaware, seconds the motion and the Congress votes on Dickinson's motion. New York abstains, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, and Virginia vote to open debate, while Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Georgia vote for postponement, leaving the deciding vote to Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island, who is "in the necessary". ("Rhode Island passes.") He returns in time to vote in favor of debate, stating that he'd "never seen, heard, nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about."The most vocal of the delegates state their postions: Dickinson is against revolt and rebellion, but in favor of petitioning King George on their grievances. Adams and Franklin argue that the colonists have not been granted the full rights of Englishmen (Franklin: "Nor would I [object to being called an Englishman], were I given the full rights of an Englishman. But to call me one without those rights is like calling an ox a bull. He's thankful for the honor, but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his." Dickinson: "When did you first notice them missing, sir?") and that it is too late for reconciliation - a year has passed since the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Carolina delegates are worried that the rights of the individual states would be subsumed by a strong federation.As the argument between the delegates grows more heated, Caesar Rodney of Delaware, who has cancer, collapses, and Col. McKean offers to take him back home. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina sees the majority swinging in his favor and moves to vote on Independence. Franklin seeks to stall the motion, and asks that the resolution be read allowed again. As Thomson is reading it, the New Jersey delegation arrives, led by Rev. John Witherspoon. He informs the Congress that he has been instructed to vote in favor of Independence. The vote is now six for Independence and six against (with New York's usual abstention), and Adams reminds Hancock of his duty as President to break all ties. Seeing that the resolution might pass, Dickinson moves that any vote for Independence must pass unanimously. His motion is seconded, and the vote produces the same tie, which Hancock breaks by voting for unanimity.The vote for Independence is called again, and Adams calls for a postponement. He expresses the need for time to compose some sort of declaration defining the reasons for Independence. The motion is seconded; during the debate, Jefferson breaks his silence in favor of a declaration "to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent." The vote is called, producing yet another tie. Hancock breaks the tie by voting in favor of postponement, choosing Adams, Franklin, Lee, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and Robert Livingston of New York to draft the Declaration. Hancock announces that it must be written, debated, and passed by the beginning of July - a mere three weeks away. Lee declines and Hancock, almost as an afterthought, appoints Jefferson in his place. Hancock adjourns the session as Jefferson complains that he must go home to his wife.The Committee of Five argues about on whom the task of writing the Declaration should devolve (But, Mr. Adams). Franklin suggests that Adams write it, but he declines, reminding Franklin that he is "obnxious and disliked" and that anything he writes is bound to be rejected by the other delegates. Adams suggests Franklin, as he is an acomplished writer and printer. Franklin argues "The things I write are only light extemporanea. I won't put politics on paper; it's a mania. I refuse to use the pen in Pennsylvania." Adams turns to Sherman who claims that he's not a writer at all, declaring "I do not know a participle from a predicate; I'm just a simple cobbler from Connecticut." Livingston, in turn, declines, as he must return to New York to celebrate the birth of his son. Adams finally turns to Jefferson, praises his writing, and quotes a passage of The Necessity for Taking Up Arms, saying "For a man of only thirty-three years, you possess a happy talent of composition and a remarkable felicity of expression." Jefferson still tries to decline, and Adams threatens him with physical force, thrusting the quill into his hand. The other four leave as Jefferson skulks back to his quarters with his pen.

[edit]Scene Four A week later. Adams and Franklin visit Jefferson to check on his progress to find that there has, in fact, been none. Jefferson has spent the week moping and lovelorn, but is brightened when his beloved Martha enters. Adams has sent for her, and the two older gentlemen leave them alone.Adams, again, exchanges letters with his wife, Abigail; she wonders why he hasn't sent for her. He asks her to come to Philadelphia, and she declines, informing him that his children are riddled with disease. They pledge each other to be eternally Yours, Yours, Yours.Martha finally opens the shutters, and the two gentlemen ask her how a man as silent as Jefferson won a woman as lovely as she. She tells them that she loves him because He Plays the Violin. The three of them dance, and Jefferson enters to return Martha back to his loft. Franklin and Adams hail the stateliness of the fiddler.

[edit]Scene Five June 22, 1776. Congress has reconvened. Delegates read, talk, eat, and sleep in the chamber as various committees are called to deal with Congressional correspondence, counterfeit money, military defeat in Canada, and intrigue. Another letter is received from General Washington. He reports that the troops are in a sad state, afflicted with venereal disease and alcoholism. He implores the Congress to send a War Committee to New Jersey to boost morale. As Adams, Franklin, and Samuel Chase leave for New Jersey ("Wake up, Franklin! You're going to New Brunswick!" "Like hell I am! What for?" "The whoring and the drinking!"), the delegates in favor of Independence also leave. Dickinson and the Conservatives dance a minuet and sing of their caution, their desire to hold onto their wealth ("Don't forget that most men without property would rather protect the possibility of becoming rich than face the reality of being poor.") and remain Cool, Cool Considerate Men.The delegates depart, leaving McNair, the courier and a workman in the Chamber. The workman asks the courier from Massachusetts if he's seen any fighting, and the courier replies that his two closest friends were killed on the same day. He sings the stirring Momma, Look Sharp.

[edit]Scene Six Jefferson is outside the chamber as Hancock orders Thomson to read the Declaration. Adams and Franklin enter and congratulate Jefferson on the excellence of the document, and Franklin compares the creation of this new country to The Egg. This leads the trio to debate which bird is coming out of its shell and, thus, the symbol of America. Jefferson proposes the dove, a symbol of peace. Franklin suggests the turkey, a symbol of independence. The three settle on the eagle, as suggested by Adams.

