The LuLac Edition #1196, May 31st, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: MEMORIAL DAY.

FOR THE FALLEN

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.
In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.
She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.
The bottom line is this: we appreciate the valor of all of our troops, but Memorial Day should be remembered exclusively as a day to honor those soldiers that never came back. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The LuLac Edition #1195, May 30th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR “Y” DRIVE LOGO, ME AND PHILLIES PITCHER ROBIN ROBERTS.

THE “Y” DRIVE

ROBIN ROBERTS

As we celebrate the accomplishments of a current Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Roy Halliday on his Perfect Game yesterday, we can’t ignore the great career of Robin Roberts. Roberts died earlier this month and when I heard the news, again it was another chip of my boyhood being chiseled away. By the time I was following baseball 100% of the time, Robin Roberts had seen his best days as a pitcher. But I had heard the stories of his glory days from my dad and uncles. A member of the 1950 Whiz Kids, Roberts was a durable Phillies pitcher. He was a mainstay and a throwback to time when there was no pitch count for hurlers. They just went out there and chucked it. When I was collecting cards and living and dying with the ’64 Phillies Roberts was pitching for the Baltimore Orioles. It was mandated that when the Yanks played the Birds that year and if Roberts happened to be pitching, we watched that game. My dad said he had lost a lot but thought I should see the guy pitch. Look at these numbers: Between 1950 and 1955 Roberts won 20 games each season, leading the NL in victories from 1952 to 1955. Six times he led the league in games started, five times in complete games and innings pitched, and once pitched 28 complete games in a row. During his career, Roberts never walked more than 77 batters in any regular season. In addition, he helped himself as a fielder as well as with his bat, hitting 55 doubles, 10 triples, and five home runs with 103 RBI.
His 28 wins in 1952, were the most in the National League since 1935, the year Dizzy Dean also won 28 games. In 1953 he went 23-16. Think about that, 23 wins, 16 losses, That’s nearly 40 games pitched!!!! A little known fact is that Roberts was a Yankee in 1962 but never was used. When I saw him as an Oriole he compiled a winning 42-36 record with them. He finished his career at Reading in the minors in 1967.
Roberts entered the Hall of Fame in the Bicentennial Year of 1976. I had the opportunity to meet him at the 20th reunion of the 1964 Phillies in 1984 at the Vet. The photo you see was taken by long time professional photographer Ned Rowan. I was interviewing Roberts about his career and the ’64 Phils. He said as an Oriole he was pulling for his old team. Roberts’ number 36 was retired by the Phils and he is not only a part of Phillies history but baseball’s as well. His work ethic will be his enduring legacy to the sport. Roberts was one of those rare players that loved the sport and best of all for him and us, baseball loved him back.

The LuLac Edition #1194, May 29th, 2010

INTERVIEW

The recent news that Congressman Joe Sestak was approached by the White House through an intermediary former President Bill Clinton was hardly surprising to a long time Clinton watcher and fan. I spoke yesterday with a long time FOB (Friend of Bill) who talked of the former President.
Q: Why do you think he got involved in this matter?
A: He always wants to be at the center of the action. And he was like an old firehouse dog ready to jump on the truck when an associate of his administration, Sestak jumped into the race for Senate.
Q: In all of your experience with politicians would you call him the ultimate political animal?
A: Oh he loves politics and I think he is a skilled thinker but don’t forget he was a very good President despite being frustrated by events.
Q: Such as?
A: Unfortunately for the impeachment. Then for reigning in the deficit. But if it weren’t for a GOP House I’m not sure he could’ve done it.
Q: Today is John F. Kennedy’s birthday. Clinton idolized JFK, met him at age 16, always thought he was the rightful heir to the Kennedy throne. Do you know how disappointed he was when Teddy Kennedy endorsed Obama instead of his wife Hillary?
A: It drove him insane. I had been in touch with him about Pennsylvania and he told me that he was bitterly disappointed. I think though he used too much pressure on Teddy Kennedy. Let’s face it, Teddy Kennedy as far as some Democrats are concerned was the “unelected” President. He was an icon and I think the President, the one elected twice by the people forgot that.
Q: If you had an opportunity to invite Bill over your house for a weekend, what preparations would you make?
A: I’d drink a Red Bull because I have a feeling we’d be up late chewing the fat. Politics. Politics. Politics.
Q: Clinton was bitter rivals with President Obama. Didn’t like the way his wife was treated in the campaign, etc., why would he get involved in something like this, the Sestak thing?
A: He wants to be needed. And it was a chance to be back in the arena, behind the scenes. It’s in his blood.

The LuLac Edition #1193, May 28th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR 1966 LOGO, CONGRESSMAN PAUL KANJORSKI AND HAZLETON MAYOR LOU BARLETTA.

NO KIDS PLEASE

Mr. President, don’t tell us your kids are asking about issues of the day like the oil spill in the Gulf states. Even if they are, don’t tell us. President Jimmy Cater once told the American people that his daughter Amy asked about nuclear proliferation. And we see how the Cater Presidency turned out.

BARLETTA ON SALLIE MAE

Paul Kanjorski can take credit for the loss of 100 jobs at the Sallie Mae student loan center in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, thanks to his support of the Nancy Pelosi agenda and the government takeover of the nation’s health care system. In March, Kanjorski ignored the will of his constituents and supported the $1.2 trillion, 2,200-page health care bill. The bill included legislation that made the government stop subsidizing banks to provide student loans; instead, the government would lend directly to students itself. The change directly threatened the 1,100 jobs at the Sallie Mae center in Hanover Township. A Sallie Mae spokesman told the Citizens’ Voice, "The student loan provisions buried in the health care legislation intentionally eliminate private sector jobs at a time when our country can least afford to lose them.” (March 23, 2010) Kanjorski got nothing in writing, but he assured us that all 1,100 local jobs would be safe. (Scranton Times, March 22, 2010). He told the Times, "I'm thoroughly convinced that the district's jobs that would be negatively affected will not be negatively affected." Sadly – but not unpredictably –Kanjorski was wrong. “Mr. Kanjorski sided with Nancy Pelosi’s radical agenda of asking over the healthcare system when he knowingly jeopardized these and other Sallie Mae jobs for nothing more than a verbal assurance. Today, 100 residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania have to start looking for new jobs because of Mr. Kanjorski’s foolish decision,” said Lou Barletta, Hazleton mayor and 11th Congressional District candidate. “Mr. Kanjorski knew he was putting 1,100 jobs in his own district at risk when he voted with Ms. Pelosi. His reckless actions show that he is out of touch with his constituents. Mr. Kanjorski needs to tell these 100 Sallie Mae workers why he chose Nancy Pelosi’s agenda over their jobs.”

