The LuLac Edition #3659, November 30th, 2017

FLYNN THE FELON!!!!

This is the guy who said "Lock Her Up"!

Karma is real BITCH, heyna Mike??????

Of course the Trump lawyer blamed Obama for Flynn and Mikey boy brought God into it.

Should have thought about that when you were lying for your boy who you were loyal to.....your boy could not return the favor.

TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR?

NOT TRUMP......

 BUT THE WOMEN!

(Photo: elearning)

Once more the President told a senseless lie and made the comments that he might be Person of the Year for Time Magazine for the second year in a row. Alas, little Donnie Rump-hole was mistaken. Richard Stengel, a former Time editor, responded by tweeting: "Hate to tell you but that PROBABLY means you're NOT Person of the Year. They just wanted a photo shoot. But I'm sure you still have that fake TIME cover somewhere in storage."
Time disputed the President's claim, tweeting that he "is incorrect about how we choose Person of the Year." The magazine said it doesn't comment on its choice until publication, the Associated Press reported.
Contenders for the 2017 honor include Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon, singer Ariana Grande, San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, football player Colin Kaepernick, French President Emmanuel Macron, former FBI director James Comey, special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, Pope Francis and women who have shared their stories about being sexually harassed or assaulted using the hashtag #MeToo.
The last one is the most sensible to me. Women who have come forward to report powerful men who have preyed on them deserve that recognition. Having their stories highlighted will give men in positions of power, Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, rich and poor that this behavior will no longer stand.
To pick “The Women” over the sexist, predatory pig in The White House would be true sweet justice indeed. (LuLac, Time.com)

THE BIGOT IN CHIEF STRIKES AGAIN

Our staunchest ally, well once our strongest, Great Britain criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on after he retweeted anti-Islam videos originally posted by a leader of a far-right British fringe party who was convicted earlier this month of abusing a Muslim woman.
Now because this scumbag was convicted, in order to deflect like trump does, Jayda Fransen, deputy leader of the anti-immigration Britain First group, posted the videos. IT showed a group of people who were Muslims beating a teenage boy to death, battering a boy on crutches and destroying a Christian statue.
Trump's decision to re-tweet the videos prompted criticism from both sides of the Atlantic, with some British lawmakers demanding an apology and U.S. Muslim groups saying it was incendiary and reckless.
Here’s my question. Why is Trump retweeting a video from that group? Does he not have a discerning eye or judgement? Does he not know that his base will be for him no matter what he does?
During last year’s campaign, guys like Joe Scarborough and locally Steve Corbett took heat for calling Trump a bigot. A racist. People got their little itty bitty feelings hurt because that was “unfair”. "Give him a chance" they whined. Why is is that Trump in his Twitter posts go after people of color? I just want to know why the majority of tweets are about and against men and women of color.
Chief shill Sarah Huckabee Sanders deflected it this way,, "Look, I'm not talking about the nature of the video," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. "The threat is real and that's what the president is talking about is the need for national security, the need for military spending, and those are very real things. There's nothing fake about that."
Better watch people according to Sarah, beheadings are gonna happen in Honey Pot real soon.
The fool speaks again.

WHY JOHN BLAKE NEEDS TO BE POLITICALLY TARGETED

 Double dipper and opponent of Property Tax Reform, John Blake (onenewspage.com)

Since the referendum on Pa. Property taxes got a yes, The Liberty Alliance along with the local Property tax advocates like Charlie Urban are coming back to raise holy hell. Here’s what they had to say about Senator John Blake:
After a short hiatus, we’re starting our first post-referendum effort near Scranton. We know Sen Blake will be facing opposition in the Spring and Fall during next year’s elections, so we’re starting to set the tone, early.
Don’t worry, we’re not giving up on Sen McGarrigle or Delaware County. In fact, he asked to meet with us just last week, after a few PLA volunteers crashed his Senior Expo last month and riled up about 100 seniors! SEE photos attached. Let’s just say we have his attention and he’s talking. The translation is that he needs to feel more political pain and I think I know who can deliver that!!
You may recall that John Blake’s “NO” vote defeated School Property Tax Elimination in the Senate last November. Had he voted YES like he had previously, the bill would have passed 25-23. If he had voted YES, as he did last session in Finance Committee, and as he promised constituents, YOUR school property taxes would have taken an historical step towards elimination. Think about it when you get your next school tax bill!
STATE SENATOR JOHN BLAKE has lied to the public. He lied to his constituents. He lied to legislators. But he came through for the special “self” interests.
So, we're spreading the news. Help us canvass Blake's neighborhood Saturday December 2nd to let folks know about the townhall meeting on School Tax Elimination at the VFW:
This coming Saturday, the 76 Roadshow and at least a dozen 76 warriors will hit the streets of Eynon and Archbald to fight for passage of school tax elimination. These fine folks will give up half their Saturday to spread the good news....will you?
People in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe Counties are AMAZED to find that Blake was the deciding vote in the senate to have their school taxes eliminated last session.
The townhall events we have hosted, advertised for and participated in since June have been huge successes! We've run county-wide newspaper ads, statewide Facebook ads, distributed 100's of yard signs, collected 1,000's of petitions, reached tens of thousands more, recruited volunteers...but most of all, we have the legislature's attention!
You, me and all of us have accomplished this!
Join us as we meet Lackawanna County constituents on the streets, at Shopping Centers, the Post Office, at the stores, at pizza shops and at their homes.
Lackawanna County folks have been really receptive to the message. You see they are paying 3.5% of their income to property taxes and have seen a 45% increase in foreclosures!
56% of Lackawanna voters said they want Elimination of property taxes just a few weeks ago!
We've met many homeowners there the last few months that simply cannot believe that their legislators are not promoting the Property Tax Independence Act.
We met others that are being forced to TRY and sell their homes, but the market is flooded!