[edit]Scene Seven June 28, 1776. Hancock asks if there are any amendments, deletions, or alterations to be offered to the Declaration. McKean suggests removal of the word "Scottish" from a sentence referring to the foreign mercenaries used by the British. Rev. Witherspoon suggests the addition of the phrase "Divine Providence". Days pass. The debate becomes more heated. Bartlett wants to confine the complaints against the British to disagreements with King George, while Sherman wants to remove all mention of Parliament. Jefferson acquiesces to each recommendation, until Dickinson suggests the removal of a phrase calling the king a tyrant. Jefferson refuses, "The King is a tyrant whether we say so or not. We might as well say so."Hancock is about to call for a vote on the Declaration, when Rutledge objects to Jefferson's renunciation of slavery in his list of redresses. Rutledge defends slavery as a necessary evil in the way of life in South Carolina, and reminds Jefferson that he, too, is a slaveholder. Jefferson announces that he has decided to free his slaves, and Rutledge accuses the Northern Colonies of hyprocisy: the nothern shippers get rich off of the trade of slaves. He reminds them that the process of Molasses to Rum to slaves is ensuring prosperity for the north. The delegations of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia angrily leave the chamber. Without them, Independence cannot be declared.Chase rushes into the Chamber, excited that the Maryland Assembly has decided to accept the Lee Resolution, as Dickinson and four other delegates leave the Chamber. Adams is desperate: he sends McKean to Delaware to bring back Rodney. Franklin sagely insists that Adams and Jefferson agree to the removal of the slavery clause from the Declaration. What good is it to win the battle only to lose the war?During their exchange, McNair delivers two kegs to the Chamber. ("What's in them? Who sent them?") Abigail sings, "Compliments of the Concord Lady's Coffee Club, and the Sisterhood of the Truro Synagogue, and the Friday Evening Baptist Sewing Circle, and the Holy Christian Sisters of St. Claire: all for you, John. I am as I ever was, and ever shall be, Yours, Yours, Yours!" John asks, "Abigail, what is it?" to which Abby belts out, "Saltpetre, John!"Adams' faith in the cause renewed, he tells Franklin and Jefferson to talk to all of the wavering delegates: they need each and every vote. Thomson reads the latest dispatch from General Washington, who wonders if he's ever to receive a response to his last fifteen missives. They leave Adams alone in the chamber. Adams echoes Washington's words, Is Anybody There? Discouraged but determined, Adams sings of his vision of his new country: "Yet, through all the gloom, I see the rays of ravishing light and glory!"Hall returns and says to Adams, "In trying to resolve my dilemma I remembered something I'd once read, 'that a representative owes the People not only his industry, but his judgement, and he betrays them if he sacrifices it to their opinion.' It was written by Edmund Burke, a member of the British Parliament." He walks over to the tally board and changes Georgia's vote from "nay" to "yea".The other delegates slowly make their way back into the Chamber, including Caesar Rodney. Hancock calls for the vote on the Lee Resolution. Thomson calls on each delegation for their vote. Pennsylvania passes on the first call, but the rest of the nothern and middle colonies (save New York) vote "yea". When the vote devolves to South Carolina, Rutledge demands the removal of the slavery clause as the condition of the yea votes from the Carolinas. Franklin pleads with Adams to remove the clause, and Adams turns to Jefferson. Jefferson rises, crosses the Chamber, and scratches out the clause himself. The Carolinas vote "yea".When Pennsylvania's vote is called again, the three delegates, Dickinson, Franklin, and James Wilson, are unable to agree. Franklin asks Hancock to poll the delegation: Franklin votes "yea", Dickinson "nay", leaving the swing vote to Wilson, who normally votes the same way as Dickinson. He says, "I'm different from most of the men here. I don't want to be remembered. I don't want to be remembered as the man who prevented American Independence," and votes "yea".Hancock asks that only men who will be signing the Declaration be seated in Congress. Still hoping for a reconciliation with England, Dickinson announces that he cannot sign the Declaration, but, instead, will join the army to fight for and defend the new nation. Adams leads the Congress in a salute to the man as he leaves the Chamber.Hancock leads the delegates signing the Declaration, but is interrupted by the courier with another dispatch from Washington. He reports that preparations for the Battle of New York are underway, but expresses concern about America's badly outnumbered and under-trained troops.On the evening of July 4, 1776, McNair rings the Liberty Bell in the background as Thomson calls each of the delegates to sign their name to the Declaration of Independence.

The LuLac Edition #38, June 28th, 2006















PHOTO INDEX: WBRE TV'S AMY BRADLEY, WYOU TV'S DAVID DECOSMO, GOVERNOR ED RENDELL, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE AND ROBERT P. CASEY, JUNIOR.

RAINS FORCE PREVENTIVE FLOOD ACTION........The tropical downpours that have visited our area this week brought to mind among some folks the issue of global warming. Now the Greater Wilkes Barre Area has always had to contend with the river and its tendency to rise and fall but no one can dispute the fact that the weather patterns in the world have been changing. Former Vice President Al Gore touches on that subject in his movie, now in theatres, "An Inconvenient Truth". Here's the link to the website for this thought provoking movie. http://www.climatecrisis.net/.

MEDIA WATCH................When a flood emergency occurs in this area, the media has historically risen to the challenge. Back in 1972, reporter David DeCosmo, working at WILK Radio formed a Flood Recovery Broadcast network that kept all the local broadcast media in touch with all of the events surrounding the Agnes Flood. That network was revived again during the Eloise scare in 1975. Local radio news has become pretty much extinct but WILK Radio had a reporter (Rob Nyehard) on duty Tuesday night and on the Morning Kevin and Nancy Show, plus the Sue Henry Show, the station provided much needed updates with staffers Bud Brown, Rusty Fender and Joe Thomas. On local TV, reporters risked life and limb getting close to the story. WYOU's Eric Deabill, WNEP's Bianca Barr, Bob Reynolds, Jon Meyer and the weather team, as well as WBRE's Jill Konopka, Lorena Beniquez, Joe Holden and Amy Bradley. Bradley was sporting bright yellow boots that passed her knees as she inched closer to the water's edge. Dave Skutnick did a good job forecasting the weather. The Chief weather guy, Josh Hodell who seems to take great delight in all weather was not on camera Monday or Tuesday so I'm assuming he was on vacation. Kevin Lynn summed it up best on his show when he said it was times like this crisis, when broadcasting becomes what it intended to be, a public service.

RENDELL VISITS SENIORS...........The Governor was in town yesterday visiting a few homes of senior citizens championing his Property Tax Bill accomplishment which will benefit seniors. The Governor seemed very much at home in the setting.

CASEY TAKES IT TO THE ROAD....Senatorial candidate Bob Casey has released his scheduled summertime bus tour. The candidate will be in the following areas: Southwestern Pennsylvania, July 1-5; Southcentral Pennsylvania, July 20-21; Western Pennsylvania, July 26-29; Route 6 Corridor, Aug. 4-6; Northwestern Pennsylvania, Aug. 9-11; Central Pennsylvania, Aug. 11-13; Johnstown and Altoona area, Aug. 15-18; Central Pennsylvania, Aug. 18-20; Northeastern Pennsylvania, Aug. 21; and Lehigh Valley, Aug. 24-26.

IMMIGRATION NEWS........Hazleton again keeps on making news outside of the city with its Immigration stand proposed by Mayor Lou Barletta. Here's a pretty thought provoking article from the Philadelphia Daily News columnist Stu Bykofsky.