KANJORSKI ON SALLIE MAE

Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) provided the following statement regarding the potential layoff of about 100 employees from the Sallie Mae facility in Hanover Township. He met today with officials from Sallie Mae and has had continuing discussions with the U.S. Department of Education and the Administration about how to try to keep the jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “I am disappointed that Sallie Mae has decided to cut jobs at their servicing center in Northeastern Pennsylvania even though it will continue to service loans at the facility and nationwide,” said Congressman Kanjorski. “I am closely working with Sallie Mae, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Administration as they work through the expansion of the direct lending program, and to help keep the Sallie Mae jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since I began my service in Congress, I have worked first and foremost to create jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I will continue to do everything that I can to help keep jobs in our communities.” Click here to view Congressman Kanjorski’s statement for the Congressional Record on the health care reform legislation. In it, he states that he was, “greatly disturbed when the student loan legislation was hastily attached to the health care reform bill at the last minute because of the impact it would have on the 1,100 Sallie Mae workers in my district…Education Secretary Arne Duncan assured me that he will use all of the tools at his disposal to help ensure that these workers will remain employed.” Congressman Kanjorski voted against H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, which passed the House in September 2009. Click here to view his statement on H.R. 3221.

HIGH FENCES/GOOD NEIGHBORS

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is making good on a threat to build a fence around her Wasilla home to keep her new neighbor — an author who is writing a book about her — from peering in. Palin, told a reporter outside the gate of her lakeside home Thursday about having to build a fence to protect her family's privacyPalin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, took to Facebook on Monday to "welcome" author Joe McGinniss, who'd previously written a critical magazine article on Palin. She said he was renting a house next door to her for the next five

months or so" and wondered what he'd gather "while overlooking Piper's bedroom, my little garden, and the family's swimming hole?"
McGinniss, author of such best-selling books as "The Selling of the President," "Blind Faith" and "Fatal Vision," is planning a book, tentatively titled, "Sarah Palin's Year of Living Dangerously." It could be on book shelves next year. Gotta love that Facebook.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


1966

Fidel Castro declares martial law in Cuba because of a possible U.S. attack…in Pennsylvania the Statewide GOP begins the process of interviewing candidates for the position of Lt. Governor. The election was won by Walter Allessandroni who died in a plane crash on May 8th………the Tobyhanna Army Depot hosts an air show show to celebrate veterans and Armed Forces month. An HU-16 went over the depot grounds and parachuted a huge cargo onto the airfield……and 44 years ago the number 1 song in America And LuLac land was "Strangers In the Night" by Frank Sinatra.

The LuLac Edition #1192, May 26th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: "WRITE ON WEDNESDAY" LOGO.

A BOOST FOR JIM

Local resident activist and long time GOP member Pete Gagliardi recently wrote a piece about the candidacy of James O'Meara for State Representative in the 121st district. Here's his thoughts:
Giving the Voters a Clear Choice...................
Republican Jim O'Meara is running for state Representative in Pennsylvania. This is practically a miracle when one considers that six months ago he feared placing an order at the deli. He wrote his order for lunch meat on paper and gave it the clerk hoping that no one would ask any questions. If the clerks did O'Meara probably would have no idea what they were asking. He could not hear them. O'Meara suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic disease that causes bones to break easily and can lead to loss of hearing. He lived in what he described as a "bubble." His hearing began to fade in the ninth grade of high school and was gone by March 2009. Once an optimist his confidence faded. That began to change on September 4, 2009 . His doctors at the the University of Pennsylvania switched on a cochlear implant in his right ear. The first noise he heard felt like a miracle.He will run for the 121st Legislative District seat which incumbent Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, has held since 2006. In the past he thought he would be limited to helping other candidates win elections. Now, he is entering the race to give the voters a clear choice in the election. He is running on a platform that addresses the greatest issues in Pennsylvania, jobs and property tax reform. He also wants to keep doctors in the state, such as the ones who helped with his hearing, from leaving the state because of high practice costs. The cost of medical malpractice insurance is known to be astronomical. O'Meara states that, "When you've been given a miracle you've got to do everything to give it back." He is running for state representative to give something back to the community. O'Meara has a very impressive work history. A high school graduate without a college degree, he has a professional job. He is an information systems supervisor for North Star Food Service in Pittston, Pennsylvania. He is also working his way up in the Republican Party. He is the treasurer of the Sixth District Republican Committee in Luzerne County and has been instrumental in organizing Republican Renita Fennick, the executive director of the Luzerne County Republican Party, is one of his strongest supporters. She considers him a good candidate, intelligent and positive. She said that, "Jim has always been a great, upbeat guy, and he was involved even when his hearing wasn't as good as it is now. But he is a whole different person" since obtaining the cochlear implant. O'Meara admits that he is inexperienced, and sees himself as a rookie. On the positive side, O'Meara states that, "What I do have is a heck of a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of drive."
Source: Andrew Staub, 'Rookie' Republican plans to challenge Pashinski in fall, The Citizens' Voice newspaper of Wilkes-Barre, PA, February 25, 2010an fundraisers.
Gagliardi ran for Wilkes Barre City Council twice and writes occasionally under the pen name of Matthew Paul.

The LuLac Edition #1191, May 25th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR BUDDY JOE THEN AND JUST A YEAR AGO AT THE WRKC FM REUNION.

JOE ANTHONY

I always knew him as Joe Anthony. Last week I got crushing news that a very good friend of mine from College passed away. When I first met Joe Andrzejewski at King’s I was 19 and he was 18. I had stayed out of school a year and was terrified about the prospect of college. Joe said, “Don’t worry, this is just like high school”. Well it wasn’t but I think we both knew that. Joe and I were classmates in the Government Program and also fellow broadcasters on WRKC FM. Joe had a program called “Wooden Music” which solely focused on acoustic aspects of rock and roll. This was 30 years before the “unplugged” phase began. Joe also worked on the Radio Home Visitor, the Mad Drummer’s Christmas Special and did jazz shows playing Les Elgart’s “Bandstand Boogie” much to the chagrin of our then station manager who said, “We don’t do TV theme songs”. Joe was ambivalent about Bob Dylan’s changeover into the electric realm. Some days he was fine with it, other days he mildly criticized Bob. But he must not have been too critical because he named his son Dylan. I saw Joe last summer at the first in a while WRKC FM reunion spearheaded by Ron Ungvarsky another classmate from those days at King’s. We chatted, relived old times and made plans to see each other again. That will not happen and it is both sobering and sad. Joe served his country well but looking at him and his demeanor you’d never know he was a Major in our military. Chest thumping was never his style. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him but I’ll go further, he will continue to be an inspiration to the myriad of lives he touched through the years. Here’s his obituary.

ANDRZEJEWSKI, JOSEPH A., Major (Retired), U.S. Army Special Forces, died unexpectedly on May 21, 2010 at the age of 54. Resident of Marlton, NJ. Husband of 24 years to Gillian. Beloved father of Dylan. Brother of Donna Brazinski. Son of the late Vincent and Phyllis Andrzejewski. He is also survived by his uncle Frank and aunt Mary Jane Forlin. In 1977 he earned his BA from Kings College. He received his MPA from Troy State University in 1988. Joseph's military career began when he completed ROTC and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He would go on to graduate from Ranger School as well as the elite Special Forces. A few of his innumerable military accomplishments and positions held over nearly two decades of service include: Chief, Military Freefall Branch and Combat Development Officer, JFK Special Warfare Center; Commander, Special Forces Operational Detachment, Berlin, Germany; Field Office Chief, Special Projects Support Activity (SPSA) Fort Bragg, NC; R&D Officer and Section Chief, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment; and Program Manager, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Thursday May 27th from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM at the Bradley Funeral Home, Rt. 73 & Evesham Rd., Marlton, NJ. Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM at the funeral home on Thursday. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph's memory to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or any veteran organization of your choice.

