The LuLac Edition #2827, January 31st, 2015

MAYBE I'M AMAZED 

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo.

SUPER BOWL EDITION

MAYBE I’M AMAZED….that I have been alive and aware for all the 49 Super Bowls! I remember the very first one when the Packers beat the Chiefs. Another memorable games was the ’69 Jets-Colts game where local Lou Michaels got into it with Joe Namath the week prior to the contest. There was the return of the Packers against the Patriots in 1997. I most likely could tell you every place I was on these fateful Sundays during the last 49 years. While that might not be amazing to you, it is downright terrifying to me!
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that Marshawn Lynch is getting so much attention for not wanting attention. If I were in the press corps, I’d turn my back on him. How can anyone have any interest in someone who has nothing to say? The man has a charity but do you think he will use this opportunity to promote it? He might be a great running back but he’s also a fool. Look for him to be one of the has beens on the 2032 Fall season edition of Eric Trump’s “The Apprentice”.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that the last five Super Bowls have been the five most watched telecasts in U.S. television history, prior to that the most watched telecast was the M*A*S*H finale in February 1983 with 106 million viewers. But back then there were fewer cable choices. The spike in viewership started when the NFL decided to make this an entertainment event. Michael Jackson’s hair on fire and then Janet Jackson’s wardrobe meltdown later on only solidified the cross over to pop culture that was already starting.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED….or not that our friend and poster Joe B. sent me this idea. That this year there will be two Super Bowl Trophies ready. One for the Seahawks in its traditional size and the other one, slightly deflated for the Patriots. Love it!!
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that females accounted for 46.8% of the Super Bowl audience last year The median age of the average Super Bowl viewer is about 43.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that .the three most popular product categories that advertise in The Super Bowl have been 1. Automobiles 2. Motion Pictures 3. Food & Candy. Cars, flicks and snacks. I’ve never bought a car based on Super Bowl ad, and have never been moved to see a movie from an ad. As far as food, my tastes are so predictable and entrenched since childhood, (Hershey not Nestle, Coke not Pepsi, Goldfish not Doritos, local pizza, not chains) that I can honestly say if those entities are spending big bucks to reach me, well they are wasting their money. But then again I might be an atypical consumer.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED….but not that one short year ago Percy Harman got the most tweets during the game when he ran a kick off back 87 yards. That was amazing to see. But what is not amazing is that Harman is not on the Seahawks this year having been dealt to the Jets. The only running he’d do this Super Bowl Sunday is for beer and wings!
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that Tom Brady was drafted by the Montreal Expos out of high school. That team, now known as the Washington Nationals. selected him in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB draft as a catcher
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…that the Seahawks Russell “God are ya watching me??” Wilson was only 11 when Tom Brady played in his Super Bowl.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that there were 5 other Quarterbacks picked before Tom Brady in the draft. They were Chad Pennington, Giovanni Carmazzi, Chris Redman, Tee Martin, Marc Bulger and Spergon Wynn were all selected before Brady in the draft. Of those six quarterbacks, only Pennington and Bulger started more than a dozen games in the NFL.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that the idea of an organized Super Bowl party really did not take off (and readers correct me if I’m wrong here) until after the Iranian hostage crisis ended. The hostages were released on January 20th 1981 , on January 25th, 1981 the Oakland Raiders played the Philadelphia Eagles and America was celebrating the release as well as the game. To be sure there was a lot to celebrate but it seems to me (and I have no data here) that after that more people started to have Super bowl parties and more businesses started to focus in on that day as a big sales day. On January 25th I was at Genetti’s with the future Mrs. LuLac at an event hosted by WILK. It was a promotion with Allen’s Subs and Bobby Gunther Walsh and Frankie Warren were cutting this huge man made sub. I believe this was WILK’s second foray into a Super Bowl party but before that there wasn’t the organized media push to make this the big day.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED….that only four colleges have produced Super Bowl winning Quarterbacks and a President. Let’s start with the Naval Academy. Roger Staubach and President Jimmy Carter were graduates. The University of Michigan produced Tom Brady and President Gerald Ford who was an All American. Stanford graduated John Elway and Jim Plunkett and President Herbert Hoover received his degree there. Finally there was Miami University , settle down this isn’t the one in Florida, are you kidding me!!!??? Ohio’s Miami University produced Ben Roethlisberger as well as that storied leader President Benjamin Harrison.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..at the progression of congratulatory messages that have been part of Super Bowl lore concerning Presidents. When the big game started, the winning coach would get a phone call from the President on what most likely was a land line. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. When Ronald Reagan became President the media hopped on his “Gipper” image and slowly Presidents made themselves available in and around game time. Presidents recently have used the Super Bowl as a way to be interviewed before the game. How many people eating wings, dip, salsa and Coors are listening to what the President is saying is open to debate. But journalists think it is a very BIG deal. Savannah Guthrie from The Today Show is set to interview President Obama Sunday.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that it seems our 37th President Richard Nixon was a frustrated football coach. During the days before Super Bowl 6, Nixon called Dolphins coach Don Shula at home at 1:30 in the morning to give him a play he designed. Then there was the time that Nixon supposedly designed a play for the NFC Championship game between the Redskins and the 49ers in 1971. None of the coaches used it but thanked him, as you would a President offering a play, profusely.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that the first Super Bowl ticket was 6 bucks. This year, around 5 grand. Maybe that’s why so many people started throwing parties.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that sometimes networks will do anything to promote themselves during the pre game shows. Some work, some don’t. Here in my estimation is a network promo from the last time NBC hosted the Super Bowl in 2012. This thing with its production values knocked it out of the park.

The LuLac Edition #2826, January 29th, 2015

McCORD RESIGNS

POSSIBLE PROBE REVEALED

 Rob McCord during the 2014 campaign for Governor. (LuLac archives).