Hazleton illegals part of new civil war
HAZLETON - The United States, to paraphrase Lincoln, is in the midst of a great civil war.
So far, no shooting, but you never can tell.
In Lincoln's time, a key issue was slavery. In our time, it's illegal immigration.
Cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago have declared themselves sanctuaries for illegals and refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson last week said his cash-strapped department doesn't have the resources to chase undocumented workers. Other cities have promised to crack down on undocumented workers and enforce immigration laws when the federal government won't.
Hazleton, snuggled in the Poconos two hours north of Philadelphia, is among the latter.
After King Coal died, factories opened in industrial parks here and attracted workers, many of them Hispanic, some of them undocumented. No one really knows how many. Some sponge up city services; a few commit crimes.
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta and the five-member city council believe the illegals present a clear and present danger, and drafted legislation targeting their employers and their landlords.
Simultaneously, a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania state reps last week introduced a package of bills that would make it a felony to hire illegals and will cut off certain government services.
It looks like a civil war.
Under clouds hanging as low and dark as funeral bunting, I drove up to Hazleton on Saturday to get a feel for the center of controversy.
The first feeling was familiarity. The main street is Broad, and streets named Vine, Locust and Pine cross it. Unlike our Broad Street, Hazleton's had few pedestrians and was dotted with shuttered stores and others with "Going Out of Business" signs. Hispanic presence was symbolized by a hand-lettered sign, "Plaintains $2.35," in the window of the Golden City Chinese Restaurant on Broad.
Despite some signs of downtown decay, Barletta, a 50-year-old Republican, says the city budget has been in the black by about $200,000 for the past two years. The town's population was 23,000 in the 2000 Census and Barletta now estimates it as 31,000.
It's been a struggle to remain in the black because of the added cost of services siphoned by illegals, Barletta said, although he didn't have figures at hand to prove it. Crime's also mushrooming, but he couldn't quantify it.
How you feel can be more important than what's on a ledger sheet.
The "turning point," Barletta said, was May 10, when a man was shot between the eyes, killing him. Four illegal aliens have been charged with the crime.
"This is not a normal occurrence in a town of 31,000," he said. "We usually get one murder every seven years and talk about it for the next six years."
Later on the day of the homicide, a 14-year-old fired a gun in a playground. And that was followed by drug busts, gang activity and graffiti.
Before starting his political career 10 years ago, Barletta and his wife, Mary Grace, owned Interstate Road Marking, which paints lines on streets and highways, including Philadelphia's.
He's a man who knows where to draw the line. The shooting crossed it.
"People are terrorized. The quality of life we boast of is in jeopardy," he said.
Barletta's response was an ordinance to revoke the license of any business knowingly hiring illegal aliens and to fine landlords $1,000 for each illegal they rent to. That sent up a flare that attracted the national media moths - Barletta's been on CNN, Fox, NBC, ABC, MSNBC and more - and done interviews with radio talk shows and newspapers from coast to coast.
Someone joked last week there was more media than immigrants in Hazleton.
I tried to get the viewpoint of the immigrants (the majority of whom are from the Dominican Republic), but there weren't many on the streets. I found about a dozen men in the unadorned Melo Barber Shop on Church near Broad, but none wanted to talk, and a couple clearly were strangers to English.
In an Inquirer story, Anna Arias, president of the Hazleton Area Latino Association, said she felt betrayed by Barletta. But he makes a point in every interview of asserting he favors legal immigration.
He's received 5,000 calls, letters and e-mails supporting him, few condemning him, he said. No one has yet threatened to sue if the laws are passed, which could come as early as July 13.
I bet someone will sue.
I also bet more towns and cities will follow Hazleton's example in fighting illegal immigrants.
It's a civil war, and we're a long way from Appomattox.





Monday, June 26, 2006

The LuLac Edition #37, June 27th, 2006
















PICTURE INDEX........This was in the running to be Tom Ridge's official portrait but the Ex Gov's wife stepped in. Jim Fitzgerald, Tom Ridge and David Yonki pose outside the WARM studios circa 1999 after an interview at the station. The next picture features Colorado Democratic Leadership Council CEO Jim Gibson hosting us on a visit to Denver one year ago this week. From left to right is Gibson, Mary Ann Yonki, David Yonki and Bonnie Gilbert from the Denver Post. Lynn Swann is featured in a photo with two real (apparently very healthy looking) Pennsylvanians, and Governor Tom Ridge and his wife Michelle officially unveil his portrait in the Capitol as his in laws look on.


SWANN BUSES ACROSS THE STATE.... Lynn Swann, candidate for governor, plans to spend the Fourth of July holiday on a bus tour of what his spokesman calls "the real Pennsylvania."
On Thursday, in Harrisburg, Swann will board a converted motor coach - 39 feet long, with its own bathroom and office, and shrink-wrapped in a giant campaign ad - to begin a nine-day road trip that represents his first extended foray into retail campaigning. By the time he returns home to Pittsburgh, Swann expects to have met with Pennsylvanians in dozens of settings - and gain some traction in his run against Ed Rendell.

BUDGET NEARING ITS CONCLUSION/ON TIME/MAYBE..A $25 billion-plus state budget and several other pieces of unfinished business awaited lawmakers' attention as they returned to the Capitol on Monday for what they hoped would be the last week before recessing for the summer. Aides to Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and the Republican-controlled Legislature say budget negotiations are progressing nicely , with both sides working toward a final agreement before Saturday, when the new fiscal year begins. If that happens, it would be the first budget finalized before July 1 since Rendell took office in 2003.

COMMENTARIES................Wilkes Barre Twp. now wants to look into an Immigration ordinance for its government. Keep in mind that these are the same people who opposed construction of the arena even though they gained the most financially. No word yet if the officials are considering a wall near Joe Palooka's monument to keep the Mexicans at bay...Andrea Yates, the woman who killed her 5 babies a few years ago is back in the news and the only question I have on it is "why?????"......................The Times Leader has a new publisher. Rich Connor who was the hard nosed leader back in the late seventies and eighties when Capitol Cities owned the paper. Look for Connor's group to give the Times Shamrock people a very competitive newspaper challenge.

THE CITIZENSHIP TEST...............As we head toward the Fourth of July, here's a neat link to a citienship test. http://games.toast.net/independence/page1.asp. In the interest of full disclosure, I got 28 out of 30 correct.

NEXT TIME..............A Philadelphia News columnist talks about Hazleton's Mayor Barletta and the top 50 conservative rock and roll songs of all time.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

The LuLac Edition #36-June 24, 2006



















NEWS OF THE DAY..................TODD IN THE HALL....We have a few sports analogies coming out of the gate with this latest blog edition. On the Nancy and Kevin show on Thursday morning, Todd Vonderheid faced off with the duo on the reassessment issue. Vonderheid concluded the call by saying that he was elected to make hard decisions, and that if one third of those decisions were right, he'd be batting .350 therefore making him a Hall of Fame caliber player. Very good comparison to make, plus judging from the interview, the guy can field pretty well too, both tough questions and softballs tossed his way.

