THe LuLac Edition #4,564, July 29th, 2021

 WHY I STAND WITH THE CAPITOL POLICE 

Tuesday Capitol Police officers debunked the conspiracy theories of a peaceful protest on January 6th. These were ignorant, thug pigs that should be arrested, r=tried and then booked on battery and assault and treason. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! 

 

 

 WITH TRUMPANZEES..... ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION 

Listen to this voicemail sent to a Capitol Police officer just for testifying. This slob, most likely calling from mommy's cellar spewed vindictive at one of the officers  officer that  saved the day. Everything he says about this brave officer comes from the caller's own sad mind and most likely his sick heart. Michael Farone is no pussy.........this pig Trump slob IS!

 

 

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT INTRODUCES BILL TO PREPARE WORKERS FOR IN-DEMAND IT JOBS

GRANT PROGRAMS WILL ADDRESS IT WORKER SHORTAGE BY ENCOURAGING INSTITUTIONS TO TEACH WIDELY USED LEGACY CODING LANGUAGES

Representative Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright  introduced the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act, which would help train people for in-demand information technology (IT) jobs, while addressing the shortage of professionals with a background in older coding languages needed to maintain and modernize critical government IT systems.

Older coding languages continue to underpin major sectors of our economy. For example, COBOL – although developed more than 60 years ago – remains widely used across several sectors of our economy, including government and financial services. Yet, IT workers skilled in COBOL largely are reaching retirement age as computer science institutions have shifted towards training in newer languages, resulting in a shortage of skilled workers with knowledge of legacy languages still in use.

Named for a pioneering computer scientist who developed COBOL, the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act would bolster and diversify the pipeline of workers with the skills necessary to sustain and modernize critical IT infrastructure utilizing legacy languages such as COBOL.

“A lot of sectors are seeing a mismatch between the skills workers have and what employers need. Training workers for jobs that are in demand now is key to getting more people back to work and continuing our economic recovery,” said Rep. Cartwright. “When it comes to IT, that mismatch was painfully clear as government agencies struggled to keep their computer systems using older coding languages running during the pandemic. The Grace Hopper Code for Us Act will help prepare workers for good-paying jobs available now in maintaining and modernizing our critical government and private sector information systems.”

Government IT systems using legacy coding languages were overwhelmed amid the pandemic-driven surge in demand for economic relief, such as unemployment insurance. Having a workforce equipped to manage such systems is not only critical to be able to maintain and service current IT issues, workers with those skills are also needed to update and improve systems that run on legacy languages.

This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-01), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12).

"Information systems is an invaluable part of the information technology field, and early exposure can increase interest. This bill will increase the recruitment pipeline starting at grade six and allow more associate degree and continuing education opportunities in this sector. The interdisciplinary education approach will be key to future successes of the field," said Congresswoman Hayes.

“The importance of IT professionals cannot be understated, especially given the weaknesses the COVID-19 pandemic showed in government IT systems,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “Lack of IT infrastructure can ultimately impact the government's ability to respond in the time of a crisis, and skilled IT professionals can help ensure our preparedness. The Grace Hopper Code for Us Act will greatly diversify and strengthen the field of IT professionals, as well as our IT infrastructure.”

“The persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry is a key problem that amplifies several issues requiring our attention and focus,” said Congressman G. K. Butterfield, who serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ TECH2025 initiative. “We must do everything in our power to help prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers in STEAM fields. Congress must act to strengthen the pipeline and clear pathways to these careers, especially in those occupations that require the use of long-standing computer programming languages such as COBOL. It is imperative that we include many of our best and brightest problem solvers, critical thinkers, and those that challenge conventional thinking, who are seldom included, to help bolster a workforce that manages the information technology systems many government organizations utilize.  I commend Congressman Matt Cartwright for his leadership, and I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us.”

