The LuLac Edition #4,330, June 18th, 2020

SUPREME COURT BLOCKS TRUMP’S BID TO END DACA, A WIN FOR UNDOCUMENTED ‘DREAMERS’

John Roberts, Supreme Court Justice (Photo: LuLac archives)

The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle the program protecting undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children, a reprieve for nearly 650,000 recipients known as “dreamers.
” The 5 to 4 decision was written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and joined by the court’s four liberals. It was the second, stunning defeat this week for the Trump administration, as the Supreme Court begins to unveil its decisions in marquee cases.
It will likely elevate the issue of immigration in the presidential campaign, although public opinion polls have shown sympathy for those who were brought here as children and have lived their lives in this country. Congress repeatedly has failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
President Trump responded to the decision by tweeting his displeasure and turning it into a call for his reelection, with a specific focus on gun-rights supporters: “These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020!”
Oh man, old Diaper Don is LOSING IT. He is now saying that just because he lost on this Supreme Court decision, they’re coming for your guns. Diaper Don put TWO people on the Court giving him a majority. Horrible and politically charged decisions? Spoken by an ignorant, lazy intellectual slob who would be hard pressed to tell you what happened with Bush Vs. Gore.
Bottom line here, Trump is against DACA because he is a racist and hates people of color.
Kudos to John Roberts for being on the right side of history and human decency.

REPUBLICANS LYING ABOUT CARTWRIGHT

Politicians lie. People accepted that until Hillary Clinton ran for President. Even though 7 investigations into Benghazi found  no crime, the Trump-ites not only said she lied, they wanted to lock her up. On her e mails, same thing. She lied. Then when Diaper Don ran for President and lied 19,000 times, silence.
Unlike politicians of old who lied or misspoke, there was always a clarification. Now when politicians are caught in lies, even when they on video, they try to tell you they didn't lie.
The Republicans in the last twenty years have taken this to an art form. They not only lie and tell you it's not, but they make their own brand of fiction up and pass it off as truth.
They did it last week when they said outright that Congressman Matt Cartwright said that it was okay to "defund" police departments and supported it.  This spread like wildfire on social media and the comments started.
Here's the deal: THIS WAS A TOTAL LIE AND FICTION ON THE PART OF THE GOP ATTACK MACHINE.
I was on a Conference Call on Wednesday night, 10th with the Congressman and members of the NAACP of Wilkes-Barre, the Poconos and others. The word "defund" came up and Cartwright was asked about it. He said that he did not support that as did a majority of members of the House and Senate. He said that "defund" would never be included in the language of the bill but said surely there needed to be some reform in departments nd the criminal justice system regarding people of color.
He said this about 7pm.
So when people say that Cartwright said he wanted to "defund" police departments, KNOW IT IS A LIE BY AN IMPOTENT REPUBLICAN PARTY WHO LIES AND MAKES SHIT UP.

TRUMP ON CORONAVIRUS: 'IF WE STOP TESTING RIGHT NOW, WE'D HAVE VERY FEW CASES, IF ANY.' WHY HE'S DANGEROUSLY WRONG.

As coronavirus cases continue to climb in more than 20 states, raising fears of a second wave of hospitalizations and deaths, some politicians have taken to waving away the worrisome news with a rudimentary, reassuring explanation.
taken to waving away the worrisome news with a rudimentary, reassuring explanation.
Of course the number of COVID-19 cases is going up, they say. That’s what happens when you test more people: You find more infections.
On Monday, President Trump added his voice to this soothing chorus. “Our testing is so much bigger and more advanced than any other country (we have done a great job on this!) that it shows more cases,” Trump tweeted in the morning. “Without testing, or weak testing, we would be showing almost no cases. Testing is a double edged sword - Makes us look bad, but good to have!!!”
Our testing is so much bigger and more advanced than any other country (we have done a great job on this!) that it shows more cases,” Trump tweeted in the morning. “Without testing, or weak testing, we would be showing almost no cases. Testing is a double edged sword - Makes us look bad, but good to have!!!”
“If we stop testing right now,” the president added during an event for seniors at the White House, “we’d have very few cases, if any.”
And according to a report in the New York Times, Vice President Mike Pence echoed Trump’s argument during a call Monday with governors, urging them “to continue to explain to your citizens the magnitude of the increase in testing” in order to “encourage people with the news that we’re safely reopening the country.