URBAN CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS

In his missive, local tax payer advocate Charlie Urban has called for volunteers this Saturday.
Attention: PTCC Members, Homeowners and Business Owners
The Liberty Alliance from Bethel Pa is the most active group in Pennsylvania will once again be coming to Scranton. I am asking you if you will be able to volunteer and lend some support . They will becoming up on Saturday December 2. . We will meet at McDonalds 525 Scranton Carbondale Highway Archibald at 9:30 AM Please pass this along to your friends and try to attend. ***** ATTENTION Scranton Tribune published that Tax rates to rise in 8 school districts in Lackawanna Abington, Lackawanna Trail, Carbondale Area North Pocono, Dunmore, Riverside, Forest City Regional, Valley View. If you live in these district you will be affected .Not all other districts will see increases but who knows what will happen. Property Owners here is an organization Liberty Alliance from Bethel Pa that is coming up to canvass the area to unite the citizens to contact their Senator John Blake and Representative to support HB/ SB 76. When the vote came to a vote we lost by one vote and your Senator Blake cast the NO Vote when he promised to support 76. Now here we are once again able to pass HB/SB 76 elimination of school property taxes. with the help of Liberty Alliance. to help you . Yes you have a FRIEND in Pa an outsider from Bethel Pa . Lets welcome them with open arms as they are trying to help you and thousands and thousands of homeowners through out the Commonwealth to save their homes and enjoy their your Golden Years. A great big Thanks to Dean Klopp and his members. 

HAVE CHILD SUPPORT? ALIMONY? 

Under that family friendly GOP tax plan, that would no longer be deductible.  Here's other stuff that you WON'T GET. Enjoy your boy 26,000 voters of The Lu.

GOP LEGISLATURE JOINS IN THE SCREWING OF MIDDLE CLASS

THE IMPACT OF THE SENATE TAX BILL ON PENNSYLVANIANS: TAXES ON LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME TAX EARNERS WILL INCREASE WHILE THE RICHEST RECEIVE LARGE TAX CUTS

The Senate Finance Committee approved a tax bill on November 16 that would give tremendous tax breaks to the richest Pennsylvanians, and by 2027, would raise taxes on poor and middle income earners.
Just-released analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) shows the impact of this federal tax bill state by state. In 2019, the top 20% of earners in Pennsylvania making $111,490 and above will receive 71% of all the tax cuts, while the bottom 20% will receive only 1% of the cuts. The top 1% will receive 26% of the tax cuts. While the bill is touted as giving a tax cut to everyone, the benefits are minimal for the poor and middle class. In 2019 the poorest 20% will see a benefit of only $80 on average while the top 1% will see a benefit of $42,210 per year.
By 2027, this inequity grows. The bottom 60% of earners (earning up to $93,260) will actually see a tax increase while the richest 1%, earning above $753,590, will see, by far, the largest gain. The top 1%, earning on average $2.45 million a year #, will get a tax break of $7,040. The bottom 60% will see an increase in their tax bill of about $100. The figures below shows this impact in Pennsylvania.

LUZERNE GOP ENDORSES WAGNER-BARTOS TICKET

The Luzerne County Republican Committee’s Executive Committee unanimously voted to endorse Scott Wagner for Governor and Jeff Bartos for Lieutenant Governor.
“The Luzerne County Republican Party is proud to be the first county party to endorse Scott Wagner and Jeff Bartos,” said county Chairman Ron Ferrance following the vote to endorse. “Tom Wolf has been a complete disaster for Pennsylvania. Scott Wagner as Governor and Jeff Bartos as Lieutenant Governor are the right team at the right time to get Pennsylvania back on track.”
Wagner said that he was honored to have the Luzerne County GOP’s endorsement adding, “The members of the Republican Party recognize that in order for Pennsylvania to win, we need to put leaders in office that know how to win. Jeff Bartos and I are the only candidates in this race who will challenge the status quo and turn Pennsylvania around by creating jobs, fixing our education system and restoring government to the citizens of our commonwealth.”
“I am honored to receive the support of the Luzerne GOP so shortly after announcing that Scott and I will be running as a team,” Bartos said of the endorsement. “The energy and leadership of the county parties will be the fuel that feeds the engine of our campaign, and Luzerne County is critical to winning Pennsylvania. Indeed, as Luzerne County goes, so goes Pennsylvania and, as we saw in 2016, so goes the nation.”
Uh yeah Senator Wagner, just remember this. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is NOT LUZERNE COUNTY. In 2016 Trump won the state by 44,000. 26,000 cme from Republicans but also ungrateful union bosses, ingrate senior citizen Democrats who are scared to death of color an change as well as misguided women who hated the fact that a woman, insufferable to many, would rather choose a lazy intellectual insulting bigot rather than a competent person.
So don’t just yet start measuring those drapes in the Governor’s mansion just yet. (Wagner campaign, LuLac)

WASSAILFEST & HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET

DECEMBER FIRST

HOSTED BY DOWNTOWN HAZLETON ALLIANCE FOR PROGRESS

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400-The Game, NEPA's Fox .Sports Radio and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

ECTV LIVE

There's some great FREE Holiday entertainment coming up over the next couple weeks and it's happening at Marywood University in Scranton! Rick Hoffenberg from Marywood joins ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender during the week of December 4th to outline plans for the holiday concert series and discuss the Music Departments at the University.

ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is aired during the Noon, 6pm and Midnight hours each day of the week. Following Monday's Live program the show will become available on Electric City Television's YouTube channel which can be viewed on your computer.

