The LuLac Edition #2345, January 31st, 2013

Governor Tom Corbett. (Photo: ABC News) 

CORBETT’S LIQUOR PLANS 

Governor Tom Corbett wants to sell the liquor stores. There are many who think this is a good idea. I do not. The State Liquor Stores have reinvented themselves in the last few years offering better qualities of wines and liquors. For the most part, the workers there are knowledgeable, cordial and helpful. Things are running smoothly. But Corbett and his cadre of anti government brethren want to privatize the stores. That is a bad idea for the following reasons: 1. State control will increase more crime. Go to New Jersey and check out some of the neighborhoods and their liquor emporiums. You want that in your neighborhood? You think out of town crime is bad now, just wait. 
2. Workers being paid a decent wage (which is incentive enough to keep yourself on the straight and narrow these days) will be replaced by 9 buck an hour clerks who won’t give a rat’s ass if you’re 17 year old is getting a bottle. How will it be policed? 
3. Finally, a onetime sale is not going to solve the problem. The State will be killing an annual Cash Cow that will yield a onetime payment to increase funding for education. Huh? No one will say it but education is the financial black hole in Pennsylvania. It is a money pit. 
The first Governor I followed in earnest was Raymond Shafer. Ever since he served, nine Governor have talked about giving more money to education. For the kids. I mean where is the improvement? Education for our children will improve if parents get involved with their children’s education At the kitchen . It won’t happen by throwing money at it. Plus I want to see where the money made up from the loss of annual revenue is going to come from when the State Stores are dismantled. Bad idea. 

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT 

LOTTERY SALE? 

Again with Tom Corbett. One of his staff must have found out that the Governor doesn’t need the permission of the Legislature to cut a deal to sell the Pa. Lottery. Bad idea again. The Pa. Lottery is one of the best run in the country and is the only one that gives its profits to Pennsylvania Senior. And they want to export it to an overseas company that has been very sketchy on details on how they’ll run it but certainly keeping their ears perks to give themselves bonuses when the sale goes through. And why the rush for a KENO game? I mean isn’t that going to be direct competition for the Casinos built a few years back? Corbett and Company have to learn that just because the government runs it, it isn’t all bad.

Lou Barletta and Matt Cartwright on swearing in day in Washington. Both presented different views on the President's Immigration Plan.  (Photo: Getty Images.com) 

IMMIGRATION-TWO VIEWS 

On the President’s immigration bill, here’s what Matt Cartwright told the Times Leader: “Everybody knows that there are around 12 million undocumented aliens in the country,” Cartwright said. “I’d like to make taxpayers of these people and attempt to collect back taxes from them.” Cartwright said if only 5 million of the estimated 11 million undocumented aliens entered the workforce, it could mean a quarter of a trillion dollars in tax dollars collected. Cartwright assumes the best in the American Experience. He makes sense because when people have jobs, they pay taxes. Not every illegal is a gang member. 
On the other hand, the One Note Johnny of the Pennsylvania delegation, Lou Barletta said the proposal – to provide amnesty for more than 11 million illegal immigrants – would be disastrous for the country’s already struggling economy and massive entitlement debt. “As new citizens, millions will be on the path to eligibility for public benefits,” Barletta said. Barletta’s view is typically cynical and expects the worst in his fellow man. Barletta thinks every illegal is going to shoot someone in the head on a street corner and be a gang banger looking to rob and roll anyone else. Look to the dire straits Hazleton is in. Barletta passed an anti immigration ordinance that most likely scared decent, hard working people from settling there. Why come to a city when you are told you’re not wanted. The remaining residents of Hazleton have to pay burdensome taxes because one of the factors was Barletta’s actions against a growing population that he mistook for takers, not givers. It is astounding that he is doing the same thing on the national level. 

CONSOLIDATION 

There was a story in the Citizen’s Voice about a four year old girl who was having a SEIZURE. An ambulance was called but there was some type of political bullshit going on between Nanticoke and the Hanover Area Ambulance crews. So they brought a unit from Berwick to take the child to the hospital who was unconscious. Hanover officials said that she got to the hospital in forty minutes and that Berwick could get to Hanover faster than the Nanticoke Ambulance. Huh? This screams for consolidation of these little fiefdoms who can’t communicate. I don’t think 40 minutes to a hospital is anything to brag about. And people are bitching about guns killing people 

MEDIA MATTERS 

THE PARTY ZONE 

 Catch the new extended 70s, 80s, 90s oldies show "The PartyZone" with Shadoe Steele beginning this Saturday from 6 - midnight on 50,000 watt powerhouse WAVT-FM - T-102. 

ECTV 

ECTV Live hosts Tom Munley and David DeCosmo will welcome Barry Kaplan to their program during the week of February 4th. Kaplan, owner of Everything Natural in Clarks Summit is the Chairman of the Community's annual Festival Of Ice, The event, which is open free of charge to the public, features ice sculptures and musical entertainment throughout the borough. Kaplan will outline plans for this year's Festival on the program which is broadcast every day on Comcast ch19 at Noon, 6pm, and Midnight. 

SUNDAY MAGAZINE 

This Week on Sunday Magazine Brian Hughes speaks with Sue O'Day, President of the Abington Heights Civic League about their "Mardi Gras Night" fundraiser, coming up Friday, Feb 8th at 6pm at the Glen Oaks Country Club in Clarks Summit. Brian speaks with behavioral expert Michael Cartwright about the growing problem of prescription drug abuse, and what can be done about it. And an encore of Brian's interview with Dr. David Palmiter, who discusses the tragic school shooting in Connecticut, and what we can learn from it. Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on Great Country 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93, and 7am on True Oldies 590, WARM. 