BOLTON’S BOGUS BOOK

John Bolton  (Photo: AP)

The Trump administration asked a federal judge on Tuesday to order former national security adviser John Bolton to stop the publication of his upcoming book on his White House tenure, arguing in a lawsuit that Bolton had breached a contract and was risking the exposure of classified information.
The suit, filed in Washington, DC, federal court, alleges that Bolton's 500-plus page manuscript was "rife with classified information," and prosecutors say that Bolton backed out of an ongoing White House vetting process for the book that he'd been obligated to do as a result of agreements he'd signed.
"(Bolton) struck a bargain with the United States as a condition of his employment in one of the most sensitive and important national security positions in the United States Government and now wants to renege on that bargain by unilaterally deciding that the prepublication review process is complete and deciding for himself whether classified information should be made public," prosecutors write.
Here's the thing about Bolten's book. He has become a man without a country in this sense. The Trump administrations wants to squash it because they know he has the goods on old Diaper Don. Independents, moderates, people who believe in the Justice system aren't going to buy it because he wussed out for a big book advance instead of being a patriotic American he claims to be.
If anything, John Bolten has done one thing no one ever imagined in this political climate and election year.He put both fans and critics of Donald Trump on the same page. As Groucho once sang, "They're agsinst it!" (aol news, LuLac)

CASEY-REQUESTED WATCHDOG REPORT SHOWS ADMINISTRATION MISSPENT FUNDS FOR VULNERABLE MIGRANT CHILDREN

FOLLOWING REQUEST, GAO PRODUCES STUDY SHOWING MISUSE OF FEDERAL FUNDS MEANT FOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES, NUTRITION NEEDS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

Following a request from U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) for the federal Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Comptroller General to examine conditions for all children detained by the Customs and Border Patrol Agency (CBP), the GAO has produced a report showing that CBP misused federal funds meant for vulnerable migrants, including children. GAO found, in the course of their investigation pursuant to Senator Casey’s request, that funds intended for medical and nutrition needs were used for improper and unrelated purposes, including for facility upgrades, janitorial services, canine programs and transportation, such as purchasing ATVs. Senator Casey had requested the investigation after the deaths of Jakelin Caal and Felipe Alonzo-Gomez that occurred while in the agency’s custody.
“These findings demonstrate an appalling disregard for the lives of migrant children by the Customs and Border Patrol Agency and an abdication of responsibility for the vulnerable young people in our Nation’s care,” said Senator Casey. “It is critical that any funding for the Department of Homeland Security include clear directives and restrictions. I will be fighting for increased transparency from DHS and will continue to hold the Trump Administration responsible for implementing the law as Congress directs.”
Senator Casey led a letter to GAO with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and 20 of their Democratic colleagues in January 2019 requesting a report on the care of migrants in CBP custody, and outlining a number of questions that need to be addressed to prevent future tragedies from happening.

CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES THREE PA-08 STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO U.S. SERVICE ACADEMIES

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Eighth Congressional Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that three Eighth Congressional District students have been accepted to U.S. Service Academies for the 2020-21 academic year: Jakob Quanbeck of Lackawanna County will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; Stephen Postupak of Luzerne County will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Gavin Brazanskas of Pike County will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Rep. Cartwright proudly nominated each of them to apply.
“Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating students from the Eighth Congressional District to our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Cartwright. “To be nominated, students must not only excel academically, but also show a passion for service and leadership. Jakob, Stephen and Gavin are well-rounded, bright young men and role models for their peers; I am so proud of their hard work, perseverance, and acceptance into our esteemed service academies.”
In order to attend one of the military academies, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress. Students may apply to the U.S. Military Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Accepted students receive a full scholarship and upon graduation, must complete the military service requirement for each school.
Rep. Cartwright added, “Throughout our nation’s history, U.S. Service Academies have played an important role in preparing young people for service to our country. As a Pennsylvanian with the utmost respect for the veterans of this area, I am proud of our patriotic young men and women who are willing to step forward and answer the call of duty. It is an honor to play a role in preparing our next generation of leaders.”
Jakob Quanbeck is the son of Glenn and Lisa Quanbeck. He graduated this spring as an honor roll student from Abington Heights High School, where he was a member of the marching and jazz bands, the robotics team, and the soccer and track and field teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He placed first in the SVS American Chemical Society High School Chemistry Examination. Quanbeck volunteers with the Clarks Summit Volunteer Fire Company, Night to Shine and Keystone Boys State. He attended West Point’s Leader Experience and the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.
Stephen Postupak is the son of Kathleen and Carl Postupak. He is a 2019 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, and he recently completed his freshman year at St. Joseph’s University where he participated in Air Force ROTC. While in high school, Postupak received a gold medal in Spanish 1 and a silver medal in religion and was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in Habitat for Humanity service trips to Galveston, Texas, and Panama City, Florida. Postupak also earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America and was a member of the two-time state championship winning Scranton Prep cross country team.
Gavin Brazanskas is the son of Cynthia and Stephen Brazanskas and a graduating senior at Delaware Valley High School. He served this year as vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America Region 22, and he received the Big 33 Community Service Award from the organization. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society and National Social Studies Honor Society. Brazanskas was also a marching band and jazz band section leader, and he was on the varsity wrestling team. Brazanskas is an active participant in his community as an American Legion Boys State representative and Boys Scouts of America Life Scout and senior patrol leader. He attended West Point’s Summer Leader Experience and the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar.