For Joe and our youth, Joan Baez singing one of Dylan's best.

SESTAK IN TOWN

Newly crowned and minted Democratic nominee Joe Sestak came to the Wilkes Barre Area yesterday meeting the folks and ramping up his efforts for the fall. The night before on the highly rated and mostly confusing “Lost” (I was right they were in a type of purgatory and on their way to another place) Pat Toomey for Senate ads kept appearing. The ads told us what a nice guy Joe Sestak was but how he was wrong for America. Sestak was at the Atrium Restaurant and did an interview on the Sue Henry Show. Sestak’s task will be to convince the Commonwealth’s great middle thinkers that he is not some wild eyed liberal. It will be an uphill battle because the National GOP wants this seat badly. But Sestak has proven before that he can come from behind.

LULAC ON TARONE

We'll be guests on the L.A. Tarone Show on WYLN TV this week. Times are Wednesday night 9:30PM, Thursday 6PM, Saturday 12:30PM, Monday at 11:30PM and Tuesday at 7:30PM. Topic will be politics.

DALE DAVENPORT

One of Pennsylvania most unique and brilliant editorial writers lost his battle with cancer last week. Dale Davenport who was an editorial writer and columnist for the Harrisburg Patriot News passed away. He was also a frequent and insightful guest on PCN's "Journalists Roundtable".

The LuLac Edition #1190, May 23rd, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR Y DRIVE LOGO, MY FRIEND REGIS RUGEMANSHURO AND ME HARD AT WORK DOING VIDEOS, AND CATHY RAMSAY, JOANNE BURNS AND JACKIE URBANOVICH, MY CLASSMATES AT LCCC.

GRADUATION DAY

This week local colleges complete their graduations. I am very fortunate to have had my life touched by a few individuals who are going to be enjoying their big day. One of the true advantages of publishing LuLac is meeting some interesting people who have helped me develop this site. That’s the first story. The second story is about three remarkable women I met when I attended Luzerne County Community College last fall. Here are their stories:

REGIS

As many of my readers on LuLac know I’ve been dabbling in You Tube videos for the past few years. I wanted to expand my line up and quit bothering my friend Mark Cour who helped me develop two fine efforts. So naturally I contacted WBRE TV’s Cholley Hayes. Hayes recommended to me a young man from College Misrecordia who was a technical whiz and a good teacher. A recommendation from Hayes is not to be taken lightly so I called the young man. When the voice answered on the cell phone, “This is Regis”, I of course said, “Philbin??” and the other voice on the phone said, “I get that a lot”. And thus began the working relationship I had with a young man named Regis Rugemanshuro. When I first met him, he was wearing a White Sox baseball cap. I remarked that the hat was similar to the one then candidate Obama wore and Regis said, “I like the design”. As we made small talk on the way to my house I learned Regis was a native of Rwanda and was just a small boy when the awful events happened there in the 90s. As we became more comfortable with each other he shared with me that some members of his family were killed in those awful events. He also added that an aunt was in Canada. Regis like me is a Coke man so as we set out to work on my You Tube education we downed a few cold ones as he taught me the nuances of making successful and eye catching videos. He seemed surprised when I insisted on giving him credit at the end but was nonetheless pleased with my insistence. Although a little shaky with the technical aspects, Regis marveled at how I knew what I wanted in terms of a video match to music. One of our most enjoyable efforts was when we did my tribute to actress Geena Davis. I mean we howled at that session. Regis’ catch phrase was “it’s all good” so when he wondered if Mrs. LuLac would be upset with my Davis effort, I laughed it off and said, “it’s all good”. Regis graduates from Misericordia University today with a degree in information technology. After that he plans to stick around the Back Mountain and gets his Masters before returning to his homeland to help his country with his knowledge and skill. When Regis walks for that degree on the stage today, there will be many of his native family members not present. But I can’t help but think that there is an Army of friends he’s met along the way who will be cheering him on today in spirit. It would be an honor for him to count me as a part of his family of friends here in our part of the world.

CRACKING THE CODE

Going back to school at my age after getting laid off from Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania was terrifying for me. Here I was in my 50s going back to school for Health Care Management. The books and their content were staggering. I had a passing acquaintance with medical codes when I worked at BC, but this was a full scale introduction to coding, medical office technology, and Medical Terminology. I met the most remarkable people at LCCC and I was comforted by the fact that many of my class members were adults, like me. I first met Cathy Ramsay when she informed me that in one of the textbooks, the answers were actually in the back of the book. Stunned I told her this is not the way the nuns did. She said, “see any nuns here?” Point made. What was the most difficult challenge for me was not learning the assignments but knowing how to study for the work. One afternoon at Grotto Pizza in Edwardsville, Cathy Ramsay just took a step by step, patient approach and showed me the road map to studying for these courses. Cathy and I became fast friends and during the course of the year we became confidants on matters great and small. Cathy graduates on Thursday with a degree related to Health Care. She also received an award for Academic Excellence in Health Information Management at a rewards luncheon. Cathy was also a tutor for many students at the school on a formal basis. In the ICD 9 Coding class Cathy’s classmates Joann Burns and Jackie Urbanovich also looked out for me making certain I knew how to study the complexities of modern day health care. Thursday night these adult women embark on a new chapter in their lives. Unlike some of their fellow younger graduates they are a little nicked and scraped a bit but not worse for wear. They say that good things happen in threes, when I took my Health Care management courses at LCCC, Cathy, Joann and Amy were for me, just what the doctor ordered. I thank them for helping me reintroduce myself to college learning and wish them the very best in the future.

The LuLac Edition #1189, May 22nd, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR INTERVIEW LOGO.

INTERVIEW

This week I ran into someone on Election day that called me on my frequent mantra that “taxes are the dues we pay for living in a civilized society.
Q: You don’t agree with that?
A: To an extent. Mind you I don’t mind paying taxes but why is government always raising the taxes.
Q: Things cost more money these days.
A: True. But my cost of living has to go up in things I buy. There will be higher costs but I don’t see any cutting going on. You lost a job right?
Q: Yes because they say of budget cuts.
A: Right but you never hear of the Courthouse cutting staff or the school district.
Q: I can’t argue the point. I think they should blow up the entire process under the dome and have everybody re-apply.
A: I like that idea. Look, I’m not a tax crazy. I benefited from programs but something has to give somewhere, sometime. It’s getting harder to live in the city. (Wilkes Barre).
Q: Did you hear the latest, the Wilkes Barre Area School Board is going to raise property taxes again?
A: Any words of layoffs? Cutting of the budget?
Q: No.
A: See this is what I mean. Sallie Mae just laid off 100 workers. They could not afford them. You mean to tell me that school district workers are more essential, that people couldn’t take up the slack?
Q: I can’t disagree.
A: Well if I’m getting nickeled and dimed here, I may not be as civil any more.
Q: You wouldn’t start a protest would you?
A: Nope, I’d go you one better, leave this stinking city like hundreds of others did. I might have to burn my own garbage but no one will care.
Q: They’ll care when they miss your money.
A: No they won’t, they’ll just raise your taxes more. We’ll see then how civil you’ll be.

