The LuLac Edition #3371, December 8th, 2016

FROM THE EDITOR

LuLac encourages all citizens to participate in each election and vote. A vote is a sacred and secret thing. That bond extends to both public and private citizens. We would never criticize anyone's private vote.

However when a public official, especially an elected one makes their choice known and that choice is widely disseminated by all media, as a political blog we will comment on it.

Such is the case today,

LATER THIS WEEK: JOHN GLENN.

NEWSWEEK.COM REVEALS A LOT THIS WEEK

I heard a little bit about the piece that Newsweek was doing about Democrats in Luzerne County who voted for President Trump. I am a Democrat but there have been times that I did vote for Republicans. I did so as a private citizen who looked at the issues. I knew that Democrats in the County might vote for Trump. Many relatives of mine, all private citizens did so. I have no problem with their choices and we will respect an love each other as we always have before this election.
All that said, I was stunned when I heard that a Democratic official, a person who was duly elected as a Democratic State Committeewoman in the 80s and 90s, a person who was elected as a Luzerne County Councilperson, (running with a Democratic team!!!!) voted for Donald Trump. Everyone is entitled to their vote. God speed but let’s talk a little bit about the reasons why this long time Dem and her husband chose this path.
Full disclosure here, I’ve known Rick and Eileen Sorokas for over 30 years. I played in a Killer Bees Softball League with Rick and supported his wife when she ran for State Committee. Then when she ran for County Council, despite warnings from fellow Democrats who called her a lightweight, I promoted the ticket she ran on.
This is a hard column to write because I am astounded that both of these people did the following:
1. Turn their back on the Democratic party and its nominee.
2. Forget what the Democratic party did for them.
3. Having one elected woman knife another one in the back. That may sound harsh but that’s what your Democratic County Council WOMAN did!
4. Buy into Donald Trump’s act.
It was pointed out in the article that the Sorokas’ own three homes. So maybe they think Trump will invite them to the Towers to chat finances!
Whew! It’s one thing to have Democrats who are struggling and frustrated to go for Mike Pence's running mate. But the Sorokas’ have theirs.
It’s one thing for former Democrats to vote for Tiffany's dad like my cousin and his family did in Exeter. But he changed parties and now is active in his new party.
I understand people who are Republicans backing this guy to the hilt because this is what Republicans in this state do. The best way to describe their loyalties is the old joke that the Jesus and the Devil were running in a Luzerne County GOP primary. Jesus loses and the party bosses ask him to buy a table at the Fall Dinner to support the devil. Jesus buys two! That’s loyalty.
Who knows, maybe Eileen and Rick thought they had permission since the Democratic Chairman used to be a Republican.
But then there are the reasons.
In a video, and I’ll post the link so that you can see this incredible interview and see the  reasons the duo cited.
1. Jobs. Rick said that there are not many jobs in this area. Really? Does he really think that the guy he supported is going to tick up the Luzerne county employment rate? This area has always been lacking jobs because Chamber of Commerce types have never developed them through the years.
2. Illegal Immigration. This is a classic one from the Council woman. She said in the video (and you have to turn it up because she mumbled) “Too much people coming in here that are immigrants are illegals." How does she know? Does she have a count? Again, no specifics but just “they’re coming in here!” We are all immigrants in Luzerne County. Seems to me that the immigrants coming in this time just might have the wrong complexion. Did Eileen hear her boy, Tiffany’s dad,  complain about Canadian immigration or borders? Uh……………no. 
What specifically have the immigrants done to the Sorokas family? Hell, maybe some of them unwittingly even voted for her. 
3. Health Care. Rick starts in on health care premiums and blames The Affordable Care Act. The fact is the health insurance companies raise the rates. I’m linking up last Saturday’s LuLac so maybe this misconception is put to bed. 
 http://lulacpoliticaletter.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-lulac-edition-3366-december-3rd-2016.html

But here’s the clincher. Eileen says that she watched television and said this about Hillary Clinton why she wasn't backing her.
“I JUST DIDN’T CARE FOR HER”.

As a woman, as a political woman office holder what didn’t she care for? Didn’t care for her? Does it sound like she was describing broccoli or a steak?