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!”

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!

1977

Our 1977 logo

Lockheed's top-secret stealth aircraft project, designated Have Blue and precursor to the U.S. Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, makes its first flight......The first children's cable channel The Pinwheel Network (later known as Nickelodeon), is launched………Jean-Bédel Bokassa, president of the Central African Republic, crowns himself Emperor.........Malaysian Airline System Flight 653 is hijacked and crashes in Tanjung Kupang, Johor, Malaysia, killing all 100 passengers and crew on board……in Pennsylvania former Senator Hugh Scott says that the Carter administration has started off slowly in his estimation…..in Scranton Eugene Peters wraps up his 8 year tenure as Mayor of the city…..and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “It's So Easy” by Linda Ronstadt.

The LuLac Edition #3658, November 29th, 2017

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our “Write On Wednesday” logo

OUR OPINION: ALLOW HOPE TO SUPPLANT YOUR FEARS

Last week the Times Leader gave an excellent editorial regarding Hope. It made the point that since the 2016 election we’ve been living on a diet of fear and disillusionment. I put in red one of the most salient points of the editorial regarding the way this region sometimes thinks here.
In a word, the reason presidential candidate Donald Trump did so well among many Luzerne County voters is this: fear.
Fear remains among the most powerful of human motivators, and the Republican masterfully capitalized on it throughout his campaign, particularly during the doomsday scenario painted at the political party’s convention in Ohio.
“Our convention occurs at a moment of crisis for our nation,” Trump said in the opening moments of his July speech to accept the GOP’s nomination. “The attacks on our police, and the terrorism in our cities, threaten our very way of life.”
His dark tone, even more than the comparatively chipper “Make America great again,” spoke to large numbers of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere, an audience eager for a savior.
Certainly, fear doesn’t account for all of the support Trump received. Many voters routinely enter their polling places and pick only the Republicans, or only the Democrats, no matter what. Others presumably were drawn this time to the glib billionaire because of a single issue (such as his supposed business acumen or avowed pro-life stance). Still others preferred, and understandably so, to vote for someone far removed from the old political power structure.
Yet a nearly palpable fear in Luzerne County no doubt propelled many people to push the button for Trump, swaying the final results in his favor. His rhetoric hit all the categories:
• Fear for personal safety. (Remember the record number of deadly shootings in Wilkes-Barre three years ago? Voters do.)
• Fear of the outsider and the unknown. (Why should we, some of the Wyoming Valley’s longtime residents ask, make room for Syrians? Or Latinos?)
• Fear of job loss and economic uncertainty. (What happens if I’m let go this week?)
People hungry for stability in their lives heard the ominous campaign speeches, evaluated their personal feelings and circumstances, and gravitated to the candidate who promised – like a doting parent – to make them safe. Trump, they believe, is a protector of their families and the familiar.
Certain Democrats and Independents, who are no less susceptible to the power of fear, say they are scared of what a Trump presidency might mean. Liberal groups will harness the emotion to try to influence people’s actions, pushing their agendas.
Enough already! When will Americans correct our collective psyche, putting fear in its rightful place? That’s an argument we repeatedly have made on this page for the better part of decade. From an opinion piece printed in December 2013, here’s what we said:
For too long, arguably since Sept. 11, 2001, we’ve been motivated more by fear than any other emotion. Not curiosity. Not determination. Not gratitude. Not pride.
And certainly not hope.
The financial crash of 2008 only made matters worse, ruining too many people’s livelihoods and wrecking dreams. Plus, as many Northeastern Pennsylvania residents can attest, this region has more than its share of naysayers who can’t seem to ever acknowledge a silver lining because they’d rather curse the cloud. Their ranks have been bolstered in recent years as real troubles – natural disasters, economic crises and crimes of the white collar and street varieties – conspired to deflate our plans, trample our trust.
Hope took a bruising.
But it shouldn’t be neglected here any longer, and certainly not abandoned. Without a healthy dose of hope, we will cease to solve our problems, to better our circumstances, to attain goals (personal or public), to live to our full potentials. If we don’t instill hope in our children, we will fail them, too.
Don’t give in to fear.
Go forward each day with hope.
 

The LuLac Edition #3657, November 28th, 2017

LYNDON JOHNSON MEETS WITH ALEKSEI KOSYGIN @ 50

(Photo: Courrierpostonline.com) 

The Soviet Leader and LBJ (Photo: LBJ Library) 

 Life Magazine cover June 1967 (LuLac archives) 

With Russia being front and center since the election, it should be noted that previous Presidents met with Russian leaders with a jaundice eye. As a matter of fact, 50 years ago this year, President Johnson met with Soviet Leader Kosygin in a summit in New Jersey. History.com tells us the story.
Hopes for better U.S.-Soviet relations run high as U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with Soviet Premier Aleksei Kosygin in Glassboro, New Jersey, for a three-day summit. The meeting ended inconclusively, however, as issues such as Vietnam and the Middle East continued to divide the two superpowers.
The Johnson-Kosygin meeting was the first time a Soviet premier had met with an American president in the United States since Nikita Khrushchev visited with President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959. Relations between the two nations were tense.
The Middle East was a continuing source of difficulty, as the United States provided massive military and economic support to Israel, and the Soviet Union duplicated that effort with a number of Arab nations. Less than three weeks prior to the meeting in Glassboro, the Israeli army had scored a smashing victory against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in the Six-Day War.
The Vietnam War was another Cold War diplomatic quagmire. By mid-1967, the United States had many fighting men in South Vietnam, while the Soviets were providing large amounts of military aid to North Vietnam. The summit between Johnson and Kosygin, it was hoped, might lessen the tensions.
Both Johnson and Kosygin set a positive tone in their public statements. Johnson noted that the United States and Soviet Union had a responsibility to act “reasonably and constructively” in order to make it “possible for other countries to live in peace with each other, if this can be done.” Kosygin responded by declaring, “I want friendship with the American people and I can assure you we want nothing but peace with the American people.”
Privately, however, the summit was not considered a success. The Soviets proved inflexible on the major issues. They branded the Israelis as the aggressors in the Middle East and demanded that Israel evacuate the lands seized during the Six-Day War.
Concerning Vietnam, the Soviet stance was plain: peace would come when the United States left Vietnam. The Johnson administration publicly declared that the meeting was “very good and very useful.” The talks were supposed to continue during a Johnson visit to the Soviet Union in 1968, but a brutal Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia to crush the “Prague Spring” revolution led to the cancellation of that trip.
After that cancellation, U.S. Russian relationships were at arm’s length until Richard Nixon’s trip to the U.S.S.R. in 1972. (Source: LuLac, History.com)