Specifically, the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act would:

Establish the Grace Hopper Sustainment and Modernization Grant Program to create programming courses focused on maintaining and modernizing information systems utilizing legacy computer languages;

Provide a total of $100 million in competitive grant funding to institutions of higher learning over four years;

Encourage grant recipients to utilize grant money to provide scholarships, arrange paid internship opportunities and engage local students about career opportunities involving legacy languages; and

Prioritize grant applicants that recruit women and other underrepresented groups.

This legislation is endorsed by Alabama A&M University, Anglepoint Academy, Bethany College, BMC Software, Broadcom, Citi, COBOL Cowboys, Compuware, East Carolina University, Ensono, Farmingdale State College, First Citizens Bank, IBM, Interskill Learning, Linux Foundation, Micro Focus, North Carolina AT&T State University, Open Mainframe Project (including its COBOL Working Group), Optimized Technical Solutions, Inc., Phase Change Software, ProTech Enterprise IT Training & Consulting, Robert Morris University, Society for Women Engineers, Superior Welding Supply Co., Talladega College Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alabama – Birmingham, University of Maryland – Eastern Shore and Vicom Infinity, Inc.

“From bridges to IT systems, all forms of infrastructure are vital to the economy and must be properly maintained. In the IT world, many of the longest-serving and most critical IT systems are based on the COBOL programming language, known for its robustness and scalability.  However, inadequate investment over time has introduced risk to those systems, purely due to investment levels, rather than the programming language. Time and again, projects and studies concur the best way to meet future need is to evolve, rather than replace, those systems. Just as reliable stone bridges don’t need to be torn down solely to be rebuilt in steel, neither should COBOL systems be torn down solely to change the programming language.  Instead, they need appropriate investment to renew and modernize to support the challenges of the digital era. Micro Focus fully supports the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act, as it will support a new generation of COBOL enthusiasts, with the skills to support the necessary modernization programs for the long term success of our economy’s IT infrastructure,” said Misty Decker, Product Marketing Director, Micro Focus.

 

CASEY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RENEW JOB CREATION, REVITALIZE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives) 

– U.S. Senator Bob Casey   is introducing the Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps of 2021, or the REVIVE the CCC Act (S.2414), which would revitalize the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps into a modern-day employment, job training and conservation program. The REVIVE the CCC Act would advance our Nation’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis while creating well-paying, quality conservation jobs that protect and restore waterways, working lands and the health and resiliency of our rural and urban communities.

“As communities in Pennsylvania and across the country continue to face devastating economic conditions along with the effects of the climate crisis, a revitalized Civilian Conservation Corps would enable us to invest in our workforce, our environment and the next generation of conservationists, farmers, foresters and leaders committed to taking on the climate crisis and preserving our shared natural resources. My legislation would renew vital efforts to bring conservation jobs to our communities, invest in our local economies and ensure farmers continue to play a critical role in climate change mitigation. It is past time for us to take action to address the climate crisis and create jobs while we do it,” said Senator Casey.

"As an organization that, for 30 years, has supported protecting and regenerating natural ecosystems through agricultural land stewardship, we fully stand behind a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, agriculture is one of the nation's leading sources of water pollution. A modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps would help farmers replenish natural landscapes to turn the tide on water pollution and protect the health of communities across the country,” said Hannah Smith Brubaker, Executive Director, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

"Young farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. They acknowledge the necessity of concerted climate action and are committing their energy and their farms to form part of our national response to this emergency. Proposals like the REVIVE the CCC Act are investing in our young farmers and ranchers, land stewards and future ones to make land the foundation of our planetary health,” said Vanessa García Polanco, Federal Policy Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.