MEUSER AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS INTRODUCE INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PLAN

9th District Congressman Dan Meuser (Photo: LuLac archives)

Congressmen Dan Meuser, Daniel Webster (FL-11), Tom Reed (NY-23), and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) recently introduced H.R. 7231, the Infrastructure Bank for America Act of 2020, a bill to support wholesale lending to infrastructure projects through state and local governments, state infrastructure banks, and private entities.
“America’s infrastructure is in critical need of modernization,” said Rep. Meuser. “Although there is bipartisan consensus on this issue, the sheer magnitude of needed investment exceeds the budget and borrowing capacity of states and the federal government. The Infrastructure Bank for America would serve as a significant supplement to existing funding sources through private investment that would increase access to capital for worthy infrastructure projects across the nation, without putting the burden on taxpayers. This new mechanism will help to safely rebuild America and strengthen our economic competitiveness with the rest of the world.”
“America’s infrastructure is long overdue for critical repairs and needed advancements,” said Rep. Webster. “This bank will work with state and local partners to facilitate private infrastructure investment, creating a needed mechanism for states and municipalities to access necessary funding.”
As a Government-sponsored Enterprise (GSE), the Infrastructure Bank for America (IBA) would have access to lower cost of funds, a benefit passed to state and municipal borrowers, used to support all infrastructure projects including a minimum of 7 percent for necessary rural project investment.
"The IBA serves as a compliment, not a replacement, for existing programs and encourages states and municipalities to pursue all available funding sources,” Webster added. “While federal infrastructure investment is critical, the current level of resources from the federal government will not address America’s current infrastructure needs on its own. The Infrastructure Bank for America will work with state and local governments to identify priority projects and infuse private capital to address our critical infrastructure needs.”
“We care about supporting communities across the country who have long lacked access to the capital needed to upgrade aging infrastructure. By facilitating unique public/private partnerships at the state and local level, the Infrastructure Bank for American will unlock a wave of investments in critical projects that will boost economic growth and improve livelihoods,” said Rep. Reed.
“Crumbling roads, lack of broadband connectivity, and weak electrical grids are issues that Northern Californians deal with daily,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Despite dozens of grants and loan programs, the Federal government can’t fund every infrastructure upgrade across the country. At the same time, American pension funds and investments have flowed into places like China. While leaders in Sacramento and Washington continue in that direction, my colleagues and I are proposing the creation of the Infrastructure Bank for America. This bank will provide a safe financial return for Americans by putting their funds back into their own neighborhoods. We need to focus our efforts on our own infrastructure, because it’s what our citizens care about. It’s an improvement in quality of life for us and future generations.”

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Bold Gold Forum is on hiatus. But when they come back after the Coronavirus situation, 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 IS DAVID DeCOSMO'S LAST

The annual ceremony at the Wyoming Monument is the latest victim of the virus pandemic. But local historian Bill Lewis joins host David DeCosmo on ECTV's PREVIEW during the week of June 22nd to tell the story of both the battle of

Wyoming and the unique story behind the monument itself. PREVIEW runs several times daily on Comcast channel 19 and on the electric city television YouTube page. 