I JUST DIDN’T CARE FOR HER!

Wow!

Maybe if Ms. Sorokas decides to run again, I wonder how many loyal Democratic women or even thinking women in the Lu will want to care for her?
The video opens up with the two going over Barack Obama flyers from past campaigns. The interviewer never asked the question if Barack Obama thought she was good enough to be his Secretary of State and then President, why didn't Eileen and Rick?
If Matt Cartwright who supported Sorokas in a tight race in 2013, even when her event wasn’t in his district, if he could support Hillary, why couldn’t she support Clinton? 

Rick and Eileen are Americans and they can do what they want. But if I’m looking for a loyal public servant or Democrat………..it is not Eileen Sorokas. 
The duo says that they'll give Tiffany's dad two years and then reassess how they feel. I am sure the President Elect is losing sleep over that one. 
Perhaps Harry Truman said it best, "If you want loyalty....buy a dog".

LUZERNE GOP HAS A SHOT

If i were the GOP party in Luzerne County, I would use this momentum and go after every single office they could in 2017 and 2019. Ron Ferrance is the new Chairman and he should know that there are no consequences in the local Democratic party. The party has become a scattered group of the political employment class that in each generation greases the skids for their offspring. The second  group of people just go off the reservation because "they don't care for someone". "Good Democrats", for many, well that's a name some just use.
This Newsweek article will astound many people. Our friend Sue Henry was featured in this and was really the only piece of evidence for the national audience reading this that we aren't Hooterville! Check out union ingrate Ed Harry's part in this too. 
But hey, maybe I'm over reacting. Maybe I might think that loyalty is still a virtue. 
But what the hell, who knows, maybe Tiffany's dad will campaign for Eileen again if she runs. He'll do it when he opens up that new 8 Track Factory in Sweet Valley!!!
Here’s that link, read the whole thing and you might see why there are no jobs in this area.
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/12/16/donald-trump-pennsylvania-win-luzerne-county-527861.html

CARTWRIGHT NAMED TO IMPORTANT STEERING AND POLICY COMMITTEE

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that he has been appointed to serve on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee by the House Democratic Leadership.
The committee—which includes other members of Leadership, appointed members, and regionally elected members—advises the House Democratic Leadership on policy and appoints other Democratic Members of Congress to House committees.
“I am honored to accept this appointment to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Listening to the needs of working Americans and figuring out how to connect with them on our policy agenda is critical work for the Democrats, and I intend to engage in that endeavor at every opportunity,” said Rep. Cartwright. “During the 115th Congress, I plan on looking for ways to help guide our Caucus towards the right policies coupled with effective messaging.”
Both parties on Capitol Hill are currently gearing up for major policy battles in 2017.
“The 17th Congressional District is a working class district with challenges similar to those of many other areas of the Northeast and Midwest,” continued Cartwright. “I’m looking forward to bringing our northeastern Pennsylvania perspectives and values to this important committee.”

BARLETTA STEERS AUTHORIZATION OF URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE TO PASSAGE

PROTECTS TEAM MEMBERS FROM LIABILITY, PRESERVES THEIR JOBS WHILE SERVING

Lou Barletta (Photo: C-SPAN)

Congressman Lou Barletta managed floor debate as the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that authorizes the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) system, while protecting team members from liability and preserving their jobs while they are serving. The House approved S. 2971, authored by Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, by a vote of 405-to-7. The bill is nearly identical to language contained in Barletta’s own legislation, H.R. 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act, which passed the House in February 2016 and remains in the hands of the Senate. With House passage of an amended S. 2971, the bill must return to the Senate for its approval.
“The challenge has been that when these team members are federalized, they do not have clarity on who would be responsible if they were injured or even killed while performing their jobs,” Barletta said while managing the House floor. “It is amazing that we ask these men and women to go into collapsed structures to search for trapped survivors, risking life and limb, without providing them with clarity when it comes to liability and injuries. The stories of the selfless heroism of these men and women are numerous and humbling. Their work is tireless, physically and emotionally demanding, and nerve-wracking.”
There are 28 USAR teams across the United States, including Pennsylvania. Team members include firefighters, doctors, engineers, and first responders, who are cross-trained in areas such as search, rescue, medical, hazardous materials, and logistics. Trained and equipped with help from FEMA, they are called upon when needed to respond following a disaster. USAR teams have been deployed over the years to numerous disasters, including the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, and many storms, floods, and tornadoes.