Rob McCord announced that he would resign as State Treasurer in two weeks. This might have caught some by surprise but not me. After his loss to Tom Wolf in the primary and the election of Mr. Wolf in November, McCord hit a ceiling in statewide politics. He couldn’t go after the Auditor General job of Eugene DePasquale without precipitating another primary donnybrook. The candidates who are lining up to take on Pat Toomey are formidable, namely Josh Shapiro from Philadelphia and Former Congressman and Admiral Joe Sestak. Plus he did not acquit himself well in the spring of 2014. He seemed angry and combative, even desperate in his attacks on Mr. Wolf. By lunch after I had heard the news I figured McCord was going to go into private business, get a big payday and then regroup in the next few election cycles. Defeated politicians with support (which McCord had in the primary statewide, only a few were with Tom Wolf) usually take a break and come back stronger than ever.
Later in the afternoon on the way home I then heard news report that there might be a possible investigation into McCord by the feds for theft of campaign money and other funds. Now this is alleged and is a report by WPVI TV (Channel 6) out of Philadelphia. The sources are anonymous and this is still a developing story. But the close proximity of the two stories would be a hell of a coincidence. It will be interesting to see if the alleged problems were before the 2014 election or center on it. More on this as it develops. I violently took exception to McCord’s behavior during the 2014 campaign but as State Treasurer McCord was visible and effective. It would be a shame if this possible investigation clouds those achievements.

THE STRANGE CASE OF BOB CORDARO 

 Bob Cordaro and A.J. Munchak when they were riding high on the heels of bringing the Yankees to Lackawanna County. (Photo: scottsanfilipo.com)

I have had the opportunity to see Bob Cordaro in action. The first time I saw him was in 1988 when he made an attempt to unseat Congressman Joe McDade. Then in the 90s I’d see him come into the old WARM Building to oversee his radio stations WKQV AM and FM. He was a guy always in charge. As a Minority County Commissioner he made the case of what he could do in the majority. When he was County Commissioner he never ran away from a fight. So when he and A.J. Munchak went on trial I was stunned to see Cordaro confident but combative. I was told by close friends that he had the top defense lawyer and that “alls well will end well”. Well…………it didn’t. He was sent up the river for 11 years. I was not in the Courtroom but followed the case closely.
WILK’s Steve Corbett has outlined the way his defense attorney William Costopoulos conducted the defense. Corbett has been explaining the court documents. The Times Tribune said in a headline that “Cordaro was..is guilty”. So it is the talk of the town. But here’s what I wonder. (And this was brought up by the papers and Steve Corbett) why was Al Hughes given what seemed to me a pass at the trial? When Mr. Hughes took the stand (as well as other local entrepreneurs who did business with the county) Hughes said he gave Cordaro $10,000 a month. I wondered where did a funeral director get that kind of loot? And if he was the most productive undertaker in the Lac, why didn’t anyone ask Hughes for a look at his accounts? To me Hughes was the bag man. You check out how much money of his own the bag man has or doesn’t have. It is my meager experience that bagman’s aren’t leaders but followers. Cordaro’s new Attorney Brian Kelly in this appeal asked the same question. Why did anyone not think to ask to see the Hughes accounts?
Finally this is another thing that nags me too. If Cordaro is so smart a guy, why did he hire Costopoulos in the first place? Typical mindset of this area. We have tons of qualified lawyers in this area and he picks Mr. Flash who seems his only contribution to the defense effort was keeping the seat warm next to Mr. Cordaro. Whether Cordaro’s college roommate can pull the former Commissioner out of this is still open to question, but at least he has a fighting chance. In the meantime, I wonder how A.J. Munchak is doing these days.

JOHN McCAIN, LOVE HIM

After Hillary Clinton lost the nomination to President Obama in 2008 I was considering seeing if I could live with John McCain as a possible President. His stance on Foreign Policy, his heroism as well as his straight talk impressed me. When talk was rampant that he might pick Tom Ridge as his Veep, I was more intrigued. Then he picked Sarah Palin. (That didn’t sway Mrs. LuLac, she voted for McCain anyway). McCain joins Senators who ran for President as distinguished Senators in their later years. McCain seems to enjoy that role with great abandon. Check out John today as he took on protestors at a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting when they called former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger a war criminal.

John McCain To Protester: 'Get Out Of Here You Low-Life Scum'

INTERIM LUZ. COUNTY COUNCIL CLERK

Saw on TV the other night that the Luzerne County Council hired Sharon Lawrence as the Interim County Council Clerk. Lawrence was my old boss years ago and brings professionalism, organization and an even disposition (she’ll need it) to the job. We wish her well.

JOSEPH SPAGNUOLO IN D.J. RACE

Joseph Spagnuolo. (Photo: Times Leader).

Joseph Spagnuolo, has announced his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge in District 11-3-08 serving Plains Township and Laflin Borough.

The Times Leader reported that the candidate said, “There is nothing more important to me than the safety and well-being of my family, friends and neighbors,” Spagnuolo said. “I am running for Magisterial District Judge in order to directly impact the safety and security of all residents. When elected, I will work with the local and Pennsylvania State Police to safeguard the quality of life in our neighborhoods by sending a strong message that crime will not be tolerated on the streets where I was born and raised.”
Spagnuolo is certified as a prospective Magisterial District Judge by the Pennsylvania Minor Judiciary.
The district’s seat will open with the announced retirement of district judge Diana Malast.

WILKES-BARRE RESIDENT BETH GILBERT TO RUN FOR WILKES-BARRE CITY COUNCIL

District C Wilkes Barre Council candidate Beth Gilbert. (Photo: Gilbert campaign).

Wilkes-Barre City resident Beth Gilbert announces she is seeking the District C seat of Wilkes-Barre City Council in the upcoming 2015 election.

Gilbert's campaign will center around her involvement with the city as a volunteer, student, resident, former junior city councilwoman and dedication to improving her community.
A lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre city, Gilbert is a junior at Wilkes University where she majors in Political Science and International Studies with minors in Women's Studies and Policy Studies. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, a Political Science Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Pi, National Society of Leadership and Success and the International Studies Club.
Gilbert is also a prospective intern to the mission of Rwanda with the United Nations in New York City for summer 2015.
A former student of Heights Murray Elementary School, Gilbert graduated as Distinguished Scholar from G.A.R. High School in 2012 and served as Mantle Orator for her class. Gilbert previously served several sessions on Junior City Council for the City of Wilkes-Barre during her tenure at G.A.R. High School. Demonstrating her commitment to the city of Wilkes-Barre since a young age, Gilbert was an altar server for Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Heights for seven years, culminating in receiving the Bishop's Youth Award which honors youth who demonstrate excellence in parish and community life.
In addition to her many accomplishments thus far, Gilbert has volunteered with Valley Santa, Key Club, Building Bridges and Wilkes-Barre city clean up days. She has garnered accolades for her civic dedication winning the James P. Fisher Leadership and Commitment to Action Award and placing 2nd in the statewide Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities Essay Competition with her essay on a renaissance for the city of Wilkes-Barre.
Gilbert hopes to restore the public trust in a city that thrives with potential. "My age is what sets me apart in this campaign. I am young, and therefore I am not hampered by previous political issues that have faced our community," said Gilbert.
Gilbert's primary goal for her role on council is to foster communication with other cities and municipalities in order to implement successful solutions in the city of Wilkes-Barre.
Gilbert, 20, is a junior at Wilkes University, where she has achieved Dean's List every semester, and will graduate in 2016. She currently resides in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre.
A press conference is being planned for mid to late February 2015.

CARTWRIGHT GETS GOOD RATINGS

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (LuLac archives).

This should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen Matt Cartwright explain the role of a Congressman. But last week, GovTrack.us released its 113th Congressional Legislative Scorecard covering Members of Congress’ records during the 113th Congress. Among the categories scored were Working with Senate, Bills Introduced, Leadership Score, Powerful Co-Sponsors and Government Transparency.
Cartwright’s rankings amongst the entire U.S. House of Representatives (441 Members):
1st for Working with the Senate
2nd for Total Number of Cosponsors
4th for Total Number of Bills Introduced
Cartwright’s rankings amongst U.S. House Democrats (207 Members):
1st for Bipartisan Bills Introduced
2nd for Leadership Score
Cartwright ranked 1st amongst all U.S. House Freshman (84 Members) in the following categories: Working with the Senate, Cosponsors, Bills Introduced, and Bipartisan Bills Introduced.
“I will always support a good idea – no matter what side of the aisle it comes from. I am looking forward to continuing my work on behalf of northeastern Pennsylvania to solve problems and get results, not score political points,” said Rep. Cartwright
At a time when the narrative surrounding Congress is often about the gridlock and lack of action, Cartwright has played a leadership role in a freshman class that came to Washington two years ago, intent upon improving Congress’s record and image.
During the 113th Congress, Cartwright introduced 57 pieces of legislation which aim to solve issues affecting seniors, veterans, and employers such as Tobyhanna Army Depot throughout the 17th congressional district. Of the 57 bills introduced, 30 were bi-partisan and together the 57 bills netted over 1,500 co-sponsors. Three times, Cartwright’s legislation was enacted into law as part of larger bill packages. A separate bill passed the House unanimously, but was not voted on in the Senate.
“I'd like to point out that much credit for this legislative work belongs to my superb legislative staff in Washington: Legislative Director Jeremy Marcus, Senior Legislative Assistant Mae Stevens, Legislative Assistant Shelby Boxenbaum, Legislative Correspondent Stephen Coffey, and Legislative Fellows Erik Brun, Sarah Nasta, and Amy Nabel. Without their tireless efforts, none of this work would have been possible,” said Cartwright.
Also Cartwright was named Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition earlier this week.
Cartwright said, “I’ve been working on these issues since day one, and I can’t wait to use this position to reenergize the conversation around climate change. From keeping dangerous pollutants out of our air and waterways to making plans to address extreme weather, there’s so much we can do to tackle the dangers of climate change – if we act now. My colleagues in SEEC and I will be hard at work making sure these important issues are heard in the House.”

MEDIA MATTERS

STORM POLITICS

This week on WYLN TV 35’s

Storm Politics, your blog editor hosts Tiffany Cloud’s “Storm Politics”. Show times are on WYLN TV 35 THURS @ 9:30 PM • SAT @ 5 PM SUN @ 11 AM, MON @ 9:00 PM • TUES @ 4:30 PM.

TARONE SMOKING? YES AND NO

WILK's L.A. Tarone continues to heat up the airwaves on WILK in his 7pm to 9pm slot. L.A. from reports I've heard is doing well in the ratings. But the long time smoker is now endorsing e cigarettes from a local concern. So with Tarone now, when there's fire there won't necessarily be smoke!

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
An encore of Brian Hughes December interview with David Adler form the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation about open enrollment to sign up for health insurance in Pennsylvania. The deadline is Feb 15!
Magic 93"s Frankie in the Morning speaks with Steve Poremba from Mohegan Sun Arena about the big events coming to the arena in 2015.
And an encore of a press briefing held in December by the Pa. Medical Society about the flu epidemic in Pennsylvania.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X & Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

Cold weather! Perfect for the annual Clarks Summit Festival Of Ice! ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender will hear all about this year's Festival from Gail Rees as the program airs during the week of February 2nd. ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast cable channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is broadcast several times each day throughout the week. Regular scheduled air times are during the Noon hour and Midnight with additional airings on selected days at 6pm.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME

Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Batten down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.

Our 1965 logo.

1965

Boston Celtic center Bill Russell misses all 14 shots in loss to Philadelphia Warriors led by Wilt Chamberlain….Pud Galvin elected to baseball Hall of Fame…..Martin Luther King Jr. & 700 demonstrators arrested in Selma Alabama…..King and Ralph Abernathy led a march of about 250 people to the Selma Courthouse to protest slow voter-registration. Both King and Abernathy were arrested and spent five days in jail. During that time Malcolm X visited Selma. Although he did not meet with King, he wished his best to King through King's wife before departing to engagements elsewhere.
Journalist and T.V. Newsman Peter Jennings, 26, becomes anchor of ABC's nightly news. Here are a few of Jennings' early broadcasts...