The LuLac Edition #1188, May 21st, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: 11TH CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE LOU BARLETTA, OUR 1966 LOGO, AND ATTORNEY JAMES HAGGERTY JUST VICTORIOUS IN HIS BID TO SUCCEED BOB CASEY IN THE 22nd SENATORIAL DISTRICT IS INTERVIEWED BY WEJL RADIO'S JACK GRISWOLD.

A "PAUL"ING THOUGHTS

It always happens. Candidates who have a leg up on the establishment, those who bolt out of the blue and establish themselves as the alternative voices for the people, almost always stumble. Despite the Tea Party crowd’s protestations that “they want their government back” and “they don’t want their freedom taken away”, America remains a centrist country when it comes to core beliefs of rights and human decency. But -- Rand Paul, the new face of the tea party movement made stunning comments about anti-discrimination laws. The political newcomer knocked off the GOP establishment's candidate, Trey Grayson, in Kentucky's Republican Senate primary on Tuesday and called it a "mandate" for the tea party's drive to limit Washington's power. On NPR, Paul was asked about his belief that the Americans With Disabilities Act gave government too much authority over private business. The reporter wanted to know whether Paul felt the same way about the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This question was asked because Paul’s foe in the general Jack Conway asked the question. And that was the start of Paul’s tap dance. "What I've always said is, I'm opposed to institutional racism," Paul responded, adding that he would have marched with Dr. Martin Luther King if he'd been alive at the time. Although Paul said he supports nearly everything in the Civil Rights Act, he took issue with the part that outlaws discrimination by private businesses except for clubs.Later on MSNBC, Rachel Maddow asked Paul the same question Paul said he didn't believe "any private property should discriminate" and insisted he would never patronize such a place. But he asked Maddow, "Does the owner of the restaurant own his restaurant or does the government own his restaurant?"
Well here’s my answer, the government doesn’t run the restaurant. But society establishes rules for our behavior. When we as a society treat other citizens unfair because of the color of their skin, adjustments or laws have to be made. The owner owns his restaurant but that doesn’t give him the sole right to stop people of color and disabilities from eating there. Our uncivil society in the South after the Civil War made it necessary for citizens of color to first reason and then peacefully protest. When that is met with attack dogs and fire hoses, midnight beatings and bombs going off in church, then yes Mr. Paul, the government, the federal government you so loathe and fear has to step in. The main function of government is to protect the rights of all of the people, even those who want to have a hot dog from a bigot. There was a wonderful movie Andy Griffith starred in featuring a character called Lonesome Rhoades. The movie was called “A Face In the Crowd” and the main player got the love and attention of his faithful until he told them what he really thought about them. Rand Paul told us what he was really thinking...and not a moment too soon.

LETTER FROM LANCE

This note came across the e mail machine from Lou Barletta’s campaign people. It appears they are thrilled to have Congressman Kanjorski as an opponent.
Dear Friend, The primary election is behind us, and we got what many of us are looking for – a rematch with Paul Kanjorski on Nov. 2.This is going to be a very exciting, very challenging campaign for all of us on the Lou Barletta team. Mr. Kanjorski will be well-funded, mostly by special interests on Wall Street and in Washington. His campaign team is known for playing dirty. And he has millions in “free money” (the term he used to describe your tax dollars on the “CBS Evening News,” Aug. 1, 2008) to hand out between now and the general election.Things don’t look good for Mr. Kanjorski. When people went to vote on Tuesday, more than 51 percent of voters in his own party voted against him. If you add the people who voted for Lou, more than 65 percent voted against Paul Kanjorski. For someone who’s been in office for more than a quarter-century, that’s a devastating number.Lou clearly has the wind at his back. But we cannot rest – and we are not taking anything for granted. We continue to work hard every day. Lou is bringing his message to the voters in all corners of the 11th District. He’s raising money to remain competitive. And he’s showing everyone here and in Washington that this year, this race will end with a Barletta victory.But we know what’s ahead. In 2008, Mr. Kanjorski’s attack dogs started hitting Lou with negative television ads in June – the earliest commercials aired by an incumbent’s campaign against a challenger in the country.We expect that again this year. Frankly, we won’t be surprised if it’s much, much worse. After all, Mr. Kanjorski is “the state’s most vulnerable incumbent” (PoliticsPA.com, May 4, 2010) who “will struggle to beat Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta.” (Time magazine, May 17, 2010)We love to read those kinds of stories, but this election is far from settled. Five months is a lifetime in American politics.Lou still needs your support. Lou needs you to keep working hard to achieve victory in November. Lou needs you to put a yard sign in your yard, to talk with your family and friends and neighbors about his message of changing Washington. Lou needs you to help us get new volunteers and new donors.For now, Lou is asking you to get involved and stay involved. Please contact us at campaign headquarters to get a sign, to join our volunteer list, to contribute to the cause, and to let us know of events Lou should try to attend.On behalf of Lou and all of us on his team, thank you very much for your continued support. Onward to victory!
Sincerely, Lance Stange, Jr.

Campaign Manager

Lou Barletta for Congress

THE SCRAPPY KID SAYS

Vice president Joe Biden who campaigned furiously for Arlen Specter made a statement about the 5 term Senator’s loss. “Arlen Specter is one of my closest friends. He has served Pennsylvania with determination, wisdom, and skill for many years. I was proud to play a role in his return to the Democratic Party; his votes to pass the Recovery Act and health insurance reform were courageous and critical to our success. I look forward to working with him during the rest of this year, and remaining in close contact with him after his term in Washington is finished." “I spoke to Joe Sestak last night and congratulated him on his impressive victory. He will make a great candidate in the fall, and a wonderful United States Senator. I look forward to campaigning for him in Pennsylvania and celebrating his victory in November.”