CASEY AT THE BAT.....U.S. Senatorial candidate Robert Casey's campaign came out swinging on the immigration issue. This was vintage Casey negative stuff, complete with the music of "The Mexican Hat Dance" in the background to make his points about Rick Santorum's immigration stands. The radio ad was biting, humorous, informative and forceful. When the usually soft spoken Casey said at the end of the ad, "I'm Bob Casey and I approved this message", I thought he was going to come through the speaker.

FAMOUS PAIRINGS.....During the 1960s and 70s, two of the most recognizable sports pairings of athlete and reporter were Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell. Ali bonded with Cosell and gave him the lion's share of exclusives and scoops because he felt comfortable with the tart tongued commentator and trusted him. It got to the point that Cosell and Ali were one of America's famous duos. Locally, Sue Henry from WILK seems to be becoming Howard Cosell to Senator Rick Santorum's Ali. The Senator has sought out the talk show host as his media sounding board as well as when he wants to break some news. The other day, the Senator was talking about his "weapons of mass destruction" disclosure on network TV. He also touched on the immigration issue which is fast becoming a major anchor for him as well as touting his beliefs and experience. It is evident that he feels comfortable with Sue Henry, even when she gives him a few jabs. Whether the frequent Santorum-Henry broadcasts will gain the fame of the Cosell-Ali pairing is only a matter of time. But like the previous offerings of Ali and Cosell, these too are entertaining and downright spontaneous.

MORE IMMIGRATION NEWS..........……………………The Bush administration, vowing to crack down on U.S. companies that hire illegal workers, abandoned employer sanctions before it began pushing to overhaul U.S. immigration laws last year. At least that’s what government statistics show. From 1999 and 2003, work-site enforcement operations were scaled back 95 percent by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which eventually was merged into the Homeland Security Department. The number of employers prosecuted for unlawfully employing immigrants dropped from 182 in 1999 to four in 2003, and fines collected declined from $3.6 million to $212,000. 1999 saw the United States initiate fines against 417 companies. In 2004, it issued fine notices to three.
The government's retreat from workplace enforcement in the years since it became illegal to hire undocumented workers is the result of political pressure from business lobbies, immigrant rights groups and members of Congress. Punishing employers also was de-emphasized as the government recognized that it lacks the tools to do the job as the Department of Homeland Security shifted resources to combat terrorism.
The good news is that the government is seeking more resources to sanction employers, toughen penalties and finally set up a reliable system -- first proposed 25 years ago -- to verify the eligibility of workers. That would allow the government to hold employers accountable for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.
The Homeland Security Department is seeking access to Social Security Administration records of workers whose numbers and names don't match -- access that has long been blocked by privacy issues.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

The LuLac Edition #35-June 21rst, 2006























PICTURE INDEX...........Jim Bunning's Hall of Fame Plaque, a thinner, younger, non hair challenged David Yonki, circa 1981 with cane (I sprained both ankles playing basketball, ironically it is the same cane I use today) Jim Bunning in Philadelphia Phillies uniform, Jim Bunning as United States Senator, Former Vice President Al Gore, former athlete and current Luzerne County Commissioner Chairman Greg Skrepenak and Minority Commissioner member, Republican Steve Urban.

ASSESSING THE REASSSESSMENT…Public hearings will be held at the following locations regarding the county reassessment plan. On a related note, Greg Skrepenak
has replaced Steve Urban as the “go to guy”, “point person” or main contact of
21rst Century appraisals. Here's the listing of meetings on the assessment issue, times, dates and locations included.

Wednesday, June 21
Crestwood High School, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 22
Lake-Lehman School District, Old Route 115, Lehman Township, 6:30 p.m.
Wyoming Valley West Middle School, 201 Chester St., Kingston, 6:30 p.m.
Friday: June 23
Dallas Middle School, Conyngham Avenue, Dallas, 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 26
Hazleton Area High School, 1601 W. 23rd St., Hazleton, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 27
Greater Nanticoke Area High School, 427 Kosciuszko St., Nanticoke, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 28
Northwest Area High School, 243 Thorne Hill Road, Shickshinny, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 29
Hanover Area High School, 1600 Sans Souci Parkway, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, June 30
Meyers High School, 341 Carey Ave., Wilkes Barre, Pa. 6:30PM.



WWII vets and Iraq.............Saw the news the other night and the reactions to the killings and kidnapping of the two soldiers by WWII vets was telling. They undoubtedly supported the troops but expressed dismay and confusion as to why we, as a country, are still in Iraq. When the WWII vets start questioning why we're there, that's significant. But not surprising since WWII vets knew exactly what and why they were fighting for.

GORE ON COUNTDOWN...........Former Vice President Al Gore making the cable TV rounds promoting his book and movie. Gore was on Larry King and on Keith Obermann's Countdown show. Obermann asked Gore that given the disappointment of millions in the country who felt a Gore Presidency would have avoided much of the mistakes, misery and events of the last 6 years, how could he, Gore, not make a run for the Presidency. Good question. Here's the link to Gore's movie http://www.climatecrisis.net/aboutthefilm/, his book, http://www.climatecrisis.net/aboutthebook/ but more importantly the link to Draft Gore in '08. http://www.algore08.com/.



FORTY TWO YEARS AGO..........On Father's Day, Jim Bunning, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies pitched a perfect game no hitter against the Mets. Bunning had 2 rbi's along with his catcher, Gus Triandos. Bunning later became a Congressman, U.S. Senator and a Hall Of Fame member in Cooperstown where he has been very critical of modern day baseball. Here is a recap of that famous lineup in that 1964 game as well as a recap of Bunning's political career.


John Briggs CF
John Herrnstein 1B
Johnny Callison RF
Dick Allen 3B
Wes Covington LF
Bobby Wine PR/SS
Tony Taylor 2B
Cookie Rojas SS/LF
Gus Triandos C
Jim Bunning P


Caught Stealing: Rojas.Doubles: Triandos, Bunning.Home Runs: Callison.Left On Base: Philadelphia 5.Sacrifice: Herrnstein, Rojas.


Losing Pitcher: Stallard (4-9).Winning Pitcher: Bunning (7-2).
Wild Pitch: Stallard.
Game Notes
Attendance: 32,026.Length of Game: 2:19.Umpires: HP: Ed Sudol, 1B: Paul Pryor, 2B: Frank Secory, 3B: Ken Burkhart.

Fast Facts
In the ninth inning, Jim Bunning called his catcher, Gus Triandos, to the mound. What did they talk about? Triandos stated after the game, "He said I should tell him a joke, just to get a breather. I couldn't think of anything. I just laughed at him."
Did you know that Jim Bunning threw ninety pitches of which seventy-nine went for strikes during this perfect game?
What did Jim Bunning do immediately after the game was over? He appeared that same night on the Ed Sullivan Show.