“We cannot address climate change without addressing interconnected concerns like racial injustice, economic injustice, and food insecurity. It is time to put people to work with well-paying jobs that benefit God’s creation and prioritize the communities most impacted by the climate crisis. The original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in creating jobs and preserving our natural environment, and we have a unique opportunity to revitalize the CCC in a robust, equitable way. As young Christians, we want our leaders to rise to this historic moment and take bold action. Young Evangelicals for Climate Action welcomes Senator Casey’s plan to support workers while addressing environmental and economic injustice,” said Tori Goebel, National Organizer and Spokesperson, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

The REVIVE the CCC Act would guarantee that local communities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the design of CCC projects and positions. Further, it would ensure that farmers are part of the effort to rebuild our economy and invest in climate solutions. Under this legislation, farmers could serve as hosts for Corps members – providing the opportunity to train the next generation of farmers while also expanding their own ability to implement conservation on the land.

This legislation also includes measures to address environmental justice issues, such as air quality, transportation, access to green space and safe housing. As we recover from the pandemic, it is critical that we rebuild and invest in a more productive, equitable and just economy.

The REVIVE the CCC Act is endorsed by:

Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Evangelical Environmental Network, Forest Hills Borough Council, Keystone Research Center, National Wildlife Federation, National Young Farmers Coalition, Pasa Sustaintable Agriculture, PennFuture, ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, The Corps Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

 

THE GIBSON VISIT

When a best friend comes to town, you do what you can to keep him busy. Old college pal Jim Gibson, alumni of King’s College and WRKC paid a visit. Here is a photographic diary of our visit.

First night in town he came to Rocking the River to hear the music of Elton John and Springsteen. He was wildly entertaining by my working there that night with the Wilkes-Barre Health Department.   He also found a friend and had a discussion about COVID vaccines.

The next day after touring our boyhood haunts and wondered how we didn’t die in the process with bicycle stunts, we had a great meal at Eden Vegan. Here’s a photo with the owner Mr. Pelosi. After visiting other family and friends, plus doing a daily walk (re-tracing the trail of his paper route, Gibson also did the new Walktecture 2.2 mile tour of Wilkes-Barre’s historic district. 

We also got together with the redoubtable Bob “Mango” Manfre who was General Manager at “RKC FM as well as Patrick Fadden where we actually closed down a place. (I mean even if it did shut at 9, we did close it down!)

Along the way, Jim met with my friend Ron Felton from the Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP comparing notes on social; justice here vs. in Denver Colorado. Then there was a tour of Wilkes-Barre City Hall to meet some of my co-workers.

On the last night we went to Agolino’s in West Pittston where we had mountains of fine Italian cuisine. Or I should say, he did.

He left last week but as any news junkie will tell you, sometimes stories are embargoed for various and sundry reasons. 

 

MEDIA MATTERS 

 

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BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

 This week's guest is Sarah Effertz, Executive Director of the Scranton Jazz Festival. 

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Mothership 1340/1400 am, 100.7 and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on The River 105 and 103.5. 

 

 

BOBBY V’S SUNDAY NIGHT DOO WOP SOCK HOP 

 1987

Our 1987 logo.

The World Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Commission, publishes its report, Our Common Future……The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine, which had required radio and television stations to present alternative views on controversial issues….. Nurse Mary R Stout chosen chairperson of Vietnam Veterans of America…… In New Zealand, the Maori Language Act comes into force, making te reo Māori an official language of New Zealand; it can now be used in some legal proceedings… at ArenaBowl I, Pittsburgh Civic Arena: Denver Dynamite beats Pittsburgh Gladiators 45-16, Gary Mullen MVP….. Cincinnati outfielder Eric Davis is 7th to hit 30 HRs & steal 30 bases in one season as he homers in Reds 5-4 win v Giants……Michael Andretti runs fastest Indy car race in history (171.49mph) in winning the Marlboro 500 at the Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan…..USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh/Semipalitinsk USSR……Discovery in Orbital Processing Facility is powered up for STS-26……Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris ties AL record with 5 wild pitches in a 4-2, 10 innings loss v Kansas City Royals…….Twins pitcher Joe Niekro is caught with a file on the mound in 11-3 win v Angels, ejected and suspended for 10 games……and in 1987 this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was MaDonna’ “Who’s That Girl”.