YANKEES STAY

The Times Leader reports that The New York Yankees have extended their Player Development Contract with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees through the 2014 season, the team announced Thursday night in a press release. The SWB Yankees are the franchise’s Triple-A affiliate in the International League.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


1966

The Communist Party of China issues the 'May 16 Notice', marking the beginning of the Cultural Revolution……………….Bob Dylan's seminal album, Blonde on Blonde is released in the U.S…..in Pennsylvania 53 year old industrialist Milton Shapp stuns the political establishment by defeating the Democratic party endorsee Robert Casey. It is the first time since the Gifford Pinchot administration that an endorsed candidate is defeated. Casey, a Scranton State Senator carried his home counties of Lackawanna and neighboring Luzerne by a large margin but his vote in the Philadelphia area was held down to just over 8200 votes. Shapp who started working in a radio factory amassed his millions by starting a cable TV company. Shapp’s victory was the culmination of a long massive media campaign where he spent more than a million dollars to gain name recognition. Shapp spent the day monitoring the progress of his mother Eva who had suffered a heart attack recently. State Senator Casey spent the day visiting polling places, spent some time at a friend’s summer home in the Poconos and then bought two baseball gloves for his two oldest sons before returning to Scranton to await the returns. As Casey waited for the returns in a private room in the Hotel Casey, he nervously smoked cigarettes waiting for the outcome. At midnight it appeared Milton Shapp had opened up a 23,000 vote lead and never looked back. Casey conceded at 3:15AM with the final total being Shapp, 541,114 votes to Casey’s 492,535…..Casey’s running mate Allegheny County Commissioner Leonard Staisey on the Lt. Governor’s nomination…By contrast the GOP race was mild. Lt. Governor Ray Shaffer ran wild over perennial candidate Harold Stassen. The late Walter Allasendroni who died in a plane crash on May 8th won handily. The State GOP announced it would name a replacement after a suitable period…..in the State Senate contest in Lackawanna County Attorney James Haggerty won a nomination to the State Senate for Casey’s seat defeating Mid Valley Attorney and strip mine activist John V Pieski……on the GP side, Arthur Piasecki a tavern and grocery store owner won the GOP nod…..For the 10th Congressional Distrait seat held by Joseph McDade City Councilman Neil Trama won the Democratic nod…….Democratic nominees for State Representative seats included Michael Needham (113th), Cyril Moran (112th) John Wansacz (114th) and Joseph Wargo in the (115th). On the GOP side winners were Louis Costanzo (113th) Charles Luger (1212th)William Edwards (114th) and Joh Nagy (115TH)…….T. Newell Wood reclaimed his Senate seat after an 8 year absence from incumbent Harold Flack. Wood will face the Democratic nominee Harold Coslett in the fall….in the 14th Senatorial District Martin Murray reclaims his seat after gerrymandering by defeating Avoca Mayor Joe McLane…..a 4 way contest between broadcast executive Vic Diem of Hazleton, funeral director John Yeosock of Plains, Pepsi Executive Eddie Joseph from Duryea and Sam Daley from Pittston ends with a convincing Diehm victory. Diehm owns the popular WVCD radio station in Hazleton…..in the state reps races, incumbents in Luzerne County (Bachman (1rst), Meholchick (2nd) Musto (3rd) (Shupnik (4th) andO’Brien (the 6th) all win renomination. In Frank Crossin’s old 5th district seat, on the GOP side Kingston Councilman Frank O’Connell will face off against Bill Keller…in the 11th Congressional district Dan Flood romped to renomination and will oppose Hazletonian Republican Gerald Broadt….and 44 years ago the number 1 song in America and LuLac land was "Sloop John B" by the Beach Boys.

The LuLac Edition #1187, May 20th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: THE WYLN TV 35 "LATE EDITION" TEAM, L.A.TARONE, ME AS GUEST, LISA SHUGARTD AND JOE GARBACICK. WHERE COREY O'BRIEN'S SIGNS WERE AT A WILKES BARRE POLLING PLACE AS OPPOSED TO WHERE THE OTHER CANDIDATES SIGNS WERE.

SIGNS SIGNS

A sign that the Corey O’Brien campaign might not go the way that I thought it would came to me when I went to vote in my polling place at the Skilled Nursing Care Home on River Street. As I approached the polling places I saw everybody’s signs. Except O’Briens. Now for many of you who know me, you realize how badly I am with simple directions. If there is an exit to miss, a roundabout way to get to a place, I’m all over it. So I made a wrong turn to the side of the polling place and what do I see propped up against a storage shed? Corey O’Brien signs. Lesson learned: when you buck the organization, they’ll do just about anything to sabotage your efforts. These guys have nothing on Anthony Soprano. Corey O’Brien learned that the hard way.

STATE COMMITTEE ROUNDUP

The Luzerne County State Committee races were pretty interesting. Look at the gap between Steve Urban and the rest of the people. He always outpaces his running mate, even when he has a bunch. And new party leaders like Renita Fennick, Harry Haas and Dave Baloga garnered wins outpacing veterans like Lynette Vilano and Bill Lewis.
Stephen J. Urban (M). . . . . . . 10,240

Linda J. Urban (F) . . . . . . . 8,018

Margaret E. Phillips (F) . . . . . 7,588

Renita Fennick (F) . . . . . . . 7,066

Kathleen M. Dobash (F) . . . . . . 7,054

David Baloga (M) . . . . . . . . 5,667

Harry Haas (M). . . . . . . . . 5,533

Frank J. Mazza III (M) . . . . . . 5,495

Moderno Rossi (M). . . . . . . . 5,081

Bill Lewis (M). . . . . . . . . 4,884

T. Lynette Villano (F) . . . . . . 4,704

Art Bobbouine (M). . . . . . . . 2,340

WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 299

On the Democratic side, some new blood was infused with Tom Shubilla, Rebecca Sammon and Cassandra Coleman winning. Attorney Mike Cefalo and Lisa Gelb most likely pooled from the same block of support while Paul Maher who has been around for 100 years won. But look at the disparity in votes, not a lot.

Michael J. Cefalo (M) . . . . . . 15,005

Thomas M. Shubilla (M) . . . . . . 14,489

Paul J. Maher (M). . . . . . . . 14,014

Lesa Gelb (F) . . . . . . . . . 12,477

Rebecca Sammon (F) . . . . . . . 11,649

Cassandra I. Coleman (F) . . . . . 11,618

John Bolin (M). . . . . . . . . 11,400

Sabrina A. McLaughlin (F) . . . . . 11,305

Jane Waitkus (F) . . . . . . . . 10,435

Lucille Maziarz (F) . . . . . . . 10,120

David J. Popiak Sr. (M). . . . . . 8,835

Michele Mahovich (F). . . . . . . 8,454 W

WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 452

The LuLac Edition #1186, May 19th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR ELECTION NIGHT LOGO.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE....

This election of 2010 for all of its bluster and blarney about "throwing the bums out" and making a change turned into one big win for the party establishment. The exception to that is of course the unseating of Senator Arlen Specter. As a few wags said, "The only Democrat that in the end can defeat Arlen Specter...is Arlen Specter." Opponent Joe Sestak beat Specter who in 5 past Senate elections won. Sestak squares off against Pat Toomey in the fall. You can bet Toomey will ask hard questions about Sestak's mercurial reputation as an admiral but also as a Congressional office holder that ran through staff like Southern barbecue enthusiasts run through napkins. The National GOP will be pouring money into this race. Other than the Senate race, it seemed like the old reliables won.

GOVERNOR'S RACE

Dan Onorato spent a lot of money, Jack Wagner who is perhaps the most qualified to be Governor did not. Wagner proved that old school politics doesn't work without a serious infusion of cash. Anthony Williams made an impression and may be the future of the Dems in years to come.

On the GOP side, Tom Corbett won handily. Sam Rohrer had a decent showing but where was the sound and fury of the Tea Party people? Like the Howard Dean phenomena of 2004, the movement didn't translate into votes.