PCN

PCN SET FOR LIVE ANNUAL BUDGET ADDRESS COVERAGE 

On Tuesday, February 5, Governor Tom Corbett will deliver his third state budget address before a joint session of the PA House and Senate. The address is the first step in the Commonwealth’s annual fiscal process. The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) will devote the day’s programming to extensive LIVE budget address coverage. The February 5 budget address coverage on PCN is as follows: • LIVE coverage begins at 11:00 a.m. with former state representative, Kathy Manderino of Intercommunity Action and former Chief of Staff to Governor Dick Thornburgh, Rick Stafford of Carnegie Mellon University joining host Larry Kaspar in the PCN studio. • LIVE coverage of the Governor’s Budget Address before a joint session of the House and Senate. • LIVE coverage from the state Capitol will continue with budget reaction from legislators. • At 7:00 p.m., viewers will get a chance to share their thoughts or ask questions concerning the state budget by dialing toll-free 1-877-PA6-5001 during the hour-long LIVE PCN Call-In program. In the coming weeks, PCN will provide extensive coverage of the 2013-2014 fiscal year state budget proceedings. Check the schedule at www.pcntv.com for upcoming programming details.

Our 1976 logo. 

1976 

The 1976 Winter Olympics begin in Innsbruck, Austria....... In Guatemala and Honduras an earthquake kills more than 22,000. Nearly 2,000 students become involved in a racially charged riot at Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida; 30 students are injured in the 4-hour fray. Pennsylvania’s Governor Milton Shapp starts a concerted effort to win the March 8th Florida primary. Shapp criss crossed the state and was targeting senior voters in his attempt to gain a foothold in the crowded Democratic race for President…in Wilkes Barre the newly installed City Council, Joe Williams, Robert Brader, Bob Prawdzik, Bob Reilly, Lee Namey, Kevin Blaum and minority Republican Frank Trinicewski pledge to work with the Lisman administration in developing the downtown. But Counci;l said they wanted input as well as a say I how community development money will be used in finishing the new Public Square……and 37 years ago this week the number 1 song in America and LuLac land was “ISing A Song" by Earth, Wind and Fire".

The LuLac Edition #2344, January 30th, 2013

The late poet Robert Frost.

FROST ANNIVERSARY

Yesterday was the 50^th anniversary of the death of the great poet Robert Frost. Frost gave The Inaugural Poem at John Kennedy’s swearing  in just two years before. Frost was 88 when he died. Here is one of his classic poems.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

The LuLac Edition #2343, January 29th, 2013

Hurricane Sandy.  (Photo: The Atlantic.com)

SENATE PASSES SANDY BILL 

 Finally the United State Senate approved the bill to get federal aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy. For those of you who forgot, “Sandy” came along just before Halloween. 13 weeks it took the Legislative branch to get this done! But the Senate couldn’t move until it voted down a bill that the House passed which would have required revenue be matched for the aid. In effect, the Republican party was holding the storm victims hostage because they are the “pay as you go” guys. Interesting. They weren’t “pay as you go” proponents when they were funding two undeclared wars on a credit card were they?

President Obama on Immigration today.  (Photo: AOL.com).

IMMIGRATION 

President Obama proposed an immigration reform bill today. Look out for the crazy Facebook talk about how illegals will get free health care, welfare, hookers, guns, booze., whatever the hell they want as long as we pay the bill. The GOP is falling in line with this, not because they care about fairness, the growth of our country or anything noble. John McCain said it best on “Face The Nation” Sunday. It was all about the Election results and the President’s 71% margin among Hispanic voters. The GOP is coming to this party about 15 years too late. During the late 90s, two Governors, Jeb Bush of Florida and George W. Bush of Texas were pushing comprehensive immigration reform. So it is not as if no one in the Republican party recognized this. 
A former co worker of mine, who was a citizen, born in this country to an illegal a man paying taxes and living as an American was a big Bush supporter in 2000 and 2004. But in 2008, he went for Obama because the Tea Party, the zealots and the bigots high jacked the GOP immigration agenda. Now the party of Lincoln is reduced to Marco Rubio saying on the Senate floor that immigration should not become a political football. Pretty weak defense for the actions of his brethren the last decade.

Toilet paper for the wussie boys. (Photo: Isiah Carey blogsite) 

HAIL MAHANOY AREA!!!

The big controversy on local talk radio today was about the Mahanoy Area  School District keeping toilet paper in the Principal’s office for use among the young men (and I use the term loosely) in the school. Seems the little punk boys thought it would be hilarious to block the commodes with rolls of toilet paper. It was thoughtless vandalism pure and simple by a bunch of punks whose parents are most likely still wiping their collective asses. John Webster said he’d sue the district, Nancy Kman said they should put high power commodes in the school. Here’s what I would do. No toilet paper. Period. I wouldn’t care if they crapped themselves. (If Ted Nugent carried a load in his pants until he beat the draft, these guys could have Mommy brings them a change of clothes). It is insane that this is even a news story about disgusting punks who need their ass kicked, not wiped.

The LuLac Edition #2342, January 28th, 2013

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. (Photo: SAlon.com).

