The LuLac Edition #782, Apr. 14th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: HOME RULE LOGO FROM PITTSTON POLITICS.COM, THE LATE HARRY KALAS AND THE ONLY ITEM I EVER BOUGHT ON E BAY, A KALAS/ASHBURN BOBBLEHEAD.

HOME RULE NEWS

The Luzerne Home Rule committee is continuing to provide Home Rule educational information in preparation for the public question on the Home Rule Government Study Commission in May. The fourth of these weekly forums will be held April 15th at 7:00 PM in Hazleton City Hall, Council Chambers. This event is free and open to the public. If citizens have any questions about Home Rule or would like to meet the GSC candidates, they are encouraged attend this forum. In addition to providing a forum to GSC candidates, Luzerne Home Rule will review their activities over the previous week and review how people in the southern part of the county can become involved in this campaign. The media are invited to ask questions. Additional information about the Home Rule movement can be found on the committee’s website, www.luzernehomerule.org or by calling (570) 891-1987.

NO LOBBY FOR UNINSURED

One of the biggest groups of concern to National Health Care is the category of uninsured Americans. If they were a lobby, they would have more members than AARP. If the group decided to march on Washington, the capitol would be hard pressed to contain them. However going without health insurance is still seen as a personal issue, a disadvantage for many and a choice for some. People who lose coverage often struggle by themselves instead of turning their misfortune into political action. The self imposed isolation of the uninsured could have profound political costs. Congressional members facing tough choices, charged with having to produce hundreds of billions it would cost to guarantee coverage for all, might not respond as readily for the silent voices of the uninsured. The lack of a vocal constituency could very well translate into the uninsured being at the end of the Health Care Reform line.

SUMMER SOUNDTRACK

Harry Kalas, Phillies long time broadcaster died yesterday. He passed away on the road, like his good friend and fellow announcer Richie Ashburn did over a decade ago. Kalas died in the broadcast booth preparing for a game with the Washington Nationals. Kalas was a Phillie broadcaster since 1971, replacing a Philly legend Bill Campbell. Kalas was extremely approachable and friendly. I had wonderful conversations with him many times at the Vet and when he came to Wilkes Barre/Scranton as part of the Phillies Caravans. Kalas was extremely popular, easy going and loved the recognition from the fans. Kalas also was the voice of NFL Films for many years, taking over from still another Philadelphia icon, John Facenda. Harry Kalas on the radio was like having a summer soundtrack if you were a baseball fan. The cadences as well as the inflections of his voice made the summer. Kalas was 73 and will be missed. One of our frequent e mailers sent this today on Kalas: Thank God he got to call the 2008 World Series win. Here it is: