The LuLac Edition #4,263, April 16th, 2020

JOHN KENNEDY (NOT THE DEAD PRESIDENT BUT THE LIVING MORON) SAYS ECONOMY NEEDS TO BE OPENED UP NOW

Senator John Kennedy (Photo: Fox News)

Last night on Fox News Senator John Kennedy said this: “”The shut down slowed the spread of the virus at enormous cost, but it still spread,” Kennedy said in a Wednesday night interview with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson. “When we end the shutdown, the virus is going to spread faster. That’s just a fact. And the American people understand that. So when we open up and we’re going to have to, and somebody’s got to make the call, we got to be smart about how we do it.” “The shut down slowed the spread of the virus at enormous cost, but it still spread,” Kennedy said in a Wednesday night interview with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson. “When we end the shutdown, the virus is going to spread faster. That’s just a fact. And the American people understand that. So when we open up and we’re going to have to, and somebody’s got to make the call, we got to be smart about how we do it.”
Kennedy is acknowledging that people will die but hey, we need to get the economy up and running. I can’t dispute the fact that we need to get things moving but it has to be done when there is ample testing and a good probability that we won’t aggravate the widespread health problem. To open too soon without testing would give this virus a chance to regroup and kill more people. The people most vulnerable are elderly and those with low immune systems. The Republican Party, the PRO LIFE party all of a sudden decides that money is more important than lives. Think about it. How many times has a right wing conservative told you that life is precious? They’ll tell people who are pro-choice are baby killers yet are perfectly fine (if you follow Kennedy’s logic) that exposing older folks to this killer is well, good economics. I mean how robust is an 80 year olds spending power? Yet they celebrate the Greatest Generation and Veterans waving their deferment riddle hands with a flag of patriotism that is available only when it fits their narrative.
Kennedy was blatant in his assessment that sure people will die but WTF! My friend Wil Toole used to say that Republicans were pro-life when the fetus was in the womb but once the baby was born…….”Hey kid you’re on your own”. This CoVid 19 situation has now given the face of the GOP still another side, people; especially older ones are expendable because we need to make money.
Blood money.
The bad news is that guys like Kennedy and the Trumpites are serious about what they say.
The good news is that we can see these bastards coming and act accordingly.

IGNORANT AND SELFISH PROTESTERS ANGRY WITH GOV. WHITMER’S STAY-AT-HOME ORDER GRIDLOCK MICHIGAN CAPITOL

Wow! This is an unbelievable story. But before I get to it, let me give you some inside baseball on LuLac. I usually start putting the Thursday edition together on late Tuesday. I try to figure out what would fit, what’s topical. But ever since the handling of the Coronavirus by Mr. Trump, I’d always have to make an addition. Once more here is my added article.
On Wednesday protestors essentially made a nuisance of themselves by breaking all of the rules set down by the Michigan Governor. No masks, standing jowl to cheek and making it impossible for first responders to get to work. Now, under the current stay-at-home order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in effect through April 30, gatherings of any size outside a household are prohibited, as are in-person business and activities deemed non-essential. People are urged to stay six feet apart to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected 27,001 people in Michigan and killed 1,768 dead, 27,001 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan.
Organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and supported by the Michigan Freedom Fund and other conservative groups, the idea was to create a traffic jam in front of the Michigan Capitol to create gridlock. Cars and trucks lined the streets surrounding Michigan’s Capitol building, displaying flags and painted messages like “Stop Oppressive Quarantining: Bring Back Common Sense” and “Freedom Isn’t Negotiable.” Some brought their motorboats, which the administration said are not allowed under the stay-at-home order. Others drove business vehicles. Traffic was backed up well down Michigan Avenue and other streets within a few blocks of the Capitol building in downtown Lansing.
Asked about the protest during a Monday press conference, Whitmer said people are well within their rights to protest and asked those who plan to protest do so in a manner that keeps themselves and first responders safe.
What was the response to the Governor? Well, the ignorant slob pigs started to chant “Lock her up!” My question is “For what?” She is trying to keep the state safe. That’s what leaders do. But these Trump cult members think it’s okay to break the rules because in their demented heads, their Lord and savior DonaldTrump will save them. These morons should know that you just can’t lock anyone up for the following:
a. Doing their job.
b. Trying to keep the death toll in the state at bay.
c. Just disagreeing with your opinion (Medical experts, really?)More like medieval! Yeah these are the people we want to hear!
These are the same stupid son of a hitches that would cry like little **ussies if they got the disease but you bet they’d blame Pelosi or Obama. These are the same people who wave the flag and tell you how patriotic they are when in reality they are acting like spoiled babies. These are the same jerks that have NO CLUE what government’s first responsibility is: TO KEEP US SAVE, EVEN IDIOTS LIKE THEM.
So sad but so typical of how stupid this country has become.
That's my take on it but take a look at James Smith, a hospital worker stuck in traffic who did a number on these cretins yesterday.