The State funeral of Sir Winston Churchill at St Paul's Cathedral, London turns out to be the largest state funeral until Pope John Paul II's in 2005…

in Pennsylvania former Governor David Lawrence advises that even though he respects the work done by Governor Scranton, he will support the Democratic candidate who will follow Scranton who according to State Law could only serve one term…in Wilkes Bare City Mayor Frank Slattery says that the city is ready for any winter event…..and fifty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “This Diamond Ring” (a song co written by Leon Russell) by Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

The LuLac Edition #2825, January 26th, 2015

IOWA: POLITICAL FREAK SHOW

Iowa: A diverse state representative of all of America. (Photo: MSNBC)

Okay, I’m going to take on the great state of Iowa. Iowa, known as "The American Heartland" is bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri River and the Big Sioux River on the west; it is the only U.S. state whose eastern and western borders are formed entirely by rivers. Iowa is bordered by Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, Nebraska and South Dakota to the west, and Minnesota to the north.
In colonial times, Iowa was a part of French Louisiana and Spanish Louisiana; its current state flag is patterned after the flag of France. After the Louisiana Purchase, settlers laid the foundation for an agriculture-based economy in the heart of the Corn Belt. Iowa is the 26th most extensive in land area and the 30th most populous of the 50 United States.
That last sentence is extremely important because since 1972 Iowa has been a bellwether state in politics. It was Iowa that first gave birth to the George McGovern for President insurgency in the Democratic party. Iowa put the imprimatur on Mr. McGovern as a viable candidate and cause for the Democrats. Four years later Jimmy Carter made his mark with a win there that catapulted him to the top of the line of more than 16 contenders.
The 80s brought the Iowa caucus system more in focus for the GOP side. In 1988, Iowa voters picked Bob Dole over Pat Robertson but the big news was that Robertson won 25% of the vote.
In the 90s front runners Bush 41 and Bob Dole as well as George W. Bush won. But in 2008 Iowa became the stand for voters who were a tad right. Mike Huckabee won in 2008 and Rick Santorum won in 2012.
This weekend more than a few GOP pretenders and contenders went to Iowa. Former pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former business executive Carly Fiorina, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker were on tap. There was also Donald Trump and Sarah Palin.
Notably absent was Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio. These guys know that Iowa is a state that can handcuff the party into positions that are contrary to the mainstream. Iowa has not done the GOP any favors in the last few years by picking right leaning candidates who make it almost impossible for a main stream candidate to win.
Al Gore had it right in 1988 when he ignored the Caucuses.  If I were advising any of the four who did not attend, I’d advise them not to file in Iowa. Only 75,000 people make a pronouncement every four years like corn fed groundhogs saying who will rise and who will not shine in GOP Presidential politics. It is time to stop this nonsense and ignore Iowa. It is not representative of America. If we ignore them, maybe they’ll go away. Someday.
(Source: LuLac and Wikipedia).

The LuLac Edition #2824, January 23rd, 2015

JOHNSON AND "SELMA"

Johnson and King circa 1965. (Photo: Wikipedia.com)

I was excited when I first heard about the movie “Selma” and that it would be released on the 50th anniversary of that great Civil Rights March that changed America. But the more I hear about it, I am very dismayed by the untruths in the picture. Now its supporters will say that poetic license was taken to tell the story. In some cases that might be a good thing but not this one. This is a story of how racial equity came to be in this country. Advocates of the movie say that young blacks should see the picture to understand the struggle and what the late Martin Luther King Junior had to go up against with his lieutenants. Perfect. That’s great. But how about putting a disclaimer at the start saying that:
1. Lyndon Johnson was not against the march but urged Dr. King to put it all out there to get Americans behind him. Johnson had already won a landslide election and wanted to get the Voting Rights Act signed not for him but for black Americans. He encouraged it and didn’t fight it as intimated in the movie. There are hundreds of tapes of Johnson reiterating his support.
2. LBJ never tapped Marin Luther King’s phones. Bobby Kennedy did two years earlier as Attorney General under JFK.
These are two huge critical historical points that cannot be ignored. It is no wonder the Academy Awards people kind of looked at this movie with a jaundiced eye and bypassed it for nominations.
A friend of mine went to Mississippi a few years back and reenacted some of the steps of the Civil Rights worker both black and white fighting for freedom. He visited a house that prominently had photos of John Kennedy and Martin Luther King. He asked the home owners about whether Johnson’s importance was the same as JFK and MLK’s. He really couldn’t get a straight answer.
The bottom line is Lyndon Johnson in terms of Civil Rights and all he did for that cause is the most unappreciated American President in this great fight. When Oliver Stone made JFK, people in my generation had to debunk some of the tall tales he told for “dramatic effect”. Johnson was behind the assassination, a cabal of gay men in Louisiana were involved in it and elements of JFK’s government were behind it. I don’t want a new generation of young people to see a total misrepresentation of the way it was back then. History is hard enough to comprehend in its most complex form without muddying it up with “theatre”. To diminish Johnson’s courage, political acumen and true role with lies is both editorially ignorant and shameful.
"Selma"…………………off my list. .

TAXPAYERS BURNT BY BBQ

So now it comes to light that the recently closed eatery in Wilkes Barre, Maer’s BBQ was given a Luzerne County business development loan to the tune of $42,000. Oh man. This is what really kills me. We are told, hey small business is the fiber of America, pull yourselves up by your bootstraps, you welfare slugs in public housing, why not start a business. Take a chance, be an entrepreneur. That sound great but not without money from a county that needs every penny. Now I know this loan was given or pissed away, anyway you want to slice it in 2011. But taxpayers should pay for services, roads and yes even employees. But not for working capital for a restaurant. Did Abe’s need a small business loan when it started years ago? You think China Queen got a loan to open up? When the place closed they chalked it up to a dangerous downtown. No one wants to go there anymore. Sorry not buying it. You can’t get parking anywhere some nights, that’s how vibrant the downtown is. The police presence there is good. County taxpayers bitch about $5.00 vehicle fee but then we see this happen? I hope this stops and doesn’t happen again. Maybe the County Council should take a page out of the GOP playbook when they told unemployed workers that they couldn’t afford no more extensions for unemployment. We can’t afford to get burnt anymore by BBQ. You want to start your own business……do it on your own.

OBAMA TO SNUB NETANYAHU

Word came out of the White House this week that President Obama will not meet with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Prime Minister is arriving in March just two weeks before an election in Israel. The White House said the President’s decision was to keep in standing with his policy not to meet with heads of state when that meeting is in close proximity to their election. Meanwhile both Mitch McConnell and John Boehner have invited Netanyahu.to address joint session of Congress. The White House says that negotiations with Iran are at a delicate stage in terms of that county owning atomic weaponry. I get that negotiations are important but just who is our ally here? Is it Israel who has stood for freedom since 1968 or Iran who held American s t by for 444 days? The snub to Israel to me is really out of line. It empowers nations that want to eliminate Israel and gives them the impression that the U.S. is not behind Israel. Politically it harms the President because loud mouth nuts jobs like Michael Savage will keep screaming that Mr. Obama is a Muslim (which he is not) and wants to destroy Israel. Not a good move all around.