PALIN LEAVES FOX 

Sarah Palin is leaving the Fox Network. The move was announced yesterday and certainly gives you an insight into the thinking of the guy that runs Fox, Roger Ailes. Ailes was the man who helped launch Rush Limbaugh to prominence. He also took Fox News and made it the top rated Cable Network during the first part of the 20th century. But if the GOP needs to become more mainstream and less “scream”, this is a good move. Palin was great on camera. Engaging. Funny. But her off camera Facebook rants did not help her credibility. And even though it has an ideological bent, Fox needs conservative bonafides and not just free wheeling shooting from the hip.

Tom Borthwick. (Photo: LuLac archives).

BORTHWICK’S BACK 

Tom Borthwick will be having his kick-off for Scranton School Board on February 8th from 6-8pm at Kilcoyne's on Main Avenue in West Scranton. Donations will be $10. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 

The LuLac Edition #2341, January 27th, 2013

President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (Photo: AOL.com).

OBAMA/CLINTON LOVE FEST 

Did you happen to see that love fest between President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tonight on “60 Minutes?” Wow. The one time fierce rivals were complimenting each other to beat the band. If I wrote it once, I must have written  it 100 times. If not for those small, red state caucuses in the 2008 march to the nomination, Hillary Clinton might be President. Keep in mind that less than 125 votes separated the two when Clinton conceded the nomination. In my memory, I have never seen a send off and well done like this in American politics. Steve Kroft mentioned that this was President Obama’s idea. 
Okay then. But as I watched the program, what  I was thinking about was the unseen man in all of this. Call me a political cynic but I can’t help that either  before, during or after the rough and tumble campaign of 2012, someone might have said to former President Bill Clinton, “Thanks for your help. Just let us know if we could ever do anything for you short of training interns or an Ambassdorship”  
I’m thinking Bill might have picked up the phone after the election and the Secretary’s concussion and said, “Hey remember when you asked me if there was anything you can do for me?’ 
To quote a former Governor from Alaska, “I betcha!”

The LuLac Edition #2340, January 26th, 2013

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo. 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that Attorney General Kathleen Kane accepted a speaking engagement to talk about political corruption. Nothing unusual there but she is giving her talk at the Mellow Theatre on the campus of Lackawanna Junior College. And we all know who that place is named after. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED………..that Talkback 16 on WNEP TV’s newscast is still in operation. If anything is a showcase for ignorance in Northeastern Pennsylvania, this is it! You have various and assorted individuals calling and opining on things like women in the military and local government. Talkback 16 proves you can have an opinion but not necessarily the facts. And it is still another reason why I scrutinize my comments on LuLac. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that women blink twice as much as men. And that’s when they are telling the truth. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that no one realized that Liz Randoll might be gearing up for a run for Mayor of Scranton. The former candidate for Lackawanna County Commissioner had a story in the Times Tribune. But if anyone was reading local blogs based in the Lac you’d see occasional Valentines to Ms. Randoll in their musings. (Corrected).
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…………..that the Lollipop was named after one of the most famous race horses of the early 1900s. And the “Baby Ruth” candy bar was not named after Babe Ruth but rather after President Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…………that the Valley of Square Trees is the only known place in the world where the trees have rectangular tree trunks. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…………that Wilkes Barre City Council, for the first time in the history of the Leighton administration is actually breaking ranks with the Mayor. It was over the controversial LAG Towing contract and how the tow company as treated city residents as consumers. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED………that the latest Arbitron ratings show some serious slippage for Rock 107. 107 fell past WBHT FM. But WARM Radio actually showed.

WBRE TV’s Joe Holden and WILK’s Sue Henry.  (Photo: FaceBook).
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….but not really that Diane Mellow, the ex wife of former Senator Bob Mellow gave Sue Henry an interview. This thing is huge. To my knowledge, no other outlet in this state, with all of its corruption snagged a family member to talk about the fallen politico. Sue will be on Holden’s TV show Sunday morning at 11:30AM on WBRE TV. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED………that today marks the 30th anniversary of the death of football legend Paul Bear Bryant. Bryant, as much as Paterno was part of my sports soundtrack when growing up. Didn’t necessarily live and die with college football but knew what these men meant to their schools. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that this week in 1961, the number 1 song in America was one of my favorites “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by the Shirelles, written of course by Carole King and Jerry Goffin.  The number 5 song was “Angel Baby” by Rosie and the Originals. Those two songs bookended three instrumentals by very main stream artists. “The Theme from Exodus” by Ferrante and Teicher, (#4) “Calcutta” by the Lawrence Welk Orchestra (#3) and “Wonderland by Night” by the Bert Kaempert Orchestra. (#2).

The LuLac Edition #2339, January 25th, 2013

Besides the earth, the most glorious orb. 

PNC FIELD OPEN HOUSE 10AM to 3PM SATURDAY 

If you are a minor league baseball fan, you get the chance to take a look at the Stadium renovations tomorrow at PNC Field in Moosic. Hours are 10am to 3pm. 

About 88 days to Opening Day.