The LuLac Edition #3656, November 26th, 2017

WE WERE JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY!

The late Harry Krewsun (Photo: LuLac archives)

Imagine this. One day you’re flapping your gums about politics with L.A. Tarone, Don Pachance and Tiffany Cloud (this was 2012) on TV. The next day when you’re out with a buddy eating pizza, you find it difficult to chew. Then, a few days later your speech starts to slur, you can’t keep your head up straight and you can’t catch your breath.
Tests and scans show nothing. But then you are diagnosed with Myastenia Gravis which is a rare neurological condition. By definition, (MG) is a long-term neuromuscular disease that leads to varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness.
MG can be controlled by medication which is now the case with me. But in the time period between the diagnosis and the first time I met Harry and Vera Krewsun, I was scared to death. Harry and his wife formed The MG Support group. Never a believer in these things, nonetheless I went. I met Harry Krewsun who had at that time had his disease under control. His advice and straight talk were calming and during my “recovery” period he was always a phone call away.
Through the ensuing years, as a show of gratitude and support,  we attended the meetings. We both even ran a few in Harry and Vera's absence. Always willing to help, Harry even went on a few TV and Radio shows to talk about MG.
He was beset by other health issues like polymyositis, thymoma and complications due to immuno-suppression which affected his breathing along with the MG.
Harry passed away last Sunday at the age of 55. For our family, his passing was a mix of grief and gratitude. The gratitude comes in because Harry and his wife Vera put a group together that didn’t exist just a few short years ago. In many ways for me, personally, it gave me the answer as to how I can live with this thing.
My philosophy with problems always has been, once you have the answer…..then the action you take is easy.
So Friday we go to Harry’s wake in an old Ukrainian church on Main Avenue in Scranton. After our visitation, we made our way down these side steps which lead to the street. I got to the bottom and saw a woman with physical issues making her way down the same steps after me. So I held the door for her. (Now ever since I have been using this cane which is due to an auto accident 18 years ago and severe arthritis, people have assumed it’s from the MG. It is not). 
But anyway, I’m holding this door for this lady and when she gets to the sidewalk she says, “Thanks for helping me even if you’re in your own misery” referring to my cane. I smiled and didn’t respond.
But when I got in the car, I told Mrs. LuLac about the misery comment. “If she only knew, the last time I was truly miserable was the day before I met Harry Krewsun who showed me a path to deal with MG”.
Harry's gone but his contribution (along with his wife Vera's) made a life long impact. When all is said and done, that's a real good legacy to someone gone too soon. 
BTW, MG Support Group meets Bi Monthly at Allied in Scranton, Lugar Center, Feb, May, August, October and December.

The LuLac Edition #3655, November 24th, 2017

120th DISTRICT GOP FALL EVENT A SUCCESS

My friends in the 120th District held a very successful event this past Tuesday night at Fox Hill Country Club. About 175 people jammed into the place to pay tribute to outgoing Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty who is assuming the position of District Justice on the West Side.
The food was great, there was real Diet Coke, the speeches were short and the crowd was enthusiastic. Representatives from the Scott Wagner campaign were there as well as GOP State Chair Val DiGiorgio and words from Congressional candidates Dan Meuser in the 11th and John Chrin in the 17th.
Party icon and legend Pat Salano was in attendance as well as key members of the outgoing Haggerty administration. Great speeches were given by 120th District Chair P.J. Pribula and the honoree. The aforementioned DiGiorgio was introduced by Robert
A guy in my estimation who stole the show was Former Chair Bill Urbanski who moved things along. 

Here are few photos from the event courtesy of Gort 42, aka, Ben Hoon.

 120th District official Lynette Villano presents Mayor Haggerty with a name plate for his new position. WYLN TV's Tiffany Cloud and 11th District candidate Dan Meuser are to the left, no pun intended here, just referring to their placement in photo.

120th District Chair P.J. Pribula kicked the program off by noting the number of Democrats in attendance along with the many Republicans at the event. He noted Washington could learn a few things from the gathering. 

 I'm stealing this line from Gort 42's FB page but it is true. Three of my favorite people were there in full force. From left to right David Baloga, Second Vice Chair, his wife Donna and Scranton's Joe Peters who I believe would make one heck of an elected statewide official. Dave and Donna have worked tirelessly for the party and  Joe is a constant at these types of meetings. 

From left to right, P.J. Pribula, John Chrin, candidate in the 17th District, Mayor Haggerty, Lynette Villano, Lori Vandermark and 11th Congressional candidate Dan Meuser.  

