The LuLac Edition #3458, March 30th, 2017
TRUMP AND COAL
President Trump made an announcement this week about the return of coal. Many on the right say that the over regulation by the Obama administration nearly did in the industry in states like West Virginia and Kentucky.
The future of the industry remains unclear. Many ripped Trump's executive order as bad for the environment and claimed it would not actually bring coal jobs back.
The regulation didn’t help but coal’s biggest hurdle is the abundance of cheap natural gas.
Gas prices have fallen, making it much more attractive than coal. Another problem is technology. As coal companies have gotten more efficient at extracting coal, fewer workers are needed. Coal’s presence in America’s power market has fallen to 32 percent from about 50 percent a decade ago.
Trump's bid to ease regulations is boosting morale, giving coal-mining communities across Appalachia a shot at rebuilding. But if coal comes back, most jobs might fall to automation.
One more thing too. I asked 10 young men between the ages of 19 through 29 if they would accept a job for $25.00 an hour in private business.
They all said yes.
I then told them it was mining coal.
Only one said he’d do it.
The scar of coal as well as the wounds are still here. Even for generations AT LEAST IN THIS AREA, far removed from Knox and the newspaper ads that said “Idle”, the price is still too high.
HOWEVER
REP. CARTWRIGHT HELPS LEAD BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL BILL TO REVITALIZE COAL COMMUNITIES
Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)
Congressman Cartwright joined his Republican colleagues a less flashy but more sensible approach by re-introducing a bill to revitalize coal communities devastated by the decline of the coal-mining industry. The Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investment More (RECLAIM) Act would enable states and Native American tribes to facilitate sustainable economic development projects on Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites. The RECLAIM Act was led by Congressman Rogers (R-KY), Congressman Jenkins (R-WV), Congressman Griffith (R-VA), and Congressman Thompson (R-PA); companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Capito (R-WV).The RECLAIM Act releases $1 billion from the existing AML Fund to boost economic growth in regions that have relied on the coal industry. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) estimates that releasing $1 billion over the next five years would create jobs for equipment operators and other jobs necessary for mine reclamation.
“The coal-mining industry is vital to the history, character, and economy of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The decline of coal production impacted families whose livelihoods depended on these jobs, benefits, and pensions,” said Rep. Cartwright. “We must also address the often devastating environmental legacy of abandoned mines. Addressing abandoned mine sites and utilizing the reclaimed land for economic development will improve our environment, create jobs, and reinvigorate coal-mining communities. I have appreciated working with Congressman Rogers on this important bill for the past year, and I believe the bill introduced today goes a long way towards addressing the needs of communities affected by abandoned mines. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to improve the language as it moves through the legislative process over the coming weeks.”
In Pennsylvania’s 17th District, there are $174 million worth of abandoned mines. Under this legislation, nearly $300 million is expected to be distributed within Pennsylvania over the next 5 years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 3,300 miles of streams in Pennsylvania are impacted by acid mine drainage as result of mine and coal refuse pile discharges reaching waterways.
“After working with local leaders and stakeholders, we will be able to provide additional support for vital environmental reclamation, economic development, and job training in Appalachia,” said Sen. McConnell.
“Over the last eight years, we’ve lost more than 13,000 coal mining jobs in Kentucky alone, and through this bill, we have an incredible opportunity to make sure that our coal producing states can access funding that is readily available to restore our land and revive our economy,” said Rep. Rogers.
PA. GAMBLING
CREDIT CARDS AND CASINOS?
Currently there is a move afoot in the State Legislature to allow gamblers to use credit cards at The Casinos. A few things here. I believe that we in Pennsylvania should have many of the amenities and conveniences other states have. As a matter of fact for the most part we do.
I understand that there are casinos around the world that accept plastic. But I think this is a really bad idea for the state. Here’s why:
1. Most of the money that gambling was supposed to bring in for Property tax reform never got to the average home owners. We are being screwed by high school taxes. If there is an adjustment to any more gambling money, I want to see it dedicated for Property taxes.