JIM BUNNING'S POLITICAL CAREER

Kentucky state politics
First elected to office in 1977, the ambitious Bunning would serve only two years on the city council of Fort Thomas, Kentucky before running for and winning a seat in the Kentucky Senate as a Republican. He was elected minority leader by his Republican colleagues, a rare feat for a freshman legislator.
Bunning was the Republican candidate for governor in 1983. He and his running mate Eugene P. Stuart lost in the general election to their Democratic opponents, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky Martha Layne Collins and Attorney General Steve Beshear. Bunning won 454,650 votes (44.1%) to 561,674 (54.5%) for Collins.
[edit]

Congress
In 1986, Bunning won the Republican nomination in Kentucky's 4th District, based in Kentucky's share of the Cincinnati metro area, after 10-term incumbent Gene Snyder retired. He won easily in the fall and was reelected five more times without serious opposition in what was considered the most Republican district in Kentucky. After the Republicans gained control of the House in 1995, Bunning served as chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security until 1999.
[edit]

First Senate term
In 1998, Senate Minority Whip Wendell Ford decided to retire after 24 years in the Senate--the longest term in Kentucky history. Bunning won the Republican nomination for the seat, and faced fellow Congressman Scotty Baesler, a Democrat from the Lexington-based 6th District, in the general election. Bunning defeated Baesler by just over half a percentage point. The race was very close; Bunning only won by swamping Baesler in the 4th by a margin that Baesler couldn't make up in the rest of the state (Baesler barely won the 6th).
Among the bills that Bunning sponsored is the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. He is one of the Senate's most conservative members, gaining high marks from several conservative interest groups.
Bunning was also the only member of the United States Senate Banking and Urban Affairs Committee to have opposed Ben Bernanke for Chief of the Federal Reserve. He claimed it was because he had doubts that he would not be different from Alan Greenspan.


Second Senate term
Bunning was heavily favored for a second term in 2004 after his expected Democratic opponent, Governor Paul Patton, saw his career implode in a scandal over an extramarital affair. Eventually, the Democrats settled on Daniel Mongiardo, a relatively unknown physician and state senator from Hazard.
During Bunning's reelection bid in 2004, controversy erupted when Bunning described Mongiardo as looking "like one of Saddam Hussein's sons." Public distaste compelled him to apologize. Other behavior, including accusing Mongiardo of physically assaulting Bunning's wife—claiming that his wife was left "black and blue"—and the accusation that he used a teleprompter during a televised debate caused several media analysts to question Bunning's mental state. Bunning set unprecedented conditions on the debate: he could not appear in person due to an important vote held just few hours before the debate and instead was televised from the Republican national headquarters; he refused to allow an independent observer in the room with him; he insisted that no portion of any recording of his performance could be rebroadcast; he insisted that the debate be broadcast live in the afternoon instead of the customary prime time hours; and other conditions.[1] After the debate, the state's two largest newspapers, the Louisville Courier-Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader, both called for Bunning to step down, however both papers had been strident Bunning opponents previously.
Bunning had an estimated $4 million campaign war chest, while Mongiardo had only $600,000. The Democratic Party began increasing financial support to Mongiardo when it became apparent that Bunning's bizarre behavior was costing him votes, purchasing more than $800,000 worth of additional television airtime on his behalf.
The race turned out to be very close, with Mongiardo leading with as many as 80% of the returns coming in. However, Bunning eventually won by just over one percentage point. Some analysts felt that had it not been for George W. Bush's 20-point victory in the state, Mongiardo would have won.
As was expected in light of Bunning's previous career as a baseball player, Bunning has been very interested in Congress's investigation of steroid use in baseball. Bunning has also been outspoken on the issue of illegal immigration taking the position that all illegal immigrants should be deported.
In April 2006, he was selected by Time as one of "America's Five Worst Senators." The magazine dubbed him "The Underperformer" for his "lackluster performance", noting he "shows little interest in policy unless it involves baseball", and criticized his hostility towards staff and fellow Senators and his "bizarre behavior" during his 2004 campaign

QUOTES
"Civil liberties do not mean much when you are dead."
"Let me explain something: I don't watch the national news, and I don't read the paper. I haven't done that for the last six weeks. I watch Fox News to get my information."

Sunday, June 18, 2006

The LuLac Political Letter #34, June 19th, 2006





















YUDICHAK PLANS TOWN MEETING ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM BILL...
State Rep. John Yudichak will host a public meeting to discuss and highlight the state’s recently passed property tax relief legislation. The bill has passed the House and Senate and Gov. Ed Rendell promised he will sign it. Yudichak will be joined by local officials to provide information about how the enactment of the legislation will benefit area residents. The event will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in the school board meeting room of the Greater Nanticoke Area High School, 425 Kosciuszko St., Nanticoke.

MORE IMMIGRATION COMMENTS.............L.A. Tarone has been a media mainstay in the Hazleton area. Here are his comments made on WLYN TV 35 this Friday. (Tarone has a weekly editorial once a week on the Friday 5PM news show. It airs locally on Channnel 21, Service Electric. Here are his comments:

MAYOR LOU BARLETTA’S PROPOSAL TO MAKE ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE CITY HAS BEEN GETTING GOBS OF NOTICE. AND HOPEFULLY THE RIGHT PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION. CERTAINLY, A CITY OF 33-THOUSAND PEOPLE ADOPTING ENGLISH AS ITS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WON’T CHANGE THE WORLD. BUT IT IS SENDING A MESSAGE – ONE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HEED. FIRST OF ALL, DESPITE CRITICISM FROM A FEW LEFT WING RADIO TALK SHOW HOSTS, AND A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE WHO SEEMINGLY WANT TO REMAIN A SEPARATE SOCIETY WITHIN A SOCIETY, BARLETTA’S PROPSAL HAS BEEN GETTING TREMENDOUS SUPPORT. HE’S BEEN INUNDATED WITH “GO GET ‘EM” LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS. CALLERS TO TALK RADIO ARE RUNNING SOMETHING LIKE 10-1 IN FAVOR. THE APPROVAL OF THE QUESTION ON THE STANDARD-SPEAKER’S WEBSITE IS OVERWHELMING. THAT SHOWS BARLETTA’S TAPPED A VEIN THAT FEDERAL OFFICIALS -- WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS, SUCH AS COLORADO CONGRESSMAN TOM TANCREDO, WISCONSIN CONGRESSMAN JIM SENSENBRENNER, AND ARIZONA SENATOR JOHN KYL – HAVE BEEN DANCING AROUND FOR FEAR OF GETTING CALLED NAMES. BARLETTA WAS CALLED THOSE NAMES LAST NIGHT, BUT IS NOT BACKING DOWN. ALSO THIS IS SPREADING. MCADOO IS CONSIDERING THE SAME THING. SO ARE BOTH FREELAND AND HAZLE TOWNSHIP. IN SAN BERNARDINO CALIFORNIA, A SIMILAR PROPOSAL WAS VOTED DOWN BY CITY COUNCIL, BUT PEOPLE THERE ARE TRYING TO GET IT ON A REFERENDUM, WITH POLLS SHOWING IT WILL PASS OVERWHELMINGLY. IN PALM BEACH FLORIDA, A SIMILAR PROPOSAL HAS BECOME LAW. 15 YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS DOING TALK RADIO, I CAME OUT IN SUPPORT OF A GROUP CALLED “US ENGLISH,” WHOSE GOAL WAS TO HAVE ENGLISH DECLARED THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES. I HAD REPS FROM THAT GROUP ON MY SHOW REGULARLY. I SUPPORTED THE CONCEPT THEN, I SUPPORT IT NOW. CONGRESS HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO MOVE – SO WE HAVE ABSURDITIES SUCH AS CITIZENSHIP OATHS GIVEN IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, PEOPLE VOTING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES. BARLETTA’S PROPOSAL, THE COVERAGE IT’S GETTING, THE SUPPORT IT’S GENERATING, THE IMITATORS IT’S SPAWNING WILL SEND A MESSAGE CONGRESS CAN NOT IGNORE. AND THE SOONER THAT HAPPENS THE BETTER. YOU CANNOT HAVE A SOCIETY WHEN PEOPLE CAN’T TALK TO EACH OTHER.