Bill Urbanski, former Chair of the party wowed them with his ability to get through a program. Urbanski is a long time friend of honoree Haggerty and a friend to all of the GOP. My friend Jimmy O'Meara and I had a great time along with others when he held a summer outing at Urbanski Farms a few summers back.

These three guys spell....well you fill in your own blank. From left to right, Steve Urbanski, Atty. Mike Butera and Waste Management head Joe Valenti. 

 Photos were taken by Ben Hoon (right)- keeping an eye on the hardest working Representative in Harrisburg, the 120th's  Aaron Kaufer. 

Party Chair Ron Ferrance made the scene stopping to chat with friends. Here he is with Robert Bresnahan.

PENNSYLVANIANS ORGANIZED TO OPPOSE “SNEAKY HEALTH CARE REPEAL” IN GOP TAX BILL

Tuesday, November 21, at locations around Pennsylvania, residents and activists held a #NoThanks Day of Action to voice their objections to Republican efforts to weaken America’s health care system in order to pay for a tax bill that disproportionately benefits the wealthy and corporations.
Specifically, Senate Republicans have included a “sneaky repeal” provision in their version of the tax bill that would eliminate a critical component of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in order to pay for the tax cuts their legislation provides to corporations and the wealthiest 1% of Americans. The Senate bill would cause 13 million Americans to lose their health care coverage. The Senate bill would also require significant cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
People across Pennsylvania made their voices heard.

WOMEN WE LOVE 2017 NOMINATIONS

As the year winds down, we will continue with our year end features. “Women We Love” is something we ripped off from Esquire Magazine a few years back. Each year we get nominees for outstanding women locally, statewide nationally and internationally.
The criteria is simple, quality of work, recognition of community activities, challenging positions that give them a profile both good or bad. Also, if there is a “buzz” about the type of year they are having and how that impacts on themselves as well as the community. Nominations come in via the LuLac E Mail box, Facebok and Twitter and a certain number is needed to make the cut. After that cut is dwindled, we choose the winners.
Deadline for nominations is Nov. 30th.

WASSAILFEST & HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET

DECEMBER FIRST

HOSTED BY DOWNTOWN HAZLETON ALLIANCE FOR PROGRESS

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400-The Game, NEPA's Fox .Sports Radio and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

ECTV LIVE

ECTV Live welcomes Erica Rogler from the Wyoming Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater to the program during the week of November 27th. Co anchors David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender will be talking to Ms. Rogler about events in the area through this holiday season.

 ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is aired during the Noon, 6pm and Midnight hours each day of the week. Following Monday's Live program the show will become available on Electric City Television's YouTube channel which can be viewed on your computer.

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!”

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!

BOBBY V THANKSGIVING DAY 1965

This was the young, intrepid Bobby V at the 1965 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From left to right Ralph Green, Carol Reed, Jack Sterling, our own Bob Vanderheyden and Tony Cimano. They were all working on the WCBS AM broadcast of that parsed.

1977

Our 1977 logo

Jazz saxophonist Archie Shepp records "On Green Dolphin Street", the first digitally recorded album to be released commercially in the USA.....

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is founded as a specialized agency of the United Nations……in Philadelphia Arlen Specter does not rule out a run for Governor in 1978….in Scranton Eugene Hickey readies himself to take office as Mayor of the city and forty years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again “ by LTD.

The LuLac Edition #3654, November 23rd, 2017

THANKSGIVING 2017 

Our very best to all of our readers and friends! 

We are thankful for your support! 

A wonderful day to you and yours. 

Give thanks for all you have and all you do for yourselves and your families.

The LuLac Edition #3653, November 22nd, 2017

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo.

JFK: DECLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS REVEAL A CUNNING AND CAGEY PRESIDENT

As look back on the day John Kennedy was assassinated, we remember that horrible day and manner in which he died. But that stated, the longer times passes from that day, more historians are looking back at the JFK Presidency, warts and all. The Guardian recently id a report on the Kennedy, aka Camelot era and it is eye opening to some, not surprising to others. From The Guardian, our "Write On Wednesday" on the 54th anniversary of Kennedy's death as well as the end of his Presidency, we take a newer and closer look. 
Back channels to the Soviets, the ‘girlfriend system’ and doubts about LBJ: historian Timothy Naftali paints a portrait of a President Kennedy ‘far more interesting intellectually and far less appealing personally’
John F Kennedy’s secret talks with Soviet intelligence, surreptitious tape recordings and “girlfriend system” create a new portrait of a cunning and cagey JFK, according to a historian who has researched a treasure trove of recently released recordings and papers of the late president.
Drawing on documents and tape recordings recently declassified, historian Timothy Naftali told a meeting at New York University on Tuesday night that Kennedy’s wife Jacqueline and brother Robert censored and edited the president’s legacy, cultivating the “mystique” of a charismatic leader who continues to baffle and fascinate Americans of all stripes and creeds.
Conservatives, liberals, conspiracy theorists and people who write “what if” histories fight over him. Fans of Bernie Sanders compare their candidate to him. A Fox News pundit wrote a children’s book about him. More than 25 years ago, author Don DeLillo addressed JFK mania indirectly and concluded: “Facts are lonely things.”
Naftali has attempted to answer some old questions with a new angle, arguing that the new details of what Kennedy did behind the scenes reveal a secretive yet self-indulgent president whose family was as worried about image as the man himself.
Here’s more to this story with a link from The Guardian. 
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/07/jfk-kennedy-declassified-documents-reveal-a-cunning-and-cagey-president

WREATH LAYING TONIGHT 

There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Kennedy Statue in Pittston, tomorrow, November 22 to observe the anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The Knights of Columbus Council 372, President John F. Kennedy will at 5:30. process to the statue. The ceremony will begin at 5:45.