2. Gamblers who are really into these so called leisure activities already have enough ways to lose their money. Credit cards are just a quick ride to bankruptcy much faster.
3. The state has a moral obligation to protect some residents from their excesses. You can call that a nanny state or whatever. But to allow credit cards in casinos is detrimental to the individual as well as the industry. There will always be high rollers who have money to burn. Then there will be the fools who think Lady Luck will smile on them just because.
In this case, we need to protect the fools.
BARLETTA VOTES TO RESTORE LOCAL CONTROL OVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
HOUSE T&I COMMITTEE PASSES BILL REPEALING OBAMA RULE TO CONSOLIDATE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS
Congressman Lou Barletta (LuLac archives)
Congressman Lou Barletta voted for bipartisan legislation that would ensure Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are able to plan infrastructure projects that best meet the needs of their local populations. H.R. 1346 repeals an Obama Administration rule requiring MPOs in the same urbanized area to submit jointly prepared transportation plans, which forced smaller communities to compete with larger municipalities for funding, while also diminishing the ability of local planners to provide input into the regional planning process. H.R. 1346, which Barletta co-sponsored, passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by voice vote and now goes to the full House for consideration.“After speaking with several MPOs in Pennsylvania about their unique infrastructure needs and the steps they are already taking to coordinate with one another, it became clear that the Obama Administration rule was a proposal in search of a problem,” Barletta said. “The rule essentially means that areas like Harrisburg and Hazleton would have to compete with cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston for transportation funding. Congress has never given the Department of Transportation the authority to do this, so it appears to be yet another example of executive overreach.”
Last year, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration issued the final rule “Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform,” which requires MPOs in the same urbanized area to merge, adjust their boundaries, and produce a single set of plans for infrastructure projects. In August of 2016, Barletta joined Reps. Tom Marino (PA-10) and Scott Perry (PA-4) in sending a letter to former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx requesting that the department withdraw or significantly alter the one-size-fits-all rule. H.R. 1346 repeals the rule and restores local control over decision making and infrastructure investment.
MEDIA MATTERS
SEAN SPICER GOES NUTS
White House Press Secretary is way over his head and is pretty much melting dow. Check this out:
SUNDAY MAGAZINE
This Week on Sunday Magazine. Brian Hughes speaks with David Chianese, CEO of LESMA, the Law Enforcement Supporters for Media Accountability about a police shooting in Lackawanna County, as well as police shooting cases around the country.
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Nick & Tara from Autism Awareness NEPA about their "Taste of the Valley" kickoff event this Sunday from 1 to 5pm in Pittston.
An encore of Frankie's interview with Kyle Pelkey about a Run/Walk to benefit the National Stuttering Foundation coming up on Sunday at College Misericordia in Dallas.
And an encore of Brian's interview with March back from AARP about scams that target senior citizens.
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 host Mark Murphy from the University of Scranton to the program during the week of April 3rd to outline several events planned around this year's celebration of Earth Day!
BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM
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.
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 he heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.
BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!
Bobby's show is back again live this Sunday @6PM on The River.
1977
Our 1977 logo.
IAW Women's Basketball Tournament, Delta State beat Louisiana State University 68-55 in Minneapolis…….583 die in aviation's worst ever disaster when two Boeing 747s collide at Tenerife airport…..Sandra Palmer wins LPGA Kathryn Crosby/Honda Civic Golf Classic…. 39th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: Marquette beats NC 67-59…. The 1977 Academy Awards ceremony is notable for Peter Finch becoming the first posthumous winner of an Oscar for acting, a feat matched only by Heath Ledger 32 years later. Beatrice Straight set another record by becoming the actor with shortest performance ever in a film to win an acting Oscar, with only five minutes and forty seconds of screen time in Network.
"Network," along with "All the President's Men," were the two biggest champs of the ceremony with four Oscars each; however, John G. Avildsen won Best Director, presaging Rocky's eventual Best Picture victory.