Exterior shots of the new field. (Photos by Mrs. LuLac)

The LuLac Edition #2338, January 24th, 2013

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (Photo: CS Monitor.com)

CLINTON’S TESTIMONY 

As predicted, there is no middle ground in Hillary Clinton’s belated testimony before the Senate and House Committees. The Democrats admired her service and gave her accolades. The Republicans grudgingly wished her well in some of her endeavors but took some hard shots. One of the most stupefying was from Kentucky Senator Rand Paul who said if Clinton was his Secretary of State, he’d fire her. I don’t think that pairing will ever happen but at least we know Paul’s intentions. On Benghazi, let me say this. Yes there were mistakes. Yes there was a breakdown in communication. Yes the Ambassador sent a cable. No one has denied, including the President and his Secretary of State that this was a horrible mistake. The breakdown in communications came because it was a chaotic situation. On that day, Clinton was in talks with other Mideast leaders. The Ambassador’s cable was one of thousands addressed to the Secretary. And I agree that someone should have eyeballed that cable. I agree that someone should have beefed up security, even if funding was continually cut by the same House Republicans taking shots at Secretary Clinton. Clinton was measured in her response but got emotional when speaking about hot she greeted the returning dead home. She also lost it when reacting to questioning from Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson saying “What difference does I make how they died?” Now the GOP partisans have been burning up Face book criticizing this remark. If Clinton runs for President, look for the sound bites in every attack ad against her. But she is right because no matter what method, no matter what lapsed response time, the fact is those people were not killed by Hillary Clinton or the State Department but by terrorists. An investigation into who did this is still going on. And just like Bin Laden, these people will be caught. I think it is interesting that many Republicans are saying this is the greatest tragedy since 911. So if that is the case, are they willing to hold George W. Bush responsible for not reacting to the supposed warning signals before the planes took off? This episode and the State Department’s role in it is not perfect. But for the Republicans to compare four unfortunate and regrettable deaths of Americans to the 4500 lives lost in Iraq looking for imaginary weapons while running up billions of dollars in debt is indicative of just how confused and unaware of the costs of maintaining a responsible Foreign Policy for this country.

Matt Cartwright on the campaign trail in 2012. (Photo: Times Tribune) 

CARTWRIGHT CLIMBING

Cartwright Elected to Serve as Ranking Member of Economic Development Subcommittee WASHINGTON, DC – In a rare occurrence for a Congressional freshman, Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-17) was elected to serve as the Ranking Member of a Subcommittee. Cartwright will serve on the Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee for the 113th Congress. This post places Cartwright as the top Democrat on the subcommittee which is part of the larger Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Per the Committee, the subcommittee has “oversight jurisdiction over regulatory affairs, impediments to economic growth and job creation, monetary policy, banking, infrastructure, and tax policy. The Subcommittee also has legislative jurisdiction over federal paperwork reduction, data quality, and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.” “I am honored, as a freshman, to serve as the Ranking Member of a subcommittee with such a critical jurisdiction. Accelerating our economic recovery and increasing the rate new jobs are added to the economy should be Congress’ top focus, and it is my highest priority for the 17th District. I intend to be a loud voice in Congress economic expansion and jobs in all of the communities I represent,” said, Cartwright. Cartwright continued, “As Ranking Member, I will stand up for fair wages, enforcement of labor and worker safety laws, environmental protection, consumer and investor protection, and tax fairness. Further, I hope to explore and highlight what I see as the long-term value of grants and seed money for local economic projects. I’m very interested in the link between infrastructure improvements and sustained, local economic growth.” “When I ask people in Pottsville, Wilkes-Barre, Palmerton, East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Easton and elsewhere across the 17th District what’s needed most, the answer is, most often, ‘Help bring in more companies, more well-paying jobs’,” Cartwright concluded. “I intend to use my position in the House and on my committees to push for exactly that.” 

Second District Democratic Chairman in Luzerne County Casey Evans. (LuLac archives).

EVANS OUT

Casey Evans announced on his FaceBook page the other day that he will not be a candidate for Luzerne County Council. Evans said, "Hello everyone. A lot of people have asked me whether or not I plan on running again in this year's election for Luzerne County Council. I've spent a lot of time thinking about it. However, I do not plan on running as a candidate this year. Running for office is very time intensive, and I have too much going on in my life to devote the time and attention that would be necessary for a successful campaign"
Evans ran a decent campaign last time and definitely will be a player in future politics in the County. With all due respect to Bob Moyer, Casey would be an excellent chairman. And that is not an original thought on my part. I got that from seasoned political pros who told me that. 

HOME RULE IN THE LAC

So the new County Commissioners want to beat the voters to the punch and bring to the ballot a Home Rule proposal eliminating the Clerk of Courts, The Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills and Sheriff. The appointees would be overseen by the Commissioners of course and not some stinkin’ manager. These guys are no fools! 

MEDIA MATTERS 

THE PARTY ZONE 

Catch the new extended 70s, 80s, 90s oldies show "The PartyZone" with Shadoe Steele beginning this Saturday from 6 - midnight on 50,000 watt powerhouse WAVT-FM - T-102.

ECTV 

ECTV Live hosts Tom Munley and David DeCosmo will welcome Jim Kundratic to their program during the week of January 28th. Mr Kundratic will be speaking about a Free Public reinaction of the historic Ice Harvest in Sterling Pennsylvania. ECTV Live is seen on Comcast Ch19 each day at Midnight, Noon, and 6pm.  