The LuLac Edition #3652, November 21st, 2017

WAGNER RELEASES LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM PA REPUBLICAN LEADERS

Says Pennsylvania can be the Comeback State

GOP candidate Scott Wagner (Photo: Penn Live)

Gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner today released a letter of support he received from influential Republican leaders across the commonwealth.
In part, the letter, which notes Wolf’s failed policy and lack of leadership, reads, "When we look at a ticket with Scott Wagner for Governor and Jeff Bartos for Lieutenant Governor, we see two conservative outsiders with over 60 years of combined business expertise...the team to win in November of 2018...and ensure our Commonwealth reaches its full potential.”
Wagner, who has vigorously criticized Governor Tom Wolf for what he calls “gross spending and mismanagement” said, “We are very pleased to receive this support, because it reinforces how critical it is that Pennsylvania have leadership that actually knows how to build business, manage assets, compete, and win. Governor Wolf has only demonstrated he knows how to spend taxpayer money.  His handy work has left Pennsylvania broke, ranked at the bottom, and people hurting.”
When it comes to national rankings, it’s true Pennsylvania trends near the bottom. In July of 2017, 24/7 Wall St. ranked Pennsylvania as the 9th worst run state in the nation. Wagner added that Pennsylvania is ranked even lower when it comes to jobs, growth and tax friendliness, saying “Governor Wolf only sees taxpayers’ wallets. He doesn’t see how what he’s doing impacts real people. I do, and I see a tremendous opportunity to apply what I know about building business and winning -- to make Pennsylvania the comeback state, a winner for its people.”  (Source: Wagner campaign)
The letter has the support of GOP Party leaders in Luzerne County. They are Ron Ferrance, Lynnette Villano, David Baloga, Lori Vandermark, Margaret Phillips, William Lewis and Steve Urban. Statewide heavy hitters like Lowman Henry and Phil English have signed the letter. Also Walter Barnes from Tioga County, Joseph Strauch from Wyoming County and Brock Stein from Schuylkill County have added their John Hancocks.
Curiously, nothing from The Lac.

The LuLac Edition #3651, November 20th, 2017

BOBBY KENNEDY @ 92

Robert Kennedy (Photo: JFK Library)

Today is the birthday of Robert Kennedy. It is ironic in this age of Trump that both Kennedy and his hated rival, Lyndon Baines Johnson are now being remembered and celebrated for their achievements and political skills.
Johnson is the subject of a movie highlighting the manner in which he took office after the assassination of RFK’s brother as well as the way he guided the Civil Rights Bill through Congress. Kennedy in the meantime is being recalled as the last time an American politician was supported and mourned by the Middle Class, both black and white of America. In his new book Chris Matthews opines that Kennedy was the standard we should hold in this divisive time.
Kennedy for sure had his enemies. So did LBJ, Bobby most likely the most steadfast of all of them. But the last year of total inaction by Trump on anything Legislative makes Johnson, an insecure man himself, look like a giant. Then Kennedy with his grace under fire and ability to bridge both sectors of America, despite his cut throat ruthless reputation is now seen as almost a political saint.
The last year gives us comparisons into what the past provided in terms of the men leading us.
One look at the movie about Johnson and one quick read of the Kennedy book by Matthews tells us our American Presidency might be beyond saving.The standard has been lowered since Clinton was elected in 1992. Growing up in the 60s, these were the leaders of the free world. Flawed of course, but from FDR to Bush 41, there was gravitas, experience and a modicum of morality. Someone coming of political age in this era is indeed shortchanged.
Here's Kennedy in Indianapolis on the night of Dr. King’s killing.


Here's Johnson on Civil Rights and the dignity of people.

The LuLac Edition #3650, November 19th, 2017

STOKING THE FIRES AGAINST INTOLERANCE AND IGNORANCE

Gene Stilp and Steve Corbett making a statement and taking a stand. (Photo: Citizen's Voice)

We were very busy this week at work so I just heard about this event through the electronic social media grapevine. But after I saw the photo in the paper on Friday, I was pleased to see former Congressional candidate Gene Stilp and area Journalist Steve Corbett address the issue of the displaying of both the NAZI flag and the CONFEDERATE flag. I have yet to encounter a NAZI flag but have come in contact numerous times with the Confederate flag.
When driving through Plains, Tunkhannock and Dallas I see them on houses right there in front ironically enough sometimes next to a Steeler, Eagle or Cowboy flag. I wrote this before but it is worth repeating. The Confederate flag wavers are the same people who scream and yell when NFL players kneel during the National Anthem. But yet they fly the flag of a vanquished enemy of the country calling it “an expression of our history”. Ask them anything about the Civil War or the Civil Rights movement and they just spit on the ground and say something like “I ain’t no Liberal!”
The Confederate flag emerged after Reconstruction when Southern Whites, upon its collapse used it as a symbol of the Confederacy. They began to erect statues to the great Confederate Generals of the Civil War. To be clear here, Republicans were for the most part trying to implement Reconstruction but were blocked by Southern Democrats. Now 100 plus years later there is a role reversal where Republicans embrace the flag while most Democrats, moderates and thinking people find it abhorrent.
My last encounter was at my dry cleaners where a guy in a spanking new white pick up had the license plate of the Confederate flag on front of his vehicle. My thoughts on him and the display of this flag are this:
1. It bothers me because in this country we have romanticized The Civil War. We’ve done it through movies and books. As a kid I read books from my Grade School Library Book Shelf about Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. The display of the flag doesn’t right that wrong. It’s like a Cable Network showing Amos and Andy as entertainment. But I hope we have become enlightened enough to put in context where this flag came from and why people can be offended.
2. There is just so much justification for symbols of hate. Defenders will say it is the Constitutional right of people to fly the flag even though it screams ignorance of what this country stands for. Yet the people who defend this demonize those who still respect the American flag by not destroying it but by respectfully making a non violent gesture of kneeling.
3. We need people now, more than ever who will not shrug their shoulders and think displaying a Nazi or Confederate flag is okay. It is an insult to Veterans who fought in our wars. Granted they fought to protect the rights of people to do this but that doesn’t make it palatable by any means.
We should always defend the right for any person to speak their mind. As a matter of fact, many of my posters have told me they’d love to see the jerks coming so they know who they are. I stated that on TV, Radio and on this blog. But we sure as hell can question the content of their message and what exactly they mean by their actions. Questioning will always cause conflict. It is uncomfortable.
This week Gene Stilp and Steve Corbett did something uncomfortable. It was for the greater good of trying to shine a light on what we still face in this nation. More non violent actions like this are needed and applauded by this quarter. We have seem to have forgotten an essay written 60 years ago by Dr. Martin Luther King called “Non violence and Racial Justice”. In it King concluded “At the center of non violence stands the principle of love. Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chains of hate. This can only be done only by projecting the ethics of love to the center of our lives”.
This week, these two guys had the sense and morality to act, to push back on the hate.
How about the rest of us?