Here's another editorial Tarone gave on May 12th, before Barletta's proposal.
I WANNA BOUNCE THIS HEADLINE (Morning Call Headline on screen)OFF SOMETHING CONGRESS DIDN’T DO THIS WEEK. ALLENTOWN ADOPTED ENGLISH AS ITS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN 1995 WHEN IT ADOPTED ITS CITY CHARTER. ITS EFFECTS ARE LIMITED – BECAUSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRES MANY SERVICES BE AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE. WHICH BRINGS US TO THE CONGRESSIONAL INACTION THIS WEEK. THE FEDERAL HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE RE-UPPED THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT WITHOUT MAKING ANY CHANGES. TEXAS REPUBLICAN LAMARR SMITH TRIED TO CHANGE THE ACT BY DUMPING THE PORTION THAT CALLS FOR BALLOTS TO BE AVAILABLE IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES AND FOR INTERPRETERS BE AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH. SMITH THINKS THAT’S NONSENSE AND WANTED BALLOTS TO BE IN ENGLISH ONLY. I AGREE WITH HIM – IT IS ABSURD TO HAVE THINGS SUCH AS ELECTION BALLOTS, DRIVER’S LICENSES AND THE REST GIVEN IN ANY LANGUAGE BUT ENGLISH. HOWEVER THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE REJECTED SMITH’S EFFORTS BY A 26-9 VOTE, MEANING BALLOTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE PRINTED IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES. IN ALLENTOWN, A COUNCILMAN NAMED TONY PHILLIPS, WHO WAS ELECTED LAST YEAR, WANTS TO DUMP THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH DESIGNATION, AND REPLACE IT IN THE CHARTER WITH A LINE THAT SAYS [Q] “ALLENTOWN IS A CITY THAT CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF ITS RESIDENTS.” THAT’S IDIOTIC, AND I HOPE HIS DRIVE FAILS. IN FACT I WISH HAZLETON WOULD FOLLOW ALLENTOWN AND ADOPT ENGLISH AS THIS CITY’S OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. IF YOU COME TO THE U-S, YOU SHOULD LEARN ENGLISH AND IF YOU DON’T WANT TO LEARN ENGLISH, THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T COME HERE. YOU CAN’T HAVE A SOCIETY – OR A CITY FOR THAT MATTER – IF PEOPLE CAN’T TALK TO EACH OTHER. BUT ALLENTOWN’S DESIGNATION IS NOTHING MORE THAN SYMBOLIC – IT HAS LITTLE LEGAL WEIGHT. AS I NOTED EARLIER, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRES MANY THINGS BE AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE. THAT COULD HAVE CHANGED HAD CONGRESS MOVED – BUT IT REFUSED. THE FEAR IS WE DRIFT FARTHER AND FARTHER TOWARD BEING A COLLECTION OF PEOPLE LIVING ON THE SAME LAND – BUT NOT A REAL SOCIETY. THAT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL AND/OR UNLESS EITHER ENGLISH IS ADOPTED AS THE NATION’S OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.

The LuLac Political Letter #33, June 18th, 2006

















PHOTO INDEX.......Ken Edwards of Wilkes Barre with his son Ian. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to guys like Kenny who insists on inflicting happiness on his sons Ian and Todd and to all dads everywhere. Other photos: Lou Barletta and his posse in color, in black and white, Pancho Villa and his posse.

THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE.........COMMENTARY.......

I am truly stumped on this immigration arguement. I have no ability to take sides on it. But here's what I think and feel, not necessarily know.
1. I don't think immigrants should have social security benefits unless they become full blown citizens who take a test just like others have to be meet citizen requirements. On the other hand, I don't believe they should all be sent back en masse. I think there should be a national ID card which can sort all of this out. How can the government be trusted to send back citizens in an orderly, timely and fair fashion with true justice for all when they screwed up hurricane relief in two states? We're going to trust them with this huge undertaking? It is impossible to imagine the federal government being able to do this.
2. The children of these immigrants must be educated but not at the expense of our own chiildren. By educating the children of immigrants, with English as the base language, by osmosis, the immigrant parents will learn the language. It has happened with many other generations of immigrants. The educational systems should lend a hand up, not out. The children should learn English as a working language in school. If they can't learn it, they don't advance grades in school, it's as simple as that.
3. The social net for immigrants should be the same as it is for citizens. No one should be left to fend for themselves. However, for some type of medical or social services help, there has to be some type of proof of residence.
4. Undocumented workers who habitually are without identifications should be detained until they get their documents, or be transported back home by border agents.
5. Huge fines should be given to businesses who knowingly employ the undocumentables.
6. Should English be mandated as the national language? Yes but those not knowing the language should not be discriminated against. Like my grandparents, they should be helped by the forces that be, other earlier immigrants and their own children. At the time of my grandfather's death in 1980, he had a very limited American vocabulary. I, conversely had a very limited Slovak vocabulary. But he became a citizen, worked in a union for over 50 years and raised 7 children who were fluent in English. Those children all became gainfully employed and their children (my generation) were the first to enter college. His children taught him, but the key here is that there were no crutches for his kids. They had to learn or did not earn. By imposing English as a national language, we are imposing something that does not encourage diversity that is the great American melting pot. That said, English is the "official unofficial" language of American business and commerce, the fulfillment of any immigrant's capitalistic dream, therefore it should be used as a ticket to success.
7. The political ramifications of this issue are dangerous. We can't go too far in jingoistic, unrealistic sloganeering that make us not the home of liberty we've been for years. We can't create one issue candidates rising to prominence on the fears of a population. But we must discuss the issue calmy. Both sides have done much though to inflame the debate. The undocumentables having protest rallies advocating rights that citizens have is certainly one sided and very presumptuous, if not downright unfair and in the words of Senator Santorum "wrong headed". The protests do nothing to further their cause. By the same token, polticians who prey on the worst fears and prejudices of the population do more dividing than uniting.
8. One must also look to the way the world is shaped today. Americans have more consumer goods than ever before, but there is an uneasiness among the people. Americans feel insecure because most are living paycheck to paycheck, prices have skyrocketed, personal debt has increased and moral certainty on issues (unwed mothers, abortion, personal values) has gone off the track in different directions. Because of this unease, there is a temptation to blame someone, whether it be rationally or irrationally, and the immigrants seem to be an easy target.
Again, I have no answers, the aforementioned is just a jumble of thoughts and feelings I, as a third generation American have on this matter. This blog will present all views. By doing so, we hope we can help you sort out your feelings on this issue.