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine Brian Hughes speaks with Margaret Gibblets, Guidance Counselor from the Pocono Mountain Charter School about National School Choice Week. This Week In Harrisburg examines a review of Pennsylvania’s water protection programs as a result of Marcellus Shale drilling by the state Auditor General’s office, as well as efforts to privatize the Pennsylvania Lottery. State Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County weighs in. And State Senator Lisa Boscola of Northampton County discusses her resolution that proclaims January as National Blood Donor Month. Magic 93’s Frankie in the Morning speaks with the Ostrowski Family from Berwick about 8 year old Rose Ostrowski’s cover of the Beatles’ hit “Let It Be”, to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. And an encore of Brian’s interview with nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner about healthier options for our favorite comfort foods. Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on Great Country 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93, and 7am on True Oldies 590, WARM.  

SUE HENRY AND MRS. MELLOW 

Cudos to Sue Henry for her interview with Diane Mellow, the ex wife of Senator Bob Mellow. I understand that Mrs. Melloow was being pursued by many media suitoirs but she picked my friend Ms. Hwenry because of her professionalism.

1976 logo. 

1976 

Twelve Provisional Irish Republican Army bombs explode in the West End of London. • – Live from Lincoln Center debuts on PBS……….Senator Hugh Scott says in his weekly Senator’s Report that while he is fond of Ronald Reagan he will be backing President Ford for the Presidency in 1976 no questions asked. Scott says that Ford’s conduct of Foreign Policy has been exemplary and the economy is starting to move…….in Scranton newly re-elected Commissioners  Robert Pettinato and Charles Luger begin the work of reconstructing the Social Services network in Lackawanna Coiunty to make it more responsive to it’s users…..and 37 years ago the number 1 song in Lulac land and America was “Mahogany” by Diana Ross.

The LuLac Edition #2337, January 22nd, 2013

Lyndon Johnson (Photo: LuLac archives).

LBJ 40 YEARS ON 

 You can’t mention the commemoration of Martin Luther King Junior Day and the second term swearing in of the first African American President Barack Obama without bringing up Lyndon Johnson. It was forty years tonight that Lyndon Johnson died at the age of 64. It was my first day at King’s College. I was taking a night class to get my feet wet and see if I could handle school. My father was in the car because he had an appointment in Wilkes Barre. When I got in, he told me LBJ had died. I know that it is expected of people my age, who were against the Vietnam War in our high school years to knock Johnson. He did make painful mistakes but knew he was in a quagmire. But Johnson was the one who cajoled the Senate and the House to get the Civil Rights Bills passed. He recognized that he only had 6 to 8 months to get his agenda throygh. Even with his landslide, LBJ knew the GOP would be gunning for House members swept in on his coattails in 1966. In an election year he gave Hubert Humphrey the job of getting the stalled Civil Rights Act passed. Democratic and Republican Senators of the North, Midwest and Wewst did their best to break the stranglehold the Southern Senators had over the upper chamber and the House committees. These are the accomplishments of the Johnson administration just on Civil Rights: 
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbade job discrimination and the segregation of public accommodations. 
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 assured minority registration and voting. It suspended use of literacy or other voter-qualification tests that had sometimes served to keep African-Americans off voting lists and provided for federal court lawsuits to stop discriminatory poll taxes. It also reinforced the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by authorizing the appointment of federal voting examiners in areas that did not meet voter-participation requirements. 
The Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965 abolished the national-origin quotas in immigration law. 
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 banned housing discrimination and extended constitutional protections to Native Americans on reservations. 
It  is a cruel historical irony that Martin Luther King Junior and John F. Kennedy are joined at the hip in terms of getting credit for the passing of the Civil Rights most take for granted today. It is true that Kennedy first proposed the bill. King was of course the point man who worked for the cause with no regard to his own safety. But without Johnson’s skills as a President, his wily determination and ability to pick the right people to get the job done, there would be no Martin Luther King Day and there sure as heck would not have been a President Obama. 
King and Kennedy wished for a just world and equality. Johnson used the hammer and made it law. Laws trump wishes any day when you are facing fire hoses and trained attack dogs. Johnson was only 64 when he died on this day forty years ago. (Wikipedia.com/partial).

ROE VS WADE 

Forty years ago today, the Supreme Court also decided Roe Vs. Wade which gave women the right to have an abortion. This has been a very decisive issue in American politics but the fact of the matter is that people politically are clear on this issue. More than 55% of the American public would not want Roe overturned. The GOP has been bleeding the pro life movement for years. Playing them like suckers. But the fact is every GOP administration has done nothing concrete to overturn Roe with its mandates. The last Democratic candidate for national office that was pro life was the late Sargent Shriver in 1972 when he ran as Vice President. The Democrats are pro choice. The GOP is pro life. But forty years later, one can safely say that both parties or anti Roe when it comes to having a discussion about it. Roe is a political decision hanging over the two parties like an unwanted mistletoe. No one will get close enough to stand by it because they will have to distance or embrace it either way. When a pro life Senator like Bob Casey Junior gets hell from the supporters of Roe, you know there is no way an intelligent conversation on this can go on.

Paterno and Pacino.  (Photo: Fox Sports.com.)

JOE PA-1 YEAR ON 

Joe Paterno died one year ago today. There were gatherings at State College to remember him. Gone are the most wins in college football history and the statue. At least this is not known as the Paterno sex scandal anymore because it truly was the work of the demented Jerry Sandusky. But the Paterno legacy is a long way from being rebuilt. And last week it was announced that no less a duo than Brian DePalma and Al Pacino of “Scarface” fame are teaming up for a film treatment on the last days of Paterno. I predict that can’t be good. But for today, Paterno is being remembered by the Penn State faithful. And that’s their right.