 On a related note DeCosmo announced that the weekly show he has produced and anchored for the past 10 years will conclude with the June 22nd edition. The veteran local newsman says he will continue to produce or anchor specials for the local public access station on occasion. He retired from WYOU/WBRE in 2009 and has volunteered at ECTV since that time.He plans to spend more time on his new video Facebook Blog and continue working as a tour escort with Travelworld.
PREVIEW is seen 3 times daily on Comcast channel 19 and on the electric city television 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

Steve Ballmer joined the fledgling company Microsoft as its 30th employee in return for a salary of $50,000 per year and five percent ownership of the company, with stock options to purchase an additional 5%. At Microsoft incorporated on June 25, 1981, Ballmer would own eight percent and would later succeed Bill Gates as Chief Executive Officer on January 13, 2000. With the increase of his stock ownership, Ballmer now has a net worth of over 65 billion dollars Universities in Iran were shut down as part of the Iranian Cultural Revolution, with all higher education systems ceasing for over a year for a complete overhaul, by order of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. The Ayatollah Khomeini declared that "All schools and universities established under the reign of the Shah must be placed in direct control in order to protect their students from the dangers of contamination by ideas contrary to the value of Islamrs…A jury in Chicago awarded MCI Communications $1,800,000,000 to be paid by AT&T for attempting to maintain its control over long-distance telephone calls, in violation of federal antitrust law The jury found $600 million in damages and the amount was trebled under the antitrust law. After 15 of the 21 charges were reversed on appeal, the case was remanded for a new trial on the issue of calculation of damages. On May 28, 1985, another jury found $37.8 million in damages which was trebled to $113,400,000.

U.S. Representative John W. Jenrette, Jr. (D-South Carolina) was indicted by a grand jury on charges of bribery after being identified in the FBI's Abscam operation. Jenrette had been videotaped on December 6, 1979, accepting a $50,000 bribe from an undercover agent in return for promising to introduce legislation to allow an Arab businessman to remain in the U.S.Eleven days later, Jenrette won a runoff election for the Democratic primary election for his seat. The Abscam people tried to bribe newly elected Congressman Ray Musto but Ray turned them down...........Viktor Nekipelov was sentenced to seven years in labor camps and five years' internal exile for "anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda" he was released in 1987 and moved to France, dying two years later.....An Iranian student, in the United States on a visa, was arrested at a Kroger supermarket in Montgomery, West Virginia and charged with shoplifting, after the store manager witnessed Seyedashraf Mirhadi eat a single grape. The case took on national attention because Mirhadi, a student at the West Virginia University Institute of Technology was subject to deportation back to Iran if convicted of a "crime of moral turpitude". On July 24, a municipal court judge found Mirhadi not guilty. Judge Carl Harris wrote, "In some instances the partaking of a single fruit may constitute shoplifting— but this defendant I find a s a factual matter to have lacked the elusive mental state which divides the criminal from the careless." Mirhadi's defense was that he was sampling the grape to see if the bunch was sweet or sour. In the hearing, the store manager testified that grapes were priced at $1.39 per pound, but conceded that he could not quantify the value of a single grape…..Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and 10 other people returned from a two-week trip to Iran, in defiance of a presidential executive order banning U.S. citizens from traveling to the Islamic republic. Before leaving, Clark had been warned by incumbent Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti that he could be prosecuted for violating Carter's invocation of the travel ban, made under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carried penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. During his visit, Clark attended the "Crimes of America" conference in Tehran at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Sadegh Ghotbzadeh….Jack Nicklaus won the U.S. Open golf tournament..

e Wall Street Final, an attempt by publisher Michael Goldstein to create an afternoon business newspaper in New York City to compete against The Wall Street Journal, published its first issue a day late, after breakdowns of production equipment caused the 16-page tabloid to miss its Monday afternoon launch date.Although the Final had the advantage of reporting the prices after the close of trading on the stock exchanges at 5:00, it would last for only two months before folding on August 18….By a margin of five votes, the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution failed in the Illinois House of Representatives. Although the vote was 102 in favor and 71 against, the rules of the Illinois legislature required a three-fifths majority of the 178 members on constitutional amendments.[92] In the first five years of its submission to the 50 American state legislatures for consideration, 35 of the necessary 38 states had ratified the proposed 27th Amendment (although five states later vote to rescind their ratifications). After 1977, no other state ratified the ERA prior to the deadline of June 30, 1982….In a bout for the WBC world welterweight boxing championship, billed as "The Brawl in Montreal", former WBC lightweight champion Roberto Durán of Panama upset previously unbeaten (27 wins, no losses) Sugar Ray Leonard at Montreal's Olympic Stadium to capture the welterweight division…..Forty years ago on June 21st I went to Yankee Stadium to cover the old Timer’s Game for the Pittston Sunday Dispatch. It was the first Old Timer’s event after the death of Thurman Munson. I also met Mr. Frank Martin of Scranton when his bus broke down and after lengthy conversations, we became great friends and forty years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “The Rose”by Bette Midler.