CARTWRIGHT, CASEY, TOOMEY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO MAKE PEPPER SPRAY PILOT PROGRAM LAW

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced the introduction of legislation to make permanent the ability of Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Correctional Officers and any correctional worker who could respond to conflicts – including all Correctional Officers, unit staff, and cafeteria or administrative workers in housing units – to carry pepper spray. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey, and Pat Toomey.
During his visit to USP Canaan in April 2014, officers from the Council of Prison Locals, a part of the American Federal Government Employees Union that represents federal prison employees approached Cartwright about legislation to make permanent the current pepper spray pilot program.
“Since the tragic death of Office Eric Williams, I have been committed to finding ways to provide a safer work place environment for these men and women, “said Cartwright. “Correctional Officers and prison employees put their lives on the line every day to meet inmates’ needs and keep our communities safe. This legislation is a great first step, but more needs to be done to address severe underfunding and a lack of adequate staffing to safeguard prison workers.”
In February 2013, Cartwright wrote to the BOP to immediately expedite the pepper spray pilot program to include all USPs after USP Canaan Correctional Officer, Eric Williams, was murdered in the line of duty by an inmate.
Subsequently, in March 2013, the current pepper spray pilot program was extended to all 20 high-security prisons in the U.S., including USP Canaan. And, in April 2014, the BOP expanded the pepper spray pilot program from Correctional Officers in certain posts to unit staff as well, including case managers and counselors who work directly with inmates.
During the 113th Congress, Cartwright convened Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, as well as Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), to continue working on proposed legislation to make the pepper spray pilot program law. As a result, the four lawmakers introduced The Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2014.
In November of last year U.S. Bureau of Prisons Director Charles Samuels announced the expansion of the Pepper Spray Pilot Program to include staff who work in recreation, food service, and receiving and discharge. Additionally, the Bureau is providing pepper spray to staff in all of the designated positions at six medium security institutions.
“I welcome the expansion, but there is still more work to be done. This legislation would make the pepper spray program permanent, as well as expand pepper spray availability to medium and higher security facilities,” said Cartwright.
The Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act of 2015 would also permanently extend availability to all correctional workers, not just certain correctional officers and unit staff, and require workers to complete a BOP-directed training before carrying pepper spray.

PASHINSKI: WATCH FOR THOSE UTILITY IMPOSTERS

State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski. (Photo: Articlewn.com).

State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski sent a notice to area citizens who might be approached by rip off artists impersonating utility workers. Utility companies are reminding you that criminals sometimes pose as their workers to gain entry and rob your home.
These fake workers will say they are investigating a dirty water complaint by a neighbor or checking water pressure due to a nearby main break. Once they get inside, they will divert your attention by sending you to the basement or kitchen to run a faucet while they, or an accomplice, rob another area of your house.
You should know that utility workers will never show up at your home without an appointment. However, if a workers does come to your home and you weren’t expecting them, DO NOT let them inside without proper identification. Also, a worker on scene will never ask for nor accept payment at a customer’s home or business.
Don’t be afraid to ask for photo ID, and take the time to examine the ID badge whenever someone from a utility company arrives at your home. If you are still unsure and have any suspicions about the individual’s identity, call 9-1-1 immediately.

STORM POLITICS

David Yonki and Tiffany Cloud on Election Night 2012. (Photo: WYLN TV 35)

One week from tonight--perspective shifts--A NEW episode of The Storm.

Guest host: Liberal David Yonki, LuLac Political Letter

In the hot seat, guest: Yours truly!

Yep, switching it up...I'll be answering the questions...and will not hold back.

WYLNTV35 8pm Wednesday Jan 28th

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine

Brian Hughes speaks with Stephanie Wissman from API Pennsylvania about gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region and the impact of lower energy prices.

Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Will Beekman from the Kirby Center about their 2015 schedule.

Brian speaks with Ron Davis about "Bowl For A Cause" coming up on march 15th at Chacko Lanes in Wilkes Barre.

And This Week In Harrisburg features highlights from the inaugurations of Governor Tom Wolf & Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack and Senator John Blake of Lackawanna County weighs in on non profit groups in Pennsylvania.

Sunday Magazine, Sunday mornings at 5am on NASH--FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X & Sports Radio 590 & 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender will open the program to representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation during the week of January 26th. Public Information Officers James May and Mike Taluto will outline PennDot's special programs and maintenance efforts for major highways in northeastern Pennsylvania on the program which runs several times each day during the week on Comcast Cable channel 19 (61 in some areas).

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME

Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Batten down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.

Our 1965 logo.

1965

Anti-Hindi agitations break out in India, because of which Hindi does not get "National Language" status and remains one of the 23 official languages of India……….Generalissimo Francisco Franco meets with Jewish representatives to discuss legitimizing Jewish communities in Spain…..Iranian premier Hassan Ali Mansur assassinated by 17-year-old Mohammad Bokharaei, a member of the Fadayan-e Islam………US launches TIROS 9 weather satellite…..The Beatles appear on Shindig (ABC-TV) this week, it was a rerun of their 1964 appearance

and also on the same network, King Family Show" (musical variety) premieres…

in Pennsylvania Governor Bill Scranton states that a new Constitutional Convention should be a goal that both the Executive and Legislative branches can work toward……in Wilkes Barre Council Robert Brader takes charge of the Office of Public Works as Council doles our responsibilities to each member and fifty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “The Name Game” by Shirley Ellis.

The LuLac Edition #2823, January 22nd, 2015

LBJ

It was 42 years ago today that Lyndon Johnson, 36th President of the United States passed away at the age of 64. Johnson is the subject of one of our stories on LuLac tomorrow. We look at the depiction of LBJ in the film “Selma”.
Ironically, the fight for Selma and the right to vote dovetails with this next story featuring our Congressman Matt Cartwright.