The LuLac Edition #2336, January 21st, 2013

President Obama on the way to history. (Photo: MyFox.DC.com)

THE SECOND TERM BEGINS 

Today Barack Obama began his second term in earnest by giving a speech that was filled with straight forward talk. If you didn’t know, understand or figured out where Mr. Obama stood before, you do now. Obama endorsed gay rights and same sex marriage. He also said that work would be done on climate change and that there would be cuts in the baloooing deficit but not at the expense of programs that help the less disadvantaged or the middle class. Obama said, "We must make the hard choices to reduce the cost of health care and the size of our deficit," Obama said. But "the commitments we make to each other — through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security — these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great." The takers comment was a shot across the bow to the GOP and those still believing in that 47% that can just do okay on their own. I might be biased here but if you listen to the speech, you can hear and see elements of Lincoln, (compassion and inclusion) Teddy Roosevelt (action on the environment) Franklin Roosevelt (reshaping but still protecting the Social safety net) and Ronald Reagan (an unbridled optimism that things can and will be better). It was a heck of a speech and he knocked it out of the park. (Quote: USA Today).

Congressman Matt Cartwright and family.  (Photo: Matt Cartwright Facebook page).

STEPPING OUT 

Congressman Matt Cartwright and his family attended one of the InauguraL Balls for this historic event. Cartwright will be one of those Democratic Congressman the administration will be reaching ouyt to shape its agendas and bridge the gap with members of the majority party in the House.

The LuLac Edition #2335, January 20th, 2013

President Obama taking the oath with his family and Justice Roberts. (Photo: Fox News).

OBAMA’S SECOND TERM 

150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and 50 years after Martin Luther King Junior’s march on Washington, Barack Obama is sworn in for a second term as President of the United States. Out of the 44 Presidents who have served, only 12 have completed their full second terms. When January 2017 comes, Obama will only become the 13th President to do so. The second term will have challenges that will be need to be met. The President is going to have to manage his Health Care bill, he is going to have to come to grips with entitlements, making decisions in that area where his young base will not pleased and has to forge a sane immigration plan. He will need to do this with a Congress that has been challenging. But Obama’s second term might be unusual in the sense that I personally think he will be playing for the history books. Chances for a second term validation are now gone. What will linger is the shadow of history. Second term Presidents have overreached in the past and failed trying to grab onto to that elusive “legacy” prize. If the President stays steady and takes it one day at a time, standing up for his beliefs and offering compromises, he might achieve a storied place in history. If not, he becomes another footnote in a long line of Presidents that fell victim to the Second term curse.

One of Martin Luther King, Junior's mugshots. King was arrested more than 69 times for civil disobedience.  (Photo: AP.)

KING/CIVIL RIGHTS DAY 

Martin Luther King would have tuned 84 on the 15th of this month. The U.S. celebrates his birthday tomorrow. King’s day joins the crass commercialism of President’s Day with people hawking ski deals, “Sunday night pub crawls” (hey no work Monday, have stay out late tonight!) and even a few discounting mattresses. Ahh the irony. Talk about equality. 
But Martin Luther King Day is also time for reflection. It is time to remember that just decades ago, blacks had to use separate restrooms, had to have a police escort to enter a state university and rode in the rear of a bus. King was out front and led the movement that changed things in a short period of historical time. He was a champion of social justice. King was killed for his efforts. When trying to pick 0out a photo for this story, I chose one that really showed what King had to endure as he stepped forward and fought for Civil Rights. It was not a game, it was pretty damn dangerous.
His name is on the holiday marquee but the King holiday includes all those individuals who worked hard for Civil Rights, all who died, black and white. The list is too long to name but there are many including all those blacks who were lynched just because they had the misfortune of happening upon a bigot who was still trying to fight the Civil War. So if you have the day off, or have work, take a minute to think of King but all those who with him died along the way.

Stan Musial  in his final appearance on the iconic Topps 1963 series baseball card. (Photo: LuLac archives.)

STAN MUSIAL/EARL WEAVER 

It is rare the two Hall of Famers in any sport pass away on the same day. But that happened on Saturday. First the news about Earl Weaver, the long time manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Weaver won only one World Series but parlayed his managerial skills and tantrums to a ticket to the Hall of Fame. 
Stan Musial was a ball player that personified greatness. His body of work is right up there in the pantheon of great America baseball heroes. I remember watching his last season and hearing tales of his exploits from my father. Years later I met him twice and was impressed by his unassuming acceptance that baseball had indeed been good to him and conversely that he had been good for it. 
Weaver was 82, Musial 92.