11th CONGRESSIONAL

Corey O'Brien had me convinced. O'Brien said he had a wining strategy that would put Paul Kanjorski away for good. And there were ancillary things to back him up. Anger about Wall Street, an anti incumbent mood sure to sweep Kanjo from his perch. Nope, like the sleepy tortoise Kanjorski shut his moiuth, kept his head down, went about his business and prevailed. In a future edition I'll visually depict for you tone of the reasons why O'Brien lost. Lou Barletta awaits Round 3 and you can be sure that Kanjorski staffers and his media guru Ed Mitchell are doing research on the good Mayor.

10th CONGRESSIONAL

Despite a lackluster campaign, Tom Marino beat Malcolm Derk and David Madiera for the chance to run against Chris Carney in the fall. Carney's seat is one the GOP has an eye on. Marino better run a better effort in the fall if he is to challenge Carney.

22d SENATORIAL

John Blake was the quiet man in this race. He touted his career as a public servant distinguishing himself from the other candidates, Doherty, Corcoran, Volpe and Wansacz. I can't help but think the long arm and reach of both Ed Rendell and Bob Mellow had something to do with this win. Frank Scavo will have his hands full in the fall.

14th SENATORIAL

It appears that people in LuLac land want their Mayors to stay Mayor. Going back to the time of Wilkes Barre Mayor Frank Slattery (who ran for Judge and State Rep) and Scranton's Jimmy Connors (who ran for Congress) we tend to like our mayors to stay put. Tom Leighton found that out on Election Night when he lost to John Yudichak. Yudichak clobbered the Mayor and made this race very competitive by doing a lot of grassroots campaigning. Many people, particularly in the Greater Pittston Area changed their mind after meeting Yudichak because of his charisma and honest attitude. He never shied away from the per diem issue and deflected it. Leighton made a good impression but didn't light any crowds on fire. Like Mayor Doherty, Mayor Leighton ran on the good points of his record but also on the unfulfilled accomplishment that come with being a Mayor. Steve Urban will have his work cut out for him in the Fall.

THE 119th

Gerald Mullery outlast Gary Zingaretti and Bob Morgan to replace Yudichak. Morgan ran TV and radio ads, touted himself as "The Real Democrat" but apparently the barrister Mullery had some support no one could foresee.

THE 112TH

Representative Ken Smith proves my point about people and change. First off love the guy's restaurant and think he is a nice man. But he had tax problems that have been an ongoing issue for most of his terms. But Smith prevailed over a group of candidates that couldn't seem to get out of their own way.

CONCLUSION

The people who are advancing to the General Election contest are seasoned veterans of politics and government. If there were any change agents in Election 2010, I'm not seeing them. Like the old adage goes, "The more things change, the more they stay the same". That said, I congratulate the winners and to the losers, I applaud you for putting yourselves out there. Next to government service in the armed services, a citizen running for office is performing a patriotic duty.

The LuLac Edition #1185, May 18th 2010

PHOTO INDEX: "VOTE" LOGO.

“Voting is a civic sacrament."
Theodore Hesburgh

7AM to 8PM

Just do it!!!!

The LuLac Edition #1184, May 17th 2010

PHOTO INDEX: ME AND SENATOR SPECTER, THE GOP WOMEN OF THE LAC, FRONT ROW: BARBARA DAVENPORT, MSCRW PRESIDENT SCRANTON; JOYCE GRANT, PFRW PRESIDENT AND 2010 HONOREE BRADFORD COUNTY; TONI GILHOOLEY, PFRW DIRECTOR, HARRISBURG; KIM DEMATTEO-MACDONALD, OLYPHANT, MSCRW CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

SESTAK AD A PHONY

When the devastating ad came out against Arlen Specter from Joe Sestak’s people, Mrs. LuLac smelled a rotten fish. Now I’m supposed to be the media guy in the family but as soon as she saw it, she told me it was doctored in some way. And lo and behold she was correct. Today the Specter people put an ad up that countered the Sestak ad with none other than Ed Rendell weighing in on how it was the worst type of campaigning by a politician. The ad defended Specter and also touted the big names (Obama, Biden, et all) supporting the Senator. To me that might not have been a good idea given the fact that most people are hating Washington and government in general. But it did get the message out there that the ad was doctored to make Specter look like an opportunist. I’ve always voted for Specter and won’t stop tomorrow. My only question about this Senate race is why Joe Sestak won’t reveal the name of the alleged White House official who promised him a job in the Obama administration if he dropped out of the race? Arlen might be a cranky old man, who might have tried to sell us the single bullet theory about the JFK assassination and he may be as wild as a Montavani marathon but as far as I know, he never lied to the voters of Pennsylvania.

GOP WOMEN

Margery Scranton Council of Republican Women of Lackawanna County recently honored Joyce Grant, President of Pennsylvania Federation of Republican Women as part of the group’s women history month celebration. Joyce A. Grant has been an active member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women for many years. She has served as a PFRW Vice President, chaired several committees and has served on many committees. Joyce is a member of the Achievements Awards Committee for NFRW and is also a member of the Anne B. Anstine Women in Excellence Program Advisory Board.Mrs. Grant is active in her local council, The Bradford County Council of Republican Women, serving as program chair, special events chair and numerous other positions. She was Council President 1998-2000.President Grant is an active Republican in addition to her commitment to PFRW and NFRW. In 2004 she chaired the Women's Coalition for President Bush in Bradford County. She was campaign coordinator in her county for Judge Maureen Lally Green and Chet Beiler. Joyce is a local precinct committeewoman for Burlington Township. She has campaigned at the local level for numerous local and state Republican candidates and is an active member of the Bradford County Republican Grassroots organization. The Margery Scranton Council has participated in many activities over the years. They participated in campaign activities for local, state and national candidates, conducted campaign workshops, honored women in the community and took part in several community service projects. They celebrate 10 years of service to the Republican Party in 2009. “It is a time to reflect on our struggles, celebrate our achievements, and acknowledge our contribution to society as homemakers, community activists and career professionals” stated Barbara Davenport, President of Margery Scranton Council.

The LuLac Edition #1183, May 16th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR "Y DRIVE" LOGO, MRS. BETH SOLOMAN BARNETT, MY NEPHEW TROY BARNETT AND JOE THOMAS, (YES THAT JOE THOMAS) . THE BOTTOM PHOTO IS TROY AND BETH JUST MOMENTS AFTER SAYING I DO.

THE "Y DRIVE"

Still another feature on LuLac. We're calling it the "Y Drive". These are events that happened in my life that I'm putting on LuLac. They'll be fun, substantial and hopefully interesting. I chose this route because trying to post on Facebook's News Feed is a colossal waste of time. It seems only a certain few can post on it, the Help Desk is a joke and as I said trying to get anything regarding politics or LuLac is as I said just wasting my valuable time. But if you want to check out my profile page, here it is.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1612355787&ref=profile. I'm sending you to this to check out any LuLac updates, on my profile page but not on the News Feed page because it just isn't worth the effort.