Piper Laurie was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "Carrie" (1976), her first acting role since her Best Actress-nominated performance in "The Hustler" (1961), thus being nominated for two consecutive roles, 15 years apart……in Philadelphia the city of Brotherly Love goes crazy over the “Rocky” win…..in Luzerne County Senator Martin L. Murray tells fellow Democrats to remember he is up and running for re-elation in 1978 putting to rest rumors he will retire and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas.
posted by David Yonki @ 7:47 AM
16 comments
16 Comments:
Trump's best defense is that he knows so little about coal-mining that he had no idea he was making a promise he couldn't keep. When, oh when, will the rest of his supporters catch on?
"I asked 10 young men between the ages of 19 through 29......"
Please! Are you surprised that these coddled little pussy boys who stay home and play video games or go out dressed up like comic book characters and need to stay on mommy and daddy's health insurance plan want to do a bit of real work? You think they have the balls to take some risk to bring home a good paycheck?
These are the weak-minded sissies that make up the entitlement generation. The indirect lost souls of LBJ's great society programs. Those who ask not what they cdan o for their country, but what their country can do for them. The same dickless whiners who cry on Facebook about their student loan debt, who need a stressed out lounge because things get rough, and of course, the same societal leaches who were sucking on Bernie Sanders' tits looking for milk money for their student loans. God forbid someone provide them an opportunity to earn their way in life. To be cliche' a hand-up instead of a handout. ... No, poor little pansies are afraid to do a little hard work. Or, is it their hands hurt from carpal tunnel syndrome from too much lazing on a couch with their video games.
They don't want a good paying job to earn their way in life - fuck them! Let mommy call them from their childhood bedrooms and cut the steak that she and daddy bought for their worthless asses. I am 45, want to pay me 1000 a week to go into a mine? Where do I sign up?
No, poor little pansies are afraid to do a little hard work. Or, is it their hands hurt from carpal tunnel syndrome from too much lazing on a couch with their video games.
LOL, and the readers call me BITTER!
I am 45, want to pay me 1000 a week to go into a mine? Where do I sign up?
D. Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC. 20050
Don't hold your hand on your waiting for a response.
Good take on the gambling aspect.
There are enough suckers in this state without them dying in a sea of plastic!
The 1000 dollar a week was YOUR hypothetical.. but when answering part of YOUR post. I am not a Trump supporter, so I wouldn't call Trump. You really can't grasp that people who don't like Trump are not afraid of hard work and self-reliance. Not all of us who don't like Trump are supportive of a nanny state. There are some of us who actually have some pride. Not every democrat is a little pussy boy; some of us are still men, and not afraid to be men in a politically correct world of handout seeking cry babies.
Hey 6:55PM
Are you talking about Kyle Mack?
I never knew either one of my grandfathers because the coal companies murdered them with black lung disease at an early age. The culm bank that the coal companies dumped behind my grandmother's old house still sits there 60 years later. People throughout the valley have to buy mine subsidence insurance to protect themselves from having their home sink into the mines. I have to go fishing outside of the valley because all the streams are polluted with mine acid drainage. My hard-earned tax dollars goes to clean up the mess left behind by the coal companies. YUP, Trump is going to make America great again.
Hey 6:56, Big talk coming from a guy who doesn't have the stones to put his name to a comment. Perhaps, you would like some cheese with that whine? do you need a whambulance called or a safe space for ignorants like you? I'm honestly curious what it is you do that makes you think you have any leg to stand on to complain and what exactly your job is.
Because I'll tell you right now, i like playing video games, like cosplay, i support Democrats and (i know this might be difficult for you to understand) have a decent full time job operating a printing press and i've got 4 colors of ink staining my hands for my effots.
One more thing, least i have the stones to put my name to a comment. What do you have? Because i can sure as hell tell you its not balls or integrity. So come on, prove you're claim to be able to cast judgement on ANYONE. Or take trump up in his offer and you can go slink back underground with the rest of the trolls, if you have the stones
It's great to see the Ego-in-Chief's people start to seek immunity deals. Only the beginning of what's to come...