MEDIA MATTERS

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week's guest will be Michael Hanley, CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA. Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1400/1440 am and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

THE IRREGULARS

THE IRREGULARS THINK TANK BREAKFAST

The Irregulars Annual Christmas Holiday Breakfast will be held this Saturday, December 10, at 9:00 a.m. at the Lakeside Skillet at Harveys Lake. Dr. Toni Ann Loftus will be guest presenter at the breakfast. She is a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. Dr. Loftus graduated from Wilkes University in May 2014, with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Her Doctoral research focused on assessing the impact of computer-based patient education on adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

‘Til the season for fun! Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Rogers will be leading us in a sing-a-long featuring the all-time favorite songs of Christmas, and as always, Santa Claus will be stopping by to give everyone a well-thought-out present. This is a great way to kick off the holiday season!
Dr. Loftus presentation is titled Critical Wartime Medical Needs Results in Advanced Civilian Healthcare. She will draw upon her 18 years of experience as a military nurse to give us an overview of how one enters military service,difference between an Officer and Enlisted service member, a period of military service versus military career, and what it means to serve on active duty versus reserves. She will also take us on an exciting journey of U.S. wars to reveal how critical wartime medical needs resulted in civilian healthcare advances we enjoy today.
Lt. Col. Toni Loftus has been a Registered Nurse for the past 22 years. She recently returned from service with U.S. Army Medical Department in Massachusetts where she served as Assistant Chief Nurse for a combat support hospital. Her career has been woven through an extensive civilian and military career. She is currently focused on training the next generation of civilian nurse executives as well as future Army nursing Officers.
She notes that military nurses are considered soldiers first, nurses second. “Nursing is simply their military occupational specialty,” she said. “Military nurses must complete military training just like other soldiers. They are also encouraged to progress in their military and civilian education, and to move up in the ranks.”

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine

Brian Hughes speaks with Dave Kuharchik from WBRE about Ballet Northeast's presentation of "The Nutcracker" December 16th thru the 18th at the Wilkes University Dorothy Dickson Darte Center.
Brian speaks with Rich Phillips, Jill Keating and her son Chance, about their "Give Chance A Chance" benefit to raise money to acquire a service dog for Chance, coming up on Wednesday Dec. 14th at POSH in Scranton.
And Brian speaks with local entrepreneur Mark Chamberlain about a worldwide online event he is conducting inside a Honda at an undisclosed location on Tuesday Dec 13th.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

ECTV Live hosts Rusty Fender, David DeCosmo, and Director Mark Migilore welcome Joann Arduino of the Scranton Ballet Theater to the program during the week of December 12th. 

She'll outline plans for this year's free offerings of The Nutcracker at Marywood University right after Christmas.
ECTV Live is seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is aired near the Noon, 6pm, and Midnight area daily throughout the week.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

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.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!

The Doo-Wop Sock Hop can be heard every Sunday night from 6P to 9P on “105 The River (104.9 FM) Host is the incomparable Bobby V. www.105theriver.net www.doowopsockhop.net.

1971

Our 1971 logo

The Montreux Casino burns down during a Frank Zappa concert. The event is memorialized in the Deep Purple song "Smoke on the Water". The casino is rebuilt in 1975…..U.S. President Richard Nixon orders the 7th Fleet to move towards the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean…….In Northern Ireland, Sean Russell, an off-duty member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, is shot dead by members of the Irish Republican Army at his home in Belfast, thus becoming the first Catholic member of the UDR to be killed in the conflict….In a television interview, Bruce Lee says that both Paramount and Warner Brothers want him "to be in a modernized type of a thing, and they think the Western idea is out, whereas I want to do the Western…..in Pennsylvania the state GOP readies itself to go full out for the election of President Nixon in '72.........in Scranton Mayor Eugene Peters midway through his term said that police protection as well as neighborhood maintenance are priorities in the coming year and 45 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “All I Ever Need Is You” by Sonny & Cher.