TROY AND BETH

My nephew Troy Barnett got married Saturday and for our family it was a wonderful day. As a person who never had children, I never got the bound that is broken and then re formed again when a child marries. Troy and Beth's wedding on Saturday was like a fast moving video for me set to the most sentimental and elegant music I heard. Troy has grown from a scrawny little kid to a substantial young man with a serious job. Now he has taken the step for a new life. Mrs. Lulac ands I wish him and Beth the very best. As the old saying goes, "we laughed, we cried and ultimately danced the night away". It is fitting that we begin "The Y Drive" with a major component that is timeless in its beauty and on going commitment to family.

The LuLac Edition #1182, May 16th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON.

48 HOURS

We’re down to 2 days before Primary Election 2010 and things are going at a very frenetic pace for those politically involved. The amazing thing to me is the fact that more than 60% of the population here and in the State have no clue, no idea, no inclination and no interest in what is going on. I had two people tell me this week they only vote in Presidential elections because they don’t understand the complexities of local candidates. With all due respect to our outgoing Senators Musto and Mellow, complex and complicated is not the first words you thought of when they were first brought to mind. People are taken in by the media hype of a national campaign and the local races where they should be paying attention are pretty much ignored. And that is a shame because a minority of citizens become the majority of voters, especially in a primary. In doing research for our 1966 feature, I was surprised to see that the turnout for that election was 45%. We would kill for that level of interest in an off year election this time around. So this weekend all the political people are doing laps, sprint and last minute somersaults to put their candidate front and center. I wish them luck in trying to get the attention of “The American Idol” constituency. They’ll need it.

PICKS

I was asked to do a pick of some races by blogger Stephen Urbanski. The picks were made last Sunday and not much has happened to change my mind. One thing though, I think you are going to see a late surge by Anthony Williams and that might change the dynamics of the race. But I’m still standing by my picks. Here’s his link: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-32019-Scranton-Public-Policy-Examiner~y2010m5d15-Primary-Election-predictions-from-bloggers-and-a-prominent-GOPer.

THIS JUST IN

Former WYOU TV reporter Kevin Jordan has a brand new look to his blog, “This Just In”. Check out Kevin’s thoughts. http://kevinjjordan.blogspot.com/.

THINGS AT KING’S

Naw not gonna start bashing on the kids again. Check out my friend Father Thom Carten’s daily journal “Things At King’s”. It’ll make you chuckle and calm you down. Here’s his link:
http://northfranklin.blogspot.com/2010/05/annie-sandy-daddy-asp.html

CORBETT IN TOWN

The front runner and by some, the presumed next Governor of Pennsylvania makes a stop in LuLac land tomorrow. Tom Corbett, Republican gubernatorial candidate will join with Scranton area campaign supporters during a “Turning on the Power of Pennsylvania” rally in Allentown Monday morning. Tom Corbett will visit seven Pennsylvania cities in a barnstorming tour of the state in the 24 hours leading up to the primary election. He will rally supporters and continue to spread his vision for the future of Pennsylvania.
WHAT: Tom Corbett for Governor Rally
WHEN: Monday, May 17th, 2010
TIME: 10:30am Doors open
11:00am Rally begins
WHERE: Scranton Airport Wings Restaurant
100 Terminal Drive, 2nd Floor
Avoca, PA 18641

CLINTON ENDORSES DOHERTY

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty garnered a very big endorsement over the weekend. Former president Bill Clinton weighed in on the 22nd District race. (This has to be a first!) Anyway, Clinton said, “Chis Doherty "helped to turn the city [of Scranton] around," and "he'll bring the same energy and dedication to all of Northeast Pennsylvania" as he works to bring good paying jobs into the district and to clean up Harrisburg.”

The LuLac Edition #1181, May 15th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR "INTERVIEW" LOGO.

INTERVIEW

With the election coming up fast and furious I decided to do a quick interview with a local person who has been an election worker for over 40 years.
Q: How did you start doing this?
A: When I first got married and moved here they needed a person to escort people in and out of the polling place. Every year they just kept calling and one year I got elected Judge of Elections. Been getting the same job since.
Q: How’s the pay?
A: Terrible but I can’t get anyone to take my place. The young people don’t want to step up.
Q: How is it on Election Day? Tense?
A: Only during the local elections. The School Board and Supervisor races are real competitive.
Q: Your favorite election in terms of the excitement level on a national basis?
A: Believe it or not 1980 with Reagan. An old timer told me (laughing), now I’m the old timer, anyway this old timer told me that it reminded him of 1960.
Q: The most boring for you?
A: Reagan again but this time in ’84. In the old days before the ‘puters (editor’s note, he meant computers) we all got home early on landslides.
Q: How’s turnout now as opposed to when you started in 1970?
A: It’s gone down every year. It’s sad.
Q: Are you concerned?
A: I’m worried because people are voting less it seems but knowing less. Some of the conversations I hear, they are really, really something.
Q: How long are you going to keep doing this?
A: Until they replace me.
Q: C’mon, you’ll have to give up those perks, getting up at 6am, standing on your feet for 13 hours, all the coffee and donuts you want……
A: And don’t forget the chance to meet all my lady friends in the neighborhood.
Q: There ya go. Can’t forget about them.
A: And the donuts are tasty.
Q: Seriously thanks for doing this on Election Day.
A: It is my honor. I guess that makes me what you kids call “old school”.
Q: I’m not a kid, I’m right behind you.
A: Well you seem like a smart guy. Is this going to be in the paper?
Q: No it’s on the Internet.
A: Oh, then I have to go over my daughter’s house. She’s the one with the ‘puter.

The LuLac Edition #1180, May 14th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: THE GOP AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY LOGOS, OUR 1966 LOGO, ONE OF THE THOUSANDS OF ADS MILTON SHAPP RAN IN NEWSPAPERS TO ADVERTISE HIS 1/2 POLITICAL DOCUMENTARY "THE MAIN AGAINST THE MACHINE" AND AN OLD AD FROM THEN SENATOR HAROLD FLACK.

RING RING

The pollsters are calling, the campaigns are ringing too. I made the day of one Specter caller when I told them I was with Arlen all the way. Not much in the way of Robo calls……….yet. The old fashioned phone banks were things of beauty. In my wasted youth I worked many of them for both Presidential and local campaigns. The big thing was the Democrats could always rely on unions especially the ILGWU to make those calls. What is off putting to most people is the fact that the calls being made now are not local and have no connection to the community they are calling. But that’s progress. I guess.