WILKES BARRE CITY HALL ROOF BLOWS OFF

(Photo: Times Leader)

When I was pulling into the parking lot for work on Monday I was told not to go in the building because that horrible wind storm damaged the roof. Mayor George Brown and his administration swung into action immediately and repairs are in progress. City Hall had been closed to the public during the Coronavirus outbreak. We’re told it will take two weeks to get the building up to safety code and have everyone return to work.
Meanwhile, the Wilkes-Barre’s Health Department is monitoring the cases in the county that as of today is at 1611 COVID-19 cases with 28 deaths.

BLOWBACK FROM TRUMP’S W.H.O. EDICT UN SECRETARY-GENERAL REBUKES TRUMP OVER PLANS TO HALT FUNDING FOR WHO AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL SAID "NOW IS NOT THAT TIME," IN A REBUKE TO PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S CALL TO HALT FUNDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

No less an authority than the United Nations Secretary General has given President Trump a thumbs down on his order to de-fund the World Health Organization.
In a statement, António Guterres wrote: "It is my belief that the World Health Organization must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19."
WHO is an independent international organization that works with the UN. During Tuesday's White House press briefing, Trump was critical of the organization's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and claimed it enabled China to hide the real extent of the coronavirus outbreak.
"With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have deep concerns whether America's generosity has been put to the best use possible," Trump said during a press conference at the White House's Rose Garden. "The reality is that the WHO failed to adequately obtain, vet, and share information in a timely and transparent fashion."
However, despite his criticism of WHO, Trump has been accused of not responding quickly enough to the threat of the virus in the US, and some health care experts said early lockdowns could have saved lives.
This is still another example of Trump acted out. His behavior has become increasingly dangerous for America. He is no longer an amusement but a threat to our very safety and existence in not only this country but the entire world. When the bodies and death tolls start to pile up in under developed countries, it’s on Trump and those who enable this horrific aberration we allowed to soil our Constitution, our Flag and our very soul.

WISCONSIN: CANARY IN COAL MINE FOR TRUMP

Last week the Republican establishment did everything it could to help a Trump ally retain his seat on the Wisconsin Supreme court. Republican officials and conservative judges pushed for Wisconsin to have in-person voting even though the state was in the middle of a public health emergency with the coronavirus pandemic. It led to some absurd visuals, such as Wisconsin state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a leading GOP figure, telling voters it was safe to go to the polls even as he was protected by a mask, goggles and a gown.
The reason for their focus on the race was protecting a state Supreme Court seat held by conservative Justice Daniel Kelly. With a competitive Democratic primary also on the April ballot, the push to have an election despite warnings to avoid large gatherings was seen as an attempt to suppress the vote, particularly in the Democratic stronghold of Milwaukee. In the state’s largest city, just five of the usual 180 polling places were open, leading to hours-long waits for voters. An attempt by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to delay in-person voting by executive order was overturned by the state Supreme Court, with the four conservative justices outvoting the two liberal justices and Kelly abstaining.
The United States Supreme Court also ruled against the Democrats, with the five Republican-appointed justices voting on the eve of the Wisconsin election to strike down a six-day extension for returning absentee ballots. The four Democratic appointees dissented.
Despite the court rulings and vocal support from President Trump, when the results were announced Monday Kelly failed to retain his seat, losing by 11 points to progressive challenger Jill Karofsky. Every state Supreme Court justice voted absentee, including the four who had ruled against delaying in-person voting.
This blatant attempt at voter suppression and Judicial meddling in the Electoral process is something that has never happened so openly in our country. The fact that Kelly lost to a progressive who ran a Write In campaign speaks volumes about what people in Wisconsin feel about the current state of affairs.

CASEY CALLS FOR MODERN-DAY GI BILL FOR COVID-19 WORKERS

AS HEALTH CARE WORKERS SACRIFICE THEIR SAFETY TO FIGHT COVID-19, CASEY PROPOSES THAT ANTICIPATED CORONAVIRUS LEGISLATION INCLUDE GI BILL FOR FRONT LINE ‘SOLDIERS’

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

To support the Americans on the front lines of the battle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is calling for a modern-day ‘GI Bill’ for health care workers who have made sacrifices to protect the Nation against the virus. As COVID-19 has placed our health care system under particular strain, health care workers across America have stepped into the breach, at extraordinary risk to themselves, to care for those sick with coronavirus and to prevent its continued spread into our communities.
“When the difficult victory in World War II was won, we showed our gratitude to the men and women who helped to secure that victory with the GI Bill. In the same way that we demonstrated our gratitude to our servicemembers, we need to begin a conversation about how best to show our thanks to the front line personnel who today are our soldiers in the fight against coronavirus,” said Senator Casey. “We need to plan for their needs in the same way that they are currently meeting the needs of a nation. In short, we need a new GI bill for health care workers returning from their COVID-19 service in the hospitals, health systems and nursing homes of America.”
In Pennsylvania, 5 percent of COVID-19 cases so far have been among health care workers. Senator Casey is exploring a range of options for health care workers, such as student loan forgiveness, financial aid to help workers to pursue additional education and a financial reward for health care workers who spent months in the trenches. Last week, Senator Casey joined his Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the COVID-19 Heroes Fund, Senate Democrats’ proposal consisting of two major components: a $25,000 premium pay increase for essential workers and a $15,000 essential worker recruitment incentive to attract and secure the workforce needed to fight the public health crisis.

CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES OVER $20 MILLION IN CARES ACT FUNDING TO WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Representative Matt Cartwright welcomed the release of $20,044,362 to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) as part of the newly created Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program. These funds provide financial relief to eligible U.S. airports affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“AVP is an essential part of our regional economy, with many local businesses and jobs relying on the airport’s operations for their own success,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These funds are one more step in our long road to safeguarding and restarting our economy.”
The CARES Act Airport Grant funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is the only mid-sized airport in the region and is located in Avoca, PA.

MEUSER ANNOUNCES 2019 CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE BUDGET SURPLUS

Congressman Dan Meuser (Photo: LuLac archives)

Here’s something that didn’t get a lot of play but should. Back in February Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) today announced that the office would be returning to the United States Treasury $159,962 of its allocated $1,353,606 annual budget, representing a savings of 11.8%.
“Bringing a business-minded approach to Congress, I was determined only to spend tax dollars in areas that benefit my constituents,” said Meuser. “When we in Congress talk about spending taxpayer money more responsibly, we also have to walk the walk. Anyone who runs a budget of any size knows, it’s not just about making cuts, it’s about smart spending. By doing this, we were able to provide constituent services at a high level of excellence and prove you can do more with less.”
“My staff and I maintain a presence in all eight counties in Pennsylvania’s Ninth District, and we all actively stay in touch with our constituents to know and represent their communities, and to earn their trust. This week, President Trump released a budget that challenges the entire federal government to be a better partner and to do more with less. We must begin paying off our nation’s debt and set course for a stable financial future. As a Member of the House Budget Committee, I am working to lead by example and will bring the same responsible approach to conversations regarding the entire federal budget.”
Each congressional office is allocated an annual budget known as the “Members’ Representational Allowance” or “MRA,” at the determination of the Committee on House Administration. The MRA budget is fully inclusive of all office expenses, including constituent outreach, office supplies, staff salaries, office rents, and official travel.

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 PREVIEW

ECTV PREVIEW host David DeCosmo continues to keep his weekly public affairs program going from his home with guests joining in via computer video link. Maureen McGuigan, 

Deputy Director of Arts & Culture for Lackawanna County joins the show to talk about how the virus regulations are hitting those in the Arts Community. PREVIEW is seen 3 times daily on Comcast channel 19 and on the electric city television's Youtube page.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:20 and 8:20 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!

1980

Our 1980 logo.

Operation Eagle Claw, a commando mission in Iran to rescue American embassy hostages, is aborted after mechanical problems ground the rescue helicopters. Eight United States troops are killed in a mid-air collision during the failed operation….Dan-Air Flight 1008 crashes in Tenerife, killing all 146 occupants and marking the worst air disaster involving a British-registered aircraft in terms of loss of life......Louise and Charmian Faulkner disappear from outside their flat in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia….in Pennsylvania in the 1980 Presidential primary George Bush bears Ronald Reagan 51% to 43% for the former California Governor with Howard Baker garnering 2.5%. Bush collects 46 delegates, Reagan 39….

Arlen Specter wins the nod to be the GOP nominee for U.S. for retiring Senator Dick Schweiker…..Pittsburgh Mayor Pete Flaherty won the Democratic nomination. Flaherty earlier opposed Schweiker in the ’74 race for Senate and came up short…on the Democratic side Senator Ted Kennedy wins the primary by a hair getting 46% to President Carter’s 45%. Both collected 99 delegates a piece…

in the 11th Congressional District race, Ray Musto coming off a win in a Special Election to succeed Dan Flood wins the Democratic primary for Congress. Only one of 8 Special Election victors in the county, Musto used that advantage to beat Attorney Frank Harrison, Paul Kanjorski, Richard Adams and Edward Mitchell in that hot race. On the Republican side, 

Howard Williams gave it another try for the nomination but was bested by James Nelliigan of Harvey’s Lake…..

Wilkes-Barre City Attorney Carl Frank ran as a delegate for President Carter. Frank was one of 49 candidates on the ballot for a delegate spot. The ballot was so crowded that there were seven lines across   and seven lines down (adding up to 49 slots) but the big news out of Wilkes Barre was 

the defeat of long time State Representative Bernard O’Brien by 

 Wilkes Barre City Councilman Kevin Blaum…..and forty years ago today the number one song in America and LuLac land was “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross.

Blog Administrator's Note: Special thanks to M.A. Yonki (aka Mrs. Lulac) for scanning these delicate photos. They came from LuLac archives of the old Wyoming Valley Times-Journal,  a short lived tabloid started in early 1980  published by the late William Reishstein, M.D.