REP. CARTWRIGHT APPOINTED TO DEMOCRATIC OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT TASK FORCE

Representative Matt Cartwright was appointed to serve on the Democratic Outreach and Engagement Task Force by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn.
The Task Force, which will be chaired by Clyburn, will drive new efforts to increase voter participation in the political process.
In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. As a result of the invalidation, certain state and local governments no longer need federal preclearance to change voting laws or practices, undermining the voting rights of minorities, senior citizens, students, and the disabled.
“There is no more fundamental right in our nation than the right to vote. Voting rights are essential to who we are as Americans and to the strength of our democracy,”said Rep. Cartwright. “Five decades after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Section 5 ensures that many Americans are once again in danger of being disenfranchised by voter ID laws and the changing of polling places on Election Day that make it harder for some citizens to vote.”
Rep. Cartwright continued,“I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Democratic Outreach and Engagement Task Force by Assistant Leader Clyburn, a true civil rights pioneer. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Task Force in hopes of inspiring Americans from all walks of life to become more engaged.”
“Congressman Matt Cartwright is an energetic champion for his constituents who knows that the ballot is the bedrock of our democracy,”Leader Pelosi said. “Congressman Cartwright’s experience and commitment to ensuring that voters are engaged and empowered makes him an ideal choice to serve on our Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force.”
“By laying out the high stakes and momentous impact of the political process, using the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the ‘1965 Voting Rights Act’ as a compelling example of the importance of civic engagement, we hope to inspire Americans from all walks of life to become more engaged. We also hope they will come to realize and appreciate how Democratic policies would improve their families’ lives and their children’s futures,” said Assistant Leader Clyburn.

 Other members on the Task Force include the following Representatives: Brendan Boyle, Andre Carson, Hakeem Jeffries, Barbara Lee, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Grace Meng, Cedric Richmond, and Lucille Roybal-Allard.

The LuLac Edition #2822, January 21st, 2015

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Je suis Charlie.

Local writer and citizen participant Bob Quarteroni sent this article along last week which was pretty compelling and interesting. His subject juxtaposes the recent tragedy in France as well as how we feel about gun in this country.
Despite not speaking a word of French -- and even with its pricey rate -- $186 a year -- I've just bought a year's subscription to Charlie Hebdo. Like back in first grade, I won't be able to read the words but I should be able to figure out the pictures. And the purchase is a small statement that we're not going to put up with this kind of outrage without responding.
I know it's not much, but it's the only solidarity I can express right now.
Along with writing this.
For, while it's obviously no comparison, I've seen a little too close for comfort what the crazies can do when they don't agree with something that appears in the free marketplace of ideas.
In my case, it was a column I wrote for the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader a while ago. It attacked the National Rifle Association, which I continue to believe is one of the foulest, most malignant tumors on America. It was a tad biting. Here's the ending:
"The strongest lobby in America isn't big business, isn't big oil, it's big gun," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said, urging Americans "to stand up and say we've lost too many children."
We have. We do. We will, until we put down our guns. And that isn't likely as long as the NRA continues to stand for No Rational Arguments and No Reality Allowed.
But the NRA's big lie continues to convince Americans that without our precious guns we are in peril.
Sadly, we know all too well that there's a very real possibility that "the great masses of people ... will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one."
Adolph Hitler wrote that in "Mein Kampf" in 1933.
I received 138 responses within 72 hours -- something I believe was orchestrated by the well-oiled media machine of the NRA. Among these were several death threats -- which I took seriously -- along with this kind of trash:
"YOU KNOW WHAT? S**** YOU AND YOUR ******* IDIOTIC STATEMENT ON THE NRA. I AM IN THE NRA. ARE YOU WILLING TO KILL ME TO GET MY GUN? BECAUSE IF YOU'RE NOT, YOU ARE NOT GONNA GET IT ************. **** YOU."
Because of this I feel an extremely close kinship to the men and women of Charlie Hebdo. France, both democratic and secular, has a long proud tradition of satire and pricking over-stuffed balloons and Charlie was just honoring this long-standing tradition.
A tradition we must defend absolutely, at all times. That's why I am a card-carrying (I always wanted to say that!) member of the ACLU because I believe in the absolute right to free speech, even when it makes me sick to my stomach as with ACLU's backing of the rights of the Ku Klux Klan in Skokie.
But that's the whole point. Majority views we don't have to worry about, but we MUST protect all the idiotic, hateful, spiteful, mean and just downright crazy points of view if the phrase "freedom of the press" is to have any real meaning.
The Charlie Hebdo staffers are true martyrs for the cause of free speech. I raise a toast to them.
As for their attackers, all fluent in French, I have only this to say:" Brule en enfer": Burn in Hell.

The LuLac Edition #2821, January 21st, 2015

WOLF TAKES OFFICE

Tom Wolf……Governor. That has a nice ring to it. This afternoon Pennsylvania started on a new path with an unconventional former candidate who will become an unconventional Governor. Wolf spoke right off the cuff. No notes. It wasn’t a speech of bombast and fireworks but rather a reasoned presentation of where he sees the State headed. Amidst chanting from anti fracking activists, Wolf even reached out to them urging those shouting him down to help him offer solutions. The Governor quoted the new Speaker of The House Mike Turzai pointing out that "We cannot take lightly the great history of democracy of which we are a part," and encouraging all members of the Legislature to meet with people across the aisle.” It was a message that he would cross the aisle and try to make things happen.
Wolf highlighted three goals that he wanted for the state of Pennsylvania. They were:
Jobs that pay.
Schools that teach.
And government that works - one that is worthy of our trust.
That is what a Wolf Administration is going to be all about.
What I have to say about all this is simply this: “It’s about time!!”
After Wolf gave his speech, he had a photo taken with the former Governors of the State of Pennsylvania.

From left to right, Governors Mark Schweiker, Tom Ridge, Tom Corbett, Tom Wolf and Ed Rendell.

Then Wolf had his cabinet and staff sworn in in the Governor reception room in the Capitol. During that event, Exeter Mayor Cassandra Coleman Corcoran (LuLac Women We Love 2014 recipent) too the oath as one of the Governor Senior Staff members. Coleman Corcoran will be the Northeast Regional Director. That job was formerly held by current State Senator Lisa Baker under the Ridge administration, Scranton Mayor James Connors, current State Senator John Blake under the Rendell administration and Bill Goldsworthy under the Corbett administration.

Coleman Corcoran taking the oath.

The Governor and his wife then hosted a reception and open house in the afternoon.
The evening saw a huge reception at The Hershey Convention Center with foods that were representative of the state’s ethnic and gastronomic delicacies. I’ve always been a Perogie guy myself but I understand the elk was outstanding.