The LuLac Edition #3649, November 16th, 2017

A BETTER TAX PLAN MY ASS!!! 

Republicans are calling this tax plan a better plan for working Americans, but the reality is quite different -- their plan is a scam.
In fact, this week Senate REPUBLICANS made a HUGE change to their tax plan -- it will repeal the individual mandate required by Obamacare, a back-door maneuver to gut the Affordable Care Act and raise health care costs for working families.
Don't they understand that Americans never wanted that Affordable Care Act replaced? Just repaired.  
That’s in addition to the fact that this plan would raise taxes for middle-class Americans while the top 1% and big corporations get a HUGE tax break.
If you’re someone who uses the state tax deduction on your taxes, the GOP’s plan will raise your taxes.
If you’re someone who takes the student loan interest deduction, the GOP’s plan will raise your taxes.
If you are a homeowner, well, you guessed it, the GOP’s tax plan could potentially raise your taxes too.
Meanwhile...our deficit would skyrocket.
Remember a few years ago when the REPUBLICANS would whine and say, “Oh my grandchildren and the deficit, my oh my-my little sainted grandchildren will have to pay forever and ever!!!” You don’t hear that line of shit anymore when it is their REPUBLICAN party screwing them. And us.

THE DISGRACE THAT IS ROY MOORE

Roy Moore (Photo: The Advocate)

A lot of my Republican right wing friends are again doing their comparisons between Roy Moore, the pedophile that is running for Senate in Alabama and people like Bill Clinton, John Kennedy, Gary Hart, and even going back to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Their point is that men stray so why yell at Pedophile Moore just because he seems to like the ladies young. There’s a big difference here.
Each person they bring up was dealt with, judged and to a certain extent tarnished. Their behavior was bad but not as depraved as stalking young girls.
Clinton, JFK, Gary Hart and FDR were never thrown out of Malls.
That’s the difference.

REP. CARTWRIGHT SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TAX BILL THAT WILL HURT PENNSYLVANIA FAMILIES

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-17) spoke on the House floor about how the tax reform bill will ship jobs overseas and leave Pennsylvania working families behind.
Here’s a video that every person in The Lu and The Lac should watch and listen to.

REPEAL OF ACA INDIVIDUAL MANDATE IN SENATE TAX BILL INCREASES OFFSETS TAX CUT FOR MANY PA FAMILIES

Marc Stier, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, released the following statement on the announcement that the U.S. Senate GOP will include a repeal of the Affordable Care Act individual mandate in their tax bill:
"The decision by the Senate Finance Committee to include repeal of the ACA’s individual mandate in the tax cut plan removes whatever is left of the veil on the true intentions of the Republican policy proposal. Republicans in Congress repeatedly claim that their plan aims to benefit the middle class. But this recent decision to repeal the individual mandate and save $300 billion in federal spending deeply harms middle class families in order to provide tax cuts for the very rich. Middle class Pennsylvanians who purchase insurance on the individual marketplace are likely to find that their whole tax cut is eaten up by the higher health insurance premiums created by the end of the individual mandate.
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that individual market premiums would increase by 10 percent if the mandate is repealed. That would translate into premium increases of hundreds of dollars per year for about 7 million mostly middle-income, unsubsidized individual market consumers, with premiums increasing by over $1,000 for many older people.
"Our rough estimate of the impact in our state is that in 2019 the almost 100,000 Pennsylvanians whose incomes are too high to receive a subsidy to purchase insurance in the ACA marketplace will see premiums increase by $876 per year. This is larger than the $820 projected yearly average tax cut for the Pennsylvanians in the income classes most likely to purchase insurance on the marketplace. Similar increases will be found in the premiums for individual insurance purchased outside the ACA marketplace. (We project that the average tax cut to the top 1% of Pennsylvanians will be $36,470.)
"In addition to premium increases, CBO estimates that the number of Americans without health insurance would increase by 13 million if the individual mandate were repealed. Those estimates are largely consistent with prior analyses from RAND, the Urban Institute, and Lewin. In Pennsylvania, the drop in the insured population could reach up to 500,000 people.
"People who are uninsured lack access to preventive care, are less likely to receive needed care, have worse health outcomes, and can face financial ruin if they do get sick and seek treatment. Moreover, many of those who go uninsured ultimately will get sick and need care, but they will be unable to pay for it, leaving that care to be paid for (involuntarily) by other participants in the health care system."
Notes: Our projection of tax cuts under the Senate bill comes from the Institute on Tax and Economic Policy. The $820 average cut is what ITEP projects for Pennsylvanians in the 40th to 80th percentile, the income group most likely to be purchasing unsubsidized insurance on the marketplace. Our estimates of the increased cost of the number of Pennsylvanians who secure unsubsidized health insurance on the marketplace and of the cost of premiums for that insurance is based on 2017 CMS data. We estimate projected cost of insurance premiums in 2019 by taking into account the already announced 31% premium increases for 2018. (The large premium increase in 2018 was necessary because of the Trump administration’s decision to end cost-sharing subsidies.) We add an additional 5% for the likely premium increase necessary in 2019 prior to the additional premium cost made necessary by ending the insurance mandate. These estimates are rough because we can’t exactly match the family characteristics of those who purchase unsubsidized insurance on the market place with the family characteristics of all Pennsylvanians in 40th to 80th percentile. Results for individual families will, of course, vary a great deal. But the evidence points to the truth of our basic point — for those who purchase insurance on the individual marketplace, a large part of the tax cut promised to middle class families in the Senate tax cut bill will be eaten up by higher health insurance premiums. (Source: PBAPC)
The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center is a non-partisan policy research project that provides independent, credible analysis on state tax, budget and related policy matters, with attention to the impact of current or proposed policies on working families.