STATEMENT OF MAYOR LOU BARLETTA AT HAZLETON COUNCIL MEETING....
First, let me thank everyone for coming tonight.This is certainly an important issue that will effect every Hazleton resident.I ask that your discussion tonight be serious and sincere but respectful and polite. Nothing good will come from vicious and personal attacks and they will not be tolerated.Let me begin by saying that I believe the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.People who are in this country have an incredible amount of opportunities and blessings. But some people have taken advantage of America’s openness and tolerance. Some come to this country and refuse to learn English, creating a language barrier for city employees.Others enter the county illegally and use government services by not paying taxes or by committing crime on our streets, further draining resources here in Hazleton.Illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.The city of Hazleton is empowered and mandated by the people of Hazleton to abate the nuisance of illegal immigration by aggressively prohibiting and punishing the acts, pollicies, people and businesses that aid and abet illegal aliens.That’s why I proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act.Part of this ordinance would punish companies that hire illegal immigrants by denying them permits, making it harder for them to renew permits and forcing their loss of city business.Another part would hold landlords accountable. Because people moving into the city naturally require a place to sleep, our landlords are our first line of defense. Landlords who rent to illegal immigrants – that is, who rent to people without checking their documentation – may be fined $1,000 for every illegal immigrant staying on their properties.The final part of this ordinance makes English the official language of Hazleton. All city documents will only be available in English.While our emergency services will never be denied to anyone because of a language barrier, every other aspect of city business will be conducted only in English.Let me be clear – this ordinance is intended to make Hazleton one of the most difficult places in the US for illegal immigrants.The Illegal Immigration Relief Act is intended to deter and punish any illegal immigrants in the City of Hazleton, whether they are from Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Far East.Requiring the use of English does not target any other language; it merely means that you can speak the language of your choice at home or in your business.Since I publicly proposed this measure earlier this week, some have accused me of proposing this measure as “window dressing,” or as a political ploy. Sadly, most of the people making those accusations are not from Hazleton. They do not live in or even near the city. They either do not understand or choose to ignore the problems that illegal immigration creates for this city.I will no longer sit back, waiting for someone else to fix this problem. We deal with illegal immigration every single day.Here in Hazleton, it is not some abstract debate about walls and amnesty, but it is a tangible, very real problem.Illegal immigration is a drain on Hazleton’s resources. Every domestic incident, every traffic accident, every noise complaint – each time we send our police department, fire department or code enforcement office to respond, it costs taxpayer dollars. We must dip into the city’s accounts to pay for illegal immigrants, while illegal immigrants do no pay their fair share of taxes, either to the city, the county, the state or the country.If the City does begin publishing official documents or conducting business in a second language, how would we respond when someone asks us to use a third or a fourth? Do we tell a person who speaks a different language they aren’t as important as do not merit documents in their own language?Recent crimes – the shooting on Chestnut Street, the discharge of firearms at the Pine Street Playground, high profile drug busts – have involved illegal immigrants. Our police department spent hundreds of hours – regular time and overtime – cracking these and other cases.Sadly, some of those allegedly involved in these crimes were detained by other law enforcement officials over the years, but were somehow allowed to remain in this country. They eventually migrated into Hazleton, where they helped create a sense of fear in the good, hardworking residents who are here legally.It is my goal that this ordinance will eventually deter crime in Hazleton. Deprived of as place to live and without family or friends who live and work in Hazleton legally, other illegal immigrants may choose to look elsewhere when choosing a place to commit a crime.This ordinance does not roll back the welcome mat to those who are legally in the United States. This country was built on the backs of legal immigrants. My own great-grandparents came to this country seeking a better life.Rather, this ordinance seeks to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into Hazleton. They are not welcome here.This ordinance also seeks to unify the city. Far too often, because of the language barrier that exists in this city, neighbors do not talk to each other. They do not understand each other’s cultures or habits. They cannot share their concerns and work out their problems.Instead, the language barrier divides us. It splits neighborhoods along ethnic lines, much in the way it did in Hazleton’s early years. The difference between then and now is that today, some choose not to even make an attempt to learn English. They willfully separate themselves from the community as a whole.I am proud of our diversity in Hazleton. Virtually all of us in this room are descended from immigrants. We all have cultures we embrace.But government cannot mandate diversity. Government cannot force diversity upon us. While we as individuals and as a community are free to celebrate our diversity, government must remain impartial, not favoring one culture or another. Government must work to assist everyone on a level playing field.To level that field, we must crack down on illegal immigrants who are draining our city’s resources and we must make English our official language.To the residents of Hazleton, I say thank you for your continued support. Hazleton is moving forward and becoming an even better place to live.To our recently arrived legal immigrants, I say welcome. I personally wish you all the best. With hard work and determination, the United States and Hazleton can be a place where your dreams come true.And to illegal immigrants and those who would hire or abet them in any way, I say your times is up. You are no longer welcome.Thank you, and God Bless America.

EDITORIAL OF TIMES LEADER RESPONDING TO BARLETTA'S PROPOSAL........