Here’s Attorney Bill Vinsko with his wife Paula (left) and First Lady Frances Wolf (right) at the big party.

Governor Wolf was introduced by a video that outlined his long journey to the top job in the state.

Then along with former Governor Ed Rendell as well as his running mate somewhere in the crowd Mike Stack, Wolf urged the party goers to have some fun.
Wolf did not mention the 2 billion dollar money gap that he will have to face. That is for another day and you can be sure the wheels are turning trying to get a fix for that. But on this day and night, a new era has begun. And as the kids used to say in the 90s, “It’s all good!”

BEFORE THE OATH

The Pittston Veteran’s Post 187 doing the presentation of colors.

The new Governor making his way to the reviewing stand with his family.

Culminating a long and sustained effort, Tom Wolf takes the oath of office given by York County Judge Penny Blackwell.

The text of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's inaugural address, as prepared for delivery Tuesday:

Chief Justice Saylor; Governor Corbett; Governor Rendell; Lieutenant Governor Stack; Speaker Turzai; President Scarnati; Leader Dermody; Leader Costa; members of the judiciary; leaders and members of the General Assembly; family and friends; and above all, my fellow Pennsylvanians:
I am so thankful to so many people here today.
I want to start by thanking Governor Tom Corbett for his many years of service to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
I want thank my best friend and wife of nearly 40 years, Frances Wolf - the love of my life.
Without her incredible love and support, I would not be standing before you today.
I would also like to thank my daughters Sarah and Kate.
I want to say a special thanks to Speaker Mike Turzai, for reminding us when he was sworn in that we "cannot take lightly the great history of democracy of which we are a part," and encouraging all members of the Legislature to meet with people across the aisle.
I want to thank Chief Justice Tom Saylor, for his observation at his swearing-in that any disagreements we may have "are creatures of our aspirations, to value liberty as well as order, and fairness and equality as well as liberty."
More than anything, I want to thank all Pennsylvanians who worked so hard to get me here, and those who took a chance to vote for a different kind of leader.
To those who didn't, I hope I'm able to give you a reason to believe over the next four years.
I am an unconventional governor.
I may be the first governor of Pennsylvania who operated a forklift ... managed a hardware store ... volunteered for the Peace Corps ... and ran a business.
I am not a product of our political system.
During my campaign, I pledged to be a different kind of governor, and I will keep that promise.
We need leaders today who are willing to listen to each other ... and learn from each other ... and work together to give all Pennsylvanians a shot at a great life.
This age - and this time - demands nothing less.
We are told that we are living through a transformational era.
The world hasn't seen this much change happen ... this fast ... since we moved from farms to factories more than 100 years ago.
For those who are part of that change, who are ready for that change, this new era is creating opportunities that our ancestors never imagined.
But if you travel across our state, you realize that many of our fellow citizens haven't found their place in this new world yet.
Travel to Bethlehem or York or Reading, to Mt. Wolf or Wellsboro, to inner cities and rural counties across the commonwealth, and the story is similar.
We used to know what it took to succeed.
We used to know what schooling we needed to find good jobs.
We used to know what skills it took to start and run a business, and to be part of this economy.
But now, we're not so sure.
We need new skills for a new era.
We need to compete in a whole new way.
Because of it, today, Pennsylvania stands at a crossroads.
The industries that we used to rely on to create good jobs are struggling to survive.
Paychecks aren't keeping up with the cost of living and ordinary families can no longer afford college or higher education.
And too often, when we've looked to our leaders for answers, we've been disappointed and frustrated to the point where we feel very cynical about our government and our future.
I ran for governor because I refuse to be part of the first generation of Pennsylvanians forced to tell their kids that they need to go somewhere else to succeed.
I ran for governor because I believe with all my heart that we can rebuild the middle class and get this state back on track.
After all, let's remember who we are.
Like all of you, I have been proud to be many things in my life.
But above all else, I am proud to be a Pennsylvanian - proud that I was born here, proud that I was raised here, and proud to call this state my home.
And that is why I want to restore the belief that Pennsylvania is not just another state.
Pennsylvania is something bigger, and something better.
It's an idea.
Pennsylvania is an idea that all things are possible.
It is the idea that William Penn could establish a colony built on a foundation - unique in the world at the time - of tolerance and inclusion.
A Holy Experiment, where religious minorities could trade persecution for prosperity and worship God as they saw fit.
It is the idea that, on a summer day in Philadelphia, 56 patriots could sign an extraordinary Declaration that would create a new nation.
It is the idea that we can create new things.
Pennsylvania was the state that gave America its first daily newspaper, its first stock exchange, its first commercial oil well, its first computer, and its first Art Museum.
Amazing.
We have always pursued the idea that all things are possible with boldness and with courage ... and I refuse to believe that we are any less innovative, any less entrepreneurial, or any less committed to building a better future today than our ancestors were.
To create new possibilities, we need to be bold.
We need to work together, and we need to get started.
We have to respect each other's ideas.
We have to respect each other's values.
We have to believe that none of us alone has all the answers - but that together, we can find an approach that works.
That is what I have done throughout my career.
I have worked with all kinds of people.
To turn around a business, I had to get everybody to buy into one mission.
I had to get everyone to buy into the powerful idea that all things are indeed possible.
I will bring the same mindset, and the same leadership, to this position.
So, how do we do it?
How do we get Pennsylvania back on track for ordinary Pennsylvanians?
How do we help the people of our state make their lives better?
As you know, I laid out a plan during the campaign to give Pennsylvania a Fresh Start.
And we will debate those ideas in the days to come.
But I want you to know that for the next four years, my administration will be dedicated to three simple goals:
Jobs that pay.
Schools that teach.
And government that works - one that is worthy of our trust.
That is what a Wolf Administration is going to be all about.
First, getting Pennsylvania back on track means we are going to start with jobs that pay.
As a business owner, I know that the free market requires a constructive partner in government.
That means our government should not do everything, but it cannot do nothing either.
One thing that it can do to create more economic opportunity is make smart, strategic investments in public goods - investments in education, health, transportation and infrastructure that set the table for robust private sector growth.
Another thing it can do is create the conditions necessary to bring manufacturing jobs back to our state - and that's exactly what I plan to do.
In Pennsylvania, we are also blessed with an abundance of natural resources: gas, timber, coal, sun, wind, fresh water, open spaces, agricultural land, beautiful scenery, and an opportune location that made us the Keystone State.
To fulfill our potential, we must take full and responsible advantage of these resources.
To the protesters here today, I say: Help me develop these opportunities in a way that is clean, safe and sustainable.
If we want to be a state where the next generation can envision a bright future, Pennsylvania has to offer a level playing field where entrepreneurs can be confident their risks will be fairly rewarded.
The companies and countries that are thriving in today's global economy are those that are committed to diversity, inclusiveness and fairness.
All of Pennsylvania's families deserve those same opportunities, no matter what their race, sexual orientation, where they started life, or who they are.
My company has a profit sharing plan because I believe that my people deserve to share in the benefits of their hard work, but also it makes my company better.
Being inclusive, being fair, and paying good wages are not just the right things to do, they are the smart things to do.
And that is how we are going to grow the economy.
Second, getting Pennsylvania back on track also means we need schools that teach and provide all of our young people with the skills they need to find good jobs and compete in the global economy.
In this limited government, free market system, our collective future depends on the next generation.
Our state will never be as strong as it needs to be if some schools have all the resources they need and other schools are cutting band and football just to keep the lights on.
That is why nothing is more essential than working together to make sure that every child in Pennsylvania has access to a great education, and that all teachers have the resources they need to deliver a great education.
From early childhood to college and apprenticeships and training, we must strive to provide our kids an education that is both affordable and second to none.
Our schools must be our highest priority.
And finally, getting Pennsylvania back on track means creating a government that works - one that is worthy of your trust.
We have to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars - and we have to be stewards of a grand Democratic tradition.
We need a government that is more efficient, and less wasteful.
But we also need a government that is responsive to the concerns and needs of the people it serves.
By all means, let's get rid of things that make no sense - outdated laws, silly regulation.
But let's focus on leveling the playing field making sure all businesses, all Pennsylvanians, have a chance to get ahead.
Let's work to put the interests of our hardworking families ahead of the special interests.
That is the kind of government I intend to lead.
With a large deficit, stagnant wages and a shrinking middle class, there is no question that our challenges are great.
But let's remember: The last time that America went through a great transformation, it was Pennsylvania that led the nation through the Industrial Revolution.
We led then - and we can lead today.
But it's going to take every one of us, working together to create a better future.
I understand the indifference that some people feel.
I understand why fewer than 42 percent of Pennsylvanians turned out in the last election.
Our experience has made us cynical, but we cannot allow that cynicism to deflate our democratic spirit or destroy our capacity for effective self-governance.
Over the last three centuries, every generation has been called upon to write a new chapter to carry the idea of Pennsylvania forward.
Now is our time.
As your governor, I will do everything in my power to make Pennsylvania a place where jobs pay, schools teach, government works ... and where all Pennsylvanians can believe in the fundamental notion that our democracy still works.
I hope that elected officials from both parties will join me in this effort.
But it is up to all of us, the citizens of Pennsylvania, to reclaim our government.
I am asking for ideas, I am asking for passion, and I am asking for hard work.
Because I know that if we come together with a sense of shared purpose, we can build the better future that Pennsylvania deserves.
Now, let's get started.
May God bless us in this noble task, and may God bless the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The LuLac Edition #2820, January 21st, 2015