KATHI COZZONE ANNOUNCES MORE ENDORSEMENTS IN BID FOR LT. GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA

COMMISSIONERS AND LEGISLATORS FROM ACROSS THE STATE ARE JOINING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT KATHI COZZONE

Commissioner Cozzone (Photo: Cozzone campaign)

Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone announced a second round of endorsements from County and State officials today. Endorsing today are State Representative John Galloway from Bucks County, County Commissioners Jeff Eggleston from Warren County and Harlan Shober from Washington County, and former County Commissioner Suzanne Fretz McCool from Monroe County.
“Since announcing my campaign in late August with the support of six County or State elected officials, I have been travelling around our great commonwealth meeting with activists at County Dinners and events for local candidates,” Cozzone said. “It has been inspiring how much energy is out there for our 2017 candidates! Along the way, I’m proud to have gained the support of more respected public servants. My County Commissioner colleagues know that Harrisburg needs our perspective of what it takes to carry out state policies and programs in our local communities. And my friends in the Legislature know that we could use my demonstrated ability to work across the aisle. I’m honored and grateful to have their support!”
These endorsers join previous supporters County Commissioners Diane Marseglia of Bucks County, Kevin Barnhardt of Berks County, Kevin Boozel of Butler County and Ed Bustin of Bradford County, along with former Commissioner Pam Tokar-Ickes of Somerset County and State Representative Carolyn Comitta who represents Chester County.
Kathi Cozzone is in her third term as Chester County Commissioner, currently serving as Vice Chairwoman. Before her election in 2007, Kathi spent 20 years in various private sector finance roles. As Commissioner, she immediately brought her business experience to County government by initiating an award-winning strategic plan to meet programmatic goals while remaining fiscally responsible. Since then, she has focused on job creation, serving on the County’s Workforce Development Board and Industrial Development Authority; and improving outcomes for mentally ill people who find themselves in the criminal justice system. Kathi has served in numerous statewide roles, including the State Geospatial Coordinating Board, the Governor’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force and the Advisory Committee for Voting System Technology. She is Vice President of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. Kathi lives in Exton, PA with her husband Victor and their son Victor, a student at Downingtown East High School. (Source: Cozzone campaign)

WOMEN WE LOVE 2017 NOMINATIONS

As the year winds down, we will continue with our year end features. “Women We Love” is something we ripped off from Esquire Magazine a few years back. Each year we get nominees for outstanding women locally, statewide nationally and internationally.
The criteria is simple, quality of work, recognition of community activities, challenging positions that give them a profile both good or bad. Also, if there is a “buzz” about the type of year they are having and how that impacts on themselves as well as the community. Nominations come in via the LuLac E Mail box, Facebok and Twitter and a certain number is needed to make the cut. After that cut is dwindled, we choose the winners.
Deadline for nominations is Nov. 30th.

WASSAILFEST & HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET

DECEMBER FIRST 5 to 9PM

HOSTED BY DOWNTOWN HAZLETON ALLIANCE FOR PROGRESS

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400-The Game, NEPA's Fox .Sports Radio and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

ECTV LIVE

ECTV Live hosts Rusty Fender, David DeCosmo, and Director Mark Migilore welcome Beth Ann Zero of the Dunmore Pride Committee to the program during the week of November 20th. Beth Ann will unveil plans for the special "Home For The Holidays in Bucktown" event coming up on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is aired during the Noon, 6pm and Midnight hours each day of the week. Following Monday's Live program the show will become available on Electric City Television's YouTube channel which can be viewed on your computer.

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!”

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!!!!

1977

Our 1977 logo

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat becomes the first Arab leader to make an official visit to Israel, when he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, seeking a permanent peace settlement.

TAP Portugal Flight 425 crashes at Madeira Airport, Funchal, Portugal, killing 131 and leaving 33 survivors...........British Airways inaugurates regular London to New York City supersonic Concorde service…..The Penn State Nittany Lions, on their way to The Fiesta Bowl finish at 11-1…..in the Wyoming Valley Conference football rivalries on Thanksgiving are still gearing up as rivals meet on Turkey Day. Nowadays the games are no longer played on Thanksgiving and 40 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Isn't It Time “ by The Babys