WE CAN UNDERSTAND Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta’s frustration about illegal immigrants.
But we think his ordinance aimed at punishing them goes too far.
Establishing English as the city’s official language -- meaning all city communication including signs and forms would only be in English – feels heavy-handed and dangerous to us.
This sensationalistic, short-sighted aspect of the ordinance makes us suspect that Barletta is looking for attention to bolster his political career. He seems to be in line with high-ranking Republicans who are politicizing illegal immigrants for political gain.
We can understand why the mayor is concerned about illegal immigrants. Hazleton’s population has spiked from 23,000 to 31,000 residents in the last six years because of the Hispanic influx. It’s not known how many new residents are illegals. And the federal government seems stymied on how to curb illegal immigration.
The proposed ordinance passed the first of three readings Thursday evening. We support the aspects that punish those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and rent property to them.
But we urge Barletta to get rid of the part that establishes English as the city’s official language. Certainly, immigrants should learn English as quickly as possible, but we fear that those who haven’t – and their children – will suffer if this ordinance is passed.
This sort of closed-minded thinking will also bolster the “us against them” atmosphere that’s already been brewing.
Does Hazleton want to be known as a city that excludes Spanish-speaking people?
A city that’s choosing to make the lives of immigrants – illegal or not -- more difficult?
A city where opportunity is denied?
We hope not.
Or in other words: Esperamos no.

ORIGINAL STORY BY L.A. TARONE IN STANDARD SPEAKER..........By L. A. TARONE
English will be the official language of the city of Hazleton, landlords who rent to illegal aliens will be fined and firms which hire illegal aliens will be barred from doing business within and with the city for five years.That’s if City Council adopts a proposal from Mayor Lou Barletta.It is called the “Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinance.”City Council will consider it proposal Thursday night.The first three sections of the bill are declarations and definitions. The prohibitions are spelled out in Sections Four, Five and Six.Section Four reads, “Any for-profit entity…that aids and abets illegal aliens or illegal immigration shall be denied approval of a business permit, the renewal of a business permit, city contracts or grants for a period of not less that five years…”That section extends the punitive measures to include “acts committed by its parent company or subsidiary.” It defines aiding and abetting as, “the hiring or attempted hiring of illegal aliens, renting or leasing to illegal aliens, or funding or aiding in the establishment of a laborer center that does not verify legal work status.” It adds the prohibition on helping illegals means, “within the United States, not just within the city limits.”“It is broad in scope,” Barletta said. “It includes national companies. I do not want companies that hire illegals in Hazleton. Period.”Section Five bars both the renting of property by illegals as well as legal residents and/or citizens renting to illegals, “irrespective of such person’s intent, knowledge or negligence.”It fines violators $1,000 for each offense – presumably meaning that if a citizen rents to three illegals, that would constitute three violations, meaning fines of $3,000.Barletta said enforcement could come through the existing landlords’ ordinance and after-the-fact in the event of a crime.“If we apprehend an illegal in any crime or violation, we will check his address and check with the landlord to see that he was given some form of identification,” Barletta said. “Landlords needs to ask for IDs. Now, of course, if they were shown false identification, we won’t charge them. But landlords have to ask for ID. They have to get some sort of documentation. I don’t want people profiting from illegals.”Section Six declares English, “the official language of the city.”“This is America!,” Barletta said. “English is the language we speak. Everyone should have to play by the same rules. Hey, if I moved to France I’d have to learn French!”“Unless explicitly mandated by the federal government, the state of Pennsylvania or the city of Hazleton, all official city business, forms, documents, signage, telecommunications or electronic communication devices will be written in or utilize English only,” the proposal reads.“Our taxpayers should not have to foot the bill to train workers to make documents available in multiple languages,” Barletta said. “There’s no reason to spend money for new arrivals who have chosen not to learn English. This is a great country with great opportunities. But people who enjoy the benefits of it should learn and use English.”That section does not prevent a private business owner or any individual from putting up a sign in a language other than English, nor does it prevent any individual from speaking a foreign language. But it does mean that things such as copies of city laws, ordinances, licenses and permits will be printed in English only, except when ordered by a higher governmental entity.Federal and state documents are covered by laws from their respective jurisdictions. And many federal and some state documents are mandated to be available in several languages.The proposal is sure to be controversial and Barletta expects it. But he said the proposal is needed.“I want to make this city one of the most difficult places in the US for illegals,” Barletta said. “If you’re in the country illegally, maybe this isn’t the place to come.”Under Section Two, Findings and Declaration of Purpose,” the proposal reads that illegal immigration, “leads to higher crime, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.”The extent of Hazleton’s illegal alien problem, obviously, isn’t know. But several have been arrested in high profile crimes within the last three months.Two men charged in the May murder of 29-year-old Derek Kichline, Pedro Cabrera and Joan Romero are in the country illegally from the Dominican Republic.Michael Brito, 19, whose street name is “Marko,” was the main target of a N. Wyoming Street drug raid in March. He is in the country illegally from the Dominican Republic.A few other illegals have also been picked up on lesser charges, including a 14-year-old male who was for shooting guns at Pine Street Playground in May.Barletta said he wouldn’t be surprised if someone tried to legally challenge the ordinance, but he believes it is legal and enforceable and that it would stand a challenge.“If somebody challenges it, so what,” Barletta said “Anybody can challenge anything. It is legal and enforceable. If you’re here illegally, you’re already committing a crime. And people shouldn’t defend someone who did something illegal.”Barletta said the proposal isn’t discriminatory because it prohibits renting to and hiring all illegal aliens, regardless of from where they hail, and that it stops the translation of city documents into all foreign languages. He added it was not aimed at stopping immigrants from coming to Hazleton, just illegal ones.“No, this is not anti-immigrant,” Barletta said. “It is not aimed at immigrants with proper documentation. This country was built on immigration – legal immigration! Legal immigrants are here; they’re a great and productive part of our community.”Barletta has kicked about illegals in Hazleton before. Oft times, he has urged the federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to open an office in Hazleton. Last year, he went to Washington to discuss illegal immigration, among other things, with federal officials.If passed, the ordinance will make Hazleton the second city in the state to adopt English as its official language. Allentown did so over a decade ago.Allentown’s proclamation was controversial at the time it was adopted and remains so, though it appears to have widespread support among citizens.But there, city councilman Tony Phillips, elected in 2005, wants to strip the proclamation from the city charter and replace it with, “Allentown is a city that celebrates the diversity of its residents.”But Phillips’ move has thus far anyway not generated much support.

ANECDOTAL STORIES OF PRIOR IMMIGRANTS......Many people say that prior generations were very quick in learning the language. Anecdotal evidence proves otherwise. They did not fully learn the language BUT they learned to deal with it and use it to their advantage. Here is a quick story about a previous generation, my mother in laws mother and how she learned or if not learned how to use the language.
My mom had school in English in the AM andPolish in the PM, or vice versa. Also, the library sent home announcements about getting library cards in various languages at the turn of the last century. This made sense since the kids were more likely to speak English before the parents, especially the parents who stayed at home (mom) to take care of the family. Kids and those who worked outside the home had to learn English at school or on the job.I t didn't happen overnight. But mom, at home with no one to speak the new language, didn't learn as quickly. Her children were her teachers in most instances.