The LuLac Edition #2334, January 19th, 2013

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo. 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that the House Republicans actually did something constructive in their recent retreat. House Minority Leader Eric Cantor has said that the GOP will extend the debt ceiling for another three months without a fight….if the Democratic Senate presents and passes a budget. Finally a reasonable request from this group. And one the Democrats should own up to. Everyone works on a budget. The retort that there should be an an accommodation on this without conditions is not going to be a winning argument for the Democrats. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED………that even at this stage of the game, it seems that Governor Tom Corbett will have a huge hole to crawl out of if he chooses to run for another term as Governor in 2014. Corbett has not had any of the national recognition that other GOP Governors seem to enjoy. Plus his approval rating is hovering in the low forties which can’t be good. With newly inducted Kathleen Kane looking to make hay out of the Sandusky case. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED………….that the inauguration of President Obama will formally be on January 21st because the 20th of course falls on a Sunday. I understand he’ll take a private oath on the 20th but I think it’s ironic that in this country of every commercial enterprise opened 365 days a year, that Sunday is actually observed by some entity. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…………..that a campaign issue that reared its head in the election for the adoption of Home Rule in Luzerne County as well as the County Council race is back again. Luzerne County tax collectors, all 69 of them duly elected say the County should not cut their services. The tax collectors say they don’t cost the County health benefits but Manager Bob Lawton sees it differently saying $388,000 in revenue by turning the collections over to the Treasurer’s office. In some cases, issues never end. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……………that our 18th President, U.S. Grant was once fined $20.00 for speeding on his horse. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that the ice hadn’t melted in the celebratory drinks in the office of incoming Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale when it was announced he would be conducting a Marcellus Water Safety audit. You have to love the checks and balances in our governments. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that I’m actually liking the reality show on TLC starring Pete Rose and his busty fiance. The story line follows Rose and his new woman and kids. Rose talks about the Hall of Fame and baseball and of course his father. The fiance is fretting over a breast reduction (my friends told me she stopped traffic in Cooperstown a few years ago) Pete is trying to inflict baseball on a son to be stepson who enjoys the confines of his air conditioned bedroom playing video games and gives dating advice to his soon to be 15 year old step daughter. In my media endeavors, I met Rose many, many times and found him friendly and engaging. He never shied away from any question and was extremely gracious with all fans. I’m sorry, I like the guy and given the steroid controversy one thing should be noted, Rose never cheated when got those hits. The funniest line of the show so far was his step daughter saying, “I shouldn’t say this but I think Pete is as old as my grandma!” As I tell my single friends, “go young”. 
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that “Game Change” continues to win awards snagging a Golden Globe last Sunday night. “Game Change” was the HBO Movie starring Woody Harrellson and Julianna Moore chronicling the pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s Vice President.

WYLN TV 35 and WILK’s L.A. Tarone. 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…………….at just how accurate and prescient a newsman or if you will, journalist (that seems to be the hot term these days) L.A. Tarone is. On Election Night there was a report about an elected official aiding voters in a Hazleton Area polling place. Apparently she was not officially sanctioned to give that aid. When the report came in to WYLN that night, Tarone said, “If a complaint is filed with the Election Board, this person will be cited”. According to the Times Leader, the elected official was cited but the complainant was criticized by the Elections Board for not bringing the situation to the Election Board sooner. The gift of Tarone is that he can see a story coming down the pike as well as its ramifications almost immediately. Plus the person cited and the person complaining, well both were unhappy with the Election Board decision.  By the way, you can catch L.A. on WILK Sunday noon to 2pm.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED………that I thought the biggest sport story this week was going to be Chip Kelly forsaking Oregon and rethinking his decision to be the Head Coach of the agles. Silly me. Lance Armstrong talked to Oprah. Big right? Silly me. That story was trumped by the Manto Te’o’s, uh, situation. Now this would be a reality show. The thing is crazy, no one seemed to violate any laws but this has been front and center for the past 72 hours.

My old car. 

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……….that my old Gold Sebring (Thank you Tolstoy!!! Proof positive I never read the manual!)  continues to bring joy to a new owner. My brother in law called me last weekend and told me he was at Schiel’s Supermarket in Parsons parked next to it. Apparently it was still running.

The LuLac Edition #2333, January 17th, 2013

Guns. 

HERE IT COMES 

You think the Health Care debate was out of control, that was child play’s compared to the upcoming gun debate. There is a minority in this country, a very loud, mean crazy minority that attempts to distort the truth about this administration and what it wants to achieve. When the Health Care debate began, more than 75% of the American people polled that a public option might be a good idea. By the time the right wing radio hosts, and the scared GOP lawmakers worried about a challenge got a hold of it, the lies and misconceptions started to fly fast and furious. The White House in an amazing display of stupidity let the right wing control the argument. By the time the summer of 2009 came, the Public option was polling at under 50%. It didn’t help that the Obama White House caved on it either. 
That’s why I’m glad to hear the President and his team are finally taking a stand on issues important to them. I am glad they are saying no to the right wingers who have shown nothing but disrespect and disregard for the well being of the middle class of this country. It took the Republican House more than 90 days to help storm victims in the New York, New Jersey area. And even now, more than 150 voted against it because they needed to find the money. Know this about the gun resolutions. 
1. You won’t have your guns taken away.
 2. The Second Amendment will remain intact. Anything else you hear is pretty much a lie designed to derail this legislation. 