STATE OF THE UNION 2015

OBAMA: “TONIGHT WE TURN THE PAGE”

SORRY MR. PRESIDENT, NOT HAPPENING

 

Tuesday night President Barack Obama gave his sixth State of the Union Address to a Republican controlled Senate and House. All one need to see is the reaction of many Republicans when the President urged the GOP majorities to join him in creating more jobs and income equality for the middle class. The President said he would push an agenda to have Main Street strengthened so that prosperity would be expanded and not just to the very rich few in the country. He challenged the Congress to get on board for a minimum wage increase and dared them to try and live on $15,000 a year.

After the speech you should have heard the reaction from the GOP. I was traveling home from an event and had on a few Satellite radio stations. Every GOP member of Congress to a person called raising the minimum wage welfare and referring to it as handouts. They spoke of how it would weaken business and destroy the recovery. The fact of the matter is that raising the minimum wage increases economic growth because people have more money to buy things. (George W. Bush raised the minimum wage for Christ sakes!) Look at the discretionary money that has been put into the hands of millions of people because of lower gas prices. When I heard the caterwauling about this very basic tenant of growth and fairness, I knew this agenda would be dead in the water. I give the President credit for trying but sadly there will be many roadblocks along the way. Maybe that’s a good thing though too because the President might just use his veto pen to make sure the Middle Class is not totally screwed.
On Immigration the President tried to make the comparison to young immigrants trying to make their way in the world with those who have made asking them to remember when they were striving and dreaming. The problem is he was speaking to a party that has a “I got mine, now you get yours mentality” A GOP Congressman even questioned the wisdom of having an undocumented person sit with the First Lady. Actually that member of Congress was downright insulting but that should come as no surprise.
I wish the President had spoken more about ISIS. There were only two references to it. But he did seem to have some fight in him. Again too bad he didn’t have that resolve and fight when he had his majorities.
At least the President had some specifics. As always the GOP pretty much relied on rhetorical bullshit to make their point. Newcomer Iowa Senator. Joni Ernst said that The Affordable Care Act was a failed policy that hurt families. How?? Is it hurting the people who never had coverage? Is it hurting the people who have coverage for pre existing conditions? Is it hurting all those millions of people who the GOP claim lost their jobs? And by the way, remember the lie they told about the ACA requiring 10,000 more IRS employees? Well I guess I shouldn’t complain because at least Joni Ernst never gave specifics. That’s better than lying.
If the President gets a few of his projects through it will be because of coalitions that some responsible members of Congress will build. But I’m not holding my breath.
When the President declared he had no more campaigns to run the GOP applauded. He then shot back that he won both of them. True but too bad he didn’t use the power in his first two years to truly be a transformative President when he had the chance. The late Governor Bob Casey always used to say you judge a politician by this phrase, “What did you do when you had the power?” Too bad the President never read his book.
Hopefully an embattled President will become an energized one too. There is more than his legacy at stake here, there is the very survival of the middle class.