The 1000 dollar a week was YOUR hypothetical.. but when answering part of YOUR post. I am not a Trump supporter, so I wouldn't call Trump.
IN RESPONSE
Satire my friend, satire.
You really can't grasp that people who don't like Trump are not afraid of hard work and self-reliance. Not all of us who don't like Trump are supportive of a nanny state.
IN RESPONSE
I should have clarified "nanny state" and why I used it. It seems like every time someone brings up a way to improve people's lives, like an aging program or a child nutrition program that term is used to diminish it by the REPUBLICANS.
I agree with self reliance and hard work. I have shared my views on welfare here many times. Most Democrats like you stated are hard working but in today's climate, even saying you are a Democrat automatically makes you pro choice, and a supporter of everything left.
and not afraid to be men in a politically correct world of handout seeking cry babies.
IN RESPONSE
And in terms of handouts, let us never forget the teacher's union and public employee unions that always have their paws poised for a taste.
THe Dallas teachers are holding an entire community hostage for a $40.00 a month co pay.
I never knew either one of my grandfathers because the coal companies murdered them with black lung disease at an early age. The culm bank that the coal companies dumped behind my grandmother's old house still sits there 60 years later. People throughout the valley have to buy mine subsidence insurance to protect themselves from having their home sink into the mines. I have to go fishing outside of the valley because all the streams are polluted with mine acid drainage. My hard-earned tax dollars goes to clean up the mess left behind by the coal companies. YUP, Trump is going to make America great again.
IN RESPONSE
My wife's father died at age 59 from Black Lung. I never had the opportunity to meet him. When I was a boy Atty. John Piasecki from the Mid Valley was an advocate to get rid of the strip mines which still dotted LuLac land.
And let us never forget that with KNOX, the UNIONS were in cahoots with the mine operators and owners.
The Operator was prosecuted..but not for murder.
When REPUBLICANS bitch about needless regulations, let them put that in their pipe and smoke it.
Anonymous Jared Shoemaker Jr said...
Hey 6:56, Big talk coming from a guy who doesn't have the stones to put his name to a comment. Perhaps, you would like some cheese with that whine? do you need a whambulance called or a safe space for ignorants like you? I'm honestly curious what it is you do that makes you think you have any leg to stand on to complain and what exactly your job is.
Because I'll tell you right now, i like playing video games, like cosplay, i support Democrats and (i know this might be difficult for you to understand) have a decent full time job operating a printing press and i've got 4 colors of ink staining my hands for my effots.
One more thing, least i have the stones to put my name to a comment. What do you have? Because i can sure as hell tell you its not balls or integrity. So come on, prove you're claim to be able to cast judgement on ANYONE. Or take trump up in his offer and you can go slink back underground with the rest of the trolls, if you have the stones.
IN RESPONSE
Jared thank you for reading and posting.
Let me say that during the last 11 years I have had the opportunity to work, be mentored by and mentored people half or now three times half my age.
They do play video games that I have no clue about but they do work, take care of their younger siblings, older grandparents, as well as caring about and loving this country.
The guys I asked (and maybe I should have asked a woman or two but they weren't available in the mtg. I was at) told me that while the money sounded good, they knew all too well the history of this region and the cost in human lives.
They also said this, "We have choices your (meaning me) grandparents didn't have". One guy said, "Yeah I went to school to go down in a mine."
Two are using their current jobs to pay for vocational training.
But not in the mines.
To quote Mr. Corbett, "Thanks for thinking," and come back anytime.
Yonki!!!!!!!!!!
Saw you at the Suter concert last night. Looking a little weary but good.
Those 1976 Oscars were incredible. So many to choose from and "Rocky" became a cottage industry for Sly Stallone.
Bagged him a tall Bridgette Nielson too!
Next time we have breakfast or lunch, we will talk about Knox...I have a unique perspective.
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