GRIFFITH LAWSUIT TO COST 

Guess who is going to pay for the legal action filed against Controller Walter Griffith? The CityVest people with the 6 million dollars for The Sterling? Judd Shoval, the CityVest principle and corporate magnate who filed it? Nope. Me and you. The taxpayers of Luzerne County. We are paying for this witchunt against the Taxpayer Watchdog. Only here! 
Blogger Betty Roccograndi from PureBuncum wrote this: Although Griffith denies the allegations, Luzerne County’s rookie district attorney Stephanie Salavantis has pretty much declared the maverick county controller guilty. Does anyone else feel that this inexperienced county official is one day going to find herself in trouble for not looking before she leaps? “The bottom line is he broke the law,” the DA told The Citizens’ Voice while passing off the case to the state’s attorney general. Why again is Salavantis wasting the time of new Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who’s eyeing bigger fish to fry, like state Gov. Tom Corbett, when she said her own office’s investigation determined that Griffith recorded dozens of conversations without the parties’ consent? 
The point is Salavantis said she became aware of alleged violations after federal agents supplied her copies of tape recordings Griffith, in replying to a subpoena, had allegedly made of conversations with multiple people connected to the Hotel Sterling project. The real question here is why were county detectives investigating if the DA said she should not be involved due to Walter's elected office? Looks like a lack of communication in the DA's office. So are we as taxpayers going to paying for a prosecution that is going after the wrong party? Shouldn’t we be trying to find out where the 6 million went? Like with maybe receipts, records, deeds? Am I missing something? I don’t mind paying my taxes. Especially the county ones, but I don’t like paying for this. 

MELLOW OFF TO THE JOINT

Bob Mellow reports to jail today in one of the Carolinas. He is said to be going to a minimum security prison for about a year and half. Mellow was the former President Pro Temporare of the Pennsylvania Senate.  

ACE O’MALLEY

I  knew the late John “Ace” O’Malley since I was in kindergarten at Jefferson Grade School in the Junction. One day a bespectacled man with a sweater vest came into our classroom with the biggest camera I have ever seen (it was the size of a portable TV) and took our photo for the Sunday Dispatch. When I was in high school and began writing a music column for the Pittston Dispatch, he would always lend an encouraging word. I’d see him at Detato’s Supermarket in Pittston where I worked with two of his kids, John Junior (J.J. aka radio’s own Gene Bishop in the 70s in this area) and his daughter Mary. As I bagged his order, he'd  say, “Looks like you got a yen for writing. Keep it up”. Through the years as I worked in broadcasting, I’d see him at the Times Leader. And then when the Citizen’s Voice started, Mr. O’Malley (could never call him Ace, just couldn’t) would always lend a friendly, helping hand in my Public Relations endeavors. 
There’s a plethora of information on his military service, his devotion to family and his church in the newspapers. But under the definition of “Good guy” in the dictionary, you’ll find a reference to “Ace”. Or as he will always remain to me, “Mr. O’Malley”. 

MEDIA MATTERS 

ECTV 

Viewers of ECTV Live may want to keep a pencil and notepad close by when the program airs its January 21st series of shows. Hosts Tom Munley and David DeCosmo will welcome Nancy Post and Jim Conrad from the Voluntary Action Center to the program to discuss tips for Income Tax Preperation! The Center offers fee appointments for qualified families but will discuss material to have ready and changes in the tax code during the week's programs which are presented each day at Noon, 6pm, and Midnight on Comcast Ch19. 

THE PARTY ZONE 

Catch the new extended 70s, 80s, 90s oldies show "The PartyZone" with Shadoe Steele beginning this Saturday from 6 - midnight on 50,000 watt powerhouse WAVT-FM - T-102. Tiffany Cloud and Stephanie Salavantis during the 2011 election campaign.

Stefanie Salavantis and  Tiffany Cloud during the 2011 election campaign. 

STORM POLITICS

This week Tiffany Cloud has as her guest Stefanie Salavantis the Luzerne County District Attorney. Salavantis broke news during the taping when she said she will open an office in the city of Hazleton. Tune in to Storm Politics on WYLN TV 35 SAT @ 5 PM SUN @ 11 AM, MON @ 9:00 PM • TUES @ 4:30 PM.  

SUNDAY MAGAZINE 

This Week on Sunday Magazine Brian Hughes speaks with State Senator John Yudichak on a number of topics, ranging from Governor Corbett's lawsuit against the NCAA on Penn State's behalf, to the possible privatization of the Pennsylvania Lottery and the Pa. Liquor Control Board to gun control legislation and the economy. Brian speaks with Monica Ann Thomas from Parents Advocating for Safe Schools about the latest bullying incidents, guns in schools, and their Candlelight Vigil for the victims of bullying on Monday Jan. 21st at 6pm on Public Square in Wilkes Barre. And an encore of Brian's interview with Barry Lunquist about the need for disability insurance. Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on Great Country 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93 and 7am on True Oldies 590, WARM.

Our 1976 logo. 

1976 

Jimmy Carter wins the Iowa Democratic Caucus……..Carter after spending more than three years in the state placed second but won anyway. Here’s the breakdown; –
 "Uncommitted" (37%), 
Jimmy Carter (28%) 
Birch Bayh (13%), 
Fred R. Harris (10%), 
Morris Udall (6%), 
Sargent Shriver (3%), and 
Henry M. Jackson (1%)………..in Pennsylvania Congressman John Heinz says he will be a candidate in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Hugh Scott. Heinz would prove to be a formidable figure with his good looks and name recognition…….and in LuLac land, Scranton Deputy Mayor James McNulty resigns his position with the city of Scranton to work on the campaign of independent businessman Frank Elliot/. Elliot was vying for the Democratic nomination for Senator. In a news conference, McNulty quoted the Paul Anka composed/Frank Sinatra performed song “My Way”which brought even the hard bitten news reporter Liz Purcell from Newswatch 16 to tears….Aand 37 years ago this week the number 1 song in LuLac land and America was “Convoy” by C.W. McCall.