STATE COMMITTEE

I have a new nickname for Leonard Piazza the head of Voter Services in Luzerne County. Since “Sir Speedy” is already taken I’m going to call him “Mr. Instant”. I e mailed Len last night about how many State Committee people you could vote for. In less than 5 minutes I had an answer. For Democratic State Committee the vote for is 7 ... the 3 females and the 3 males with the highest number are elected, and the next highest vote getter is also elected.For Republican State Committee the vote for is 6 ... the 3 females and the 3 males with the highest number are elected.
So as a Democrat, I’m voting for Tom Shubilla, (he came to my house) Dave Popiak from Hazleton (met him once)and Mike Cefalo (because he’s a good dancer and used to buy advertising from me). Also Cefalo would be a veteran if many of my first timers got the nod and he could show them the ropes. I’m also pulling levers for Sabrina McLaughlin, Cassandra Coleman and Michelle Mahovich. (I love Lucille Maziarz and she has been a party warrior for over 4 decades. But it is time for some young, new blood on the State Committee.) My 7th pick is John Bolin from Wyoming.
If I could vote on the GOP side I’d vote for Dave Baloga (who I disagree with 100% on virtually everything politically but that has never stopped us from having several friendly encounters at various events in the area) Harry Haas (who is the future of the party in terms of his passion and dedication) and Art Bobbouine (who ran a very gutsy campaign with my old neighbor Chuck Simalchik in the 90s to turn Pittston City around. I’d also pull a lever for Linda Urban (who is a credible and articulate member of the GOP), Renita Fennick (ditto) and Kathy Dobash from Hazleton who I also disagree with on many, many things but have no doubrt that she would be a tireless advocate for her party.

JOIN ARLEN

Event: Senator Arlen Specter Pre-Election State Tour
Start Time: Monday, May 17 at 1:30pm
End Time: Monday, May 17 at 2:00pm
Where: Holiday Inn Express (Near the SWB Airport)

PCN’S ELECTION COVERAGE

The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) has announced its state primary election coverage for Tuesday, May 18. The network’s LIVE coverage will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. PCN will be at various locations throughout the state. The network will once again be partnering with the PA Business Council for election results. Several political experts will provide in-studio commentary and analysis of election numbers. A list of guests scheduled to appear at the PCN studio during the network’s coverage is as follows:
Tuesday, May 18:
PCN Primary Election Night
8:00 p.m.: Berwood Yost, Director of Center for Opinion Research at Franklin &
Marshall College and Jim Lee, President, Susquehanna Polling and Research
9:00 p.m.: Mark Singel, The Winter Group and David LaTorre, LaTorre
Communications
10:00 p.m.: Tony May, Triad Strategies and Charlie Gerow, Quantum Communications
11:00 p.m.: Don Cunningham, Lehigh County Executive and Alan Novak, Novak
Strategic Advisors
For more information about the candidates as well as the latest appearances, debates and forums along the campaign trail, visit the network’s Election Central page at http://www.pcntv.com/election2010/index.html.
State primary results will be discussed during the LIVE PCN Call-In program at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19. Viewers can join the discussion by
dialing 1-877-PA6-5001 to speak directly to the scheduled political experts.

LOU’S THE GUY

This interesting release came from the Barletta campaign and I have to give them credit on an interesting but very, very accurate spin. Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s primary election, 11th Congressional District candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta will win in November. Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what the campaigns of Paul Kanjorski and Corey O’Brien said about Lou’s chances in the fall: “There is zero chance Paul Kanjorski defeats Lou Barletta. Zero. Paul Kanjorski doesn’t have Barack Obama [on the ballot] and without Barack Obama and the way the country is swinging with Massachusetts, at the end of the day, this is an easy pickup for the Republican Party.” Corey O’Brien, Politico, February 3, 2010 "Our polling data not only shows Kanjorski crushing O'Brien in the primary, but Barletta crushing O'Brien in the general." Kanjorski campaign spokesman Ed Mitchell, Scranton Times, March 4, 2010. And here’s what Kanjorski himself said about his re-election chances this fall: “If the election is decided as a referendum on the last 14 months, this coming November, the Democrats are going to lose.” (Hazleton Standard-Speaker, Feb. 18, 2010) “We’re grateful for the endorsements of both the Kanjorski and O’Brien campaigns. Lou Barletta is gaining momentum every single day, and Lou will be ready to take on the winner of Tuesday’s primary,” said Vince Galko, campaign spokesman for Mayor Barletta. “Of course, there’s much work yet to be done, and Lou Barletta will be out meeting with voters, talking about issues, raising money, and criss-crossing the 11th Congressional District. Lou will work hard for every vote. “We’d like to wish all candidates luck, and we encourage everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday.”

WILLIAMS PITCH

Here’s a pitch from Democrat Tony Williams in the Governor’s race. We are the only campaign with momentum. Our opponents have flat-lined. Your support is going to be a crucial part of how we cross the finish line ahead of the pack.

ARNOLD SPEAKS

Rick Arnold is the only GOP candidate in the primary race for State Representative in the 119th. He had some interesting things to say in this video. Take a look.


MORGAN SAYS HE SCORES

Monday night in the 119th District State Representative Debate sponsored by the South Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Newport Township Community Organization at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, a leader in the race emerged, Bob Morgan, as the clear front runner for the House seat. During the debate Morgan took attacks from all three opponents, Gerald Mullery, Gary Zingaretti, and Rick Arnold, vying for the District Seat and despite Republican Rick Arnold attempts to group the 4 candidates into one group Morgan came out the man to beat. Morgan showed the fortitude of an experienced State Legislator by standing up for himself, his ideas, and most importantly the people of the 119th District. When asked about the work force in the region, Gerald Mullery called the people of the region lazy, saying their work ethic was not like their parents or grandparents and were simply living off their reputation of being hard workers. Morgan stood up for the working families, offended by the insult to their work ethic saying “our students are able to achieve success all over the country, which is a credit to our talent, educational system, and our work ethic.” Morgan reinforced his commitment to in the people in the 119th District by promising to fight for jobs, and education when elected.Mullery also said that he did not see a Health Care crisis in America, yet even the registered Republican in the race, Rick Arnold, saw a need for health care reform. Morgan, again, stood up for working families in the debate by supporting Adult Basic Care, and the CHIP (Children Health Insurance Program). In his closing Mullery calmed to be a “new Democrat,” yet his policies and ideas “look like an old recycled of Republican ideas,” said Morgan. Morgan's tax plan was attacked by Morgan's other primary opponent, Gary Zingaretti. Morgan's tax plan favors reducing property tax and unfair personal income taxes on students and seniors. One candidate has consistently provided ideas to meet the challenges that we are facing in the region by finding realistic ways to enact solutions and investing in the rebirth of Main Street, not simply offering empty slogans or simplistic pledges on the back of campaign literature. That candidate is Bob Morgan.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT


1966

Tens of thousands of anti-war demonstrators again picket the White House, then rally at the Washington Monument………The legendary album Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys is released…..

In Pennsylvania the final weekend of the campaign for Governor winds down with Democrats Milton Shapp, Robert Casey, and Representative Erwin Murray battling it out for the nomination. On the GOP side Lt. Governor Ray Shaffer is opposed by former Presidential candidate Harold Stassen and Dr. George Brett for the Republican nod……..in the 20th Senatorial district a real barn burner ensues with incumbent Senator Harold Flack opposed by the man who previously held the seat T. Newell Wood. Wood accuses Flack of not doing enough in his two terms. Flack calls Wood a “quitter” who left politics to “enjoy his cars and horses". It turned into one of the nastiest campaigns of the year……and 44 years ago this week the number 1 song in America and LuLac land was ‘Good Lovin” by the Young Rascals.