 

 

The LuLac Edition #4,563, July 28th, 2021

 

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY 

 

Our “Write On Wednesday” logo

This week we give you an article on the Camp David accords written y local resident Peter Gagliardi  In describing a book he enjoys, Gagliardi takes us on  the twist and turns that were The Camp David Accords of 1978.

CAMP DAVID REVISITED

I Love Great Books as they enlighten me and this is where I get my greatest insights.    This is an article about the greatest book I have ever read about the miracle at Camp David, and the fine art of peacemaking.  The book is entitled Thirteen Days, Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David by Lawrence Wright.  I have a Master's Degree in Government and Politics and I learned more about diplomacy and peacemaking from this book than I did in all my years as a student.  You can have the same success by reading great books at the library.

Wright's book displays the principles of diplomacy and peacemaking that can be used to peacefully resolve any conflict.  These principles can also be used to resolve the conflicts in your life.  Here are the universal principles of diplomacy and peacemaking:

1.  Peace Is Always Possible

When President Carter came into office, the consensus at the time was that peace between Israel and her Arab neighbors was impossible.  President Carter was the only known major leader in his generation who believed real peace was possible and he pursued it with great vigor and determination as he believed God Himself wanted him to bring peace to the Middle East.

2.  Chose a Peaceful Environment

President Carter chose Camp David as it is isolated, peaceful, close to nature, and would encourage people to leave their grudges behind.

3.  Be Willing To Make Sacrifices For Peace

Carter, Begin, and Sadat were willing to pay the price for peace.  President Carter risked his presidency.  President Sadat gave up Egypt's traditional role as leader of the Arab world as the peace treaty was widely opposed in the Arab world.  Prime Minister Begin put Israel's security on the line as he gave up the entire Sinai Peninsula, a strategically important piece of real estate, to make peace with Egypt.

 

4.  Know the People Involved in the Conflict

President Carter studied and understood President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin and that made it possible to negotiate the peace treaty. President Carter studied a thick briefing book that the government compiled.  Carter's understanding of Prime Minister Begin made peace with Israel possible. The Camp David conference was beginning to conclude on the thirteenth day and there was no final agreement as Prime Minister Begin was holding out.  President Carter knew that his grandchildren meant the world to him, and he used this to his advantage.  President Carter had a batch of photographs for the three leaders to sign, and they were to be souvenirs for Begin's grandchildren.  Carter signed each photograph with the inscription "with love" and wrote the name of each grandchild on the photos.  Begin was sitting on the porch in great anguish because the negotiations had failed.  When Carter approached him Begin simply wanted to dismiss Carter.  Carter handed Begin the photos and he noticed that he had signed the top photograph with the child's name on it.  For example, the signing read "To Ayelet."  Begin was moved by Carter's display of human kindness and compassion and he froze as he read the names of the grandchildren on the photos.  One by one he read the children's names and Begin began to cry.  Begin invited Carter into the cabin and suddenly Begin was friendly.   Begin changed his mind and accepted the agreement.

5.  Be Flexible

President Carter wanted a comprehensive peace treaty.  When this proved impossible, Carter lessened his goal to a separate peace between Israel and Egypt.

6.  Know Your Proper Role

Frequently, a peacemaker can be successful simply by being a facilitator or mediator. This is not always possible, and then the peacemaker must play a larger role and become a catalyst.  This requires the peacemaker to get personally involved in the conflict and present specific proposals to resolve the issues. Begin and Sadat could not make any progress by talking to each other, so President Carter had to play a much larger role.  President Carter became a catalyst for peace and began presenting specific proposals to solve the issues.  President Carter used the one-text procedure which is based on a simple concept.  As the catalyst, President Carter wrote the basic document or peace treaty and then asked each side for their response.  Issues that are not contested are considered agreed upon.  Those that are contested are then dealt with by continually narrowing  the differences.  When each side finally agrees on an issue, that issue is considered complete.  The key is that as the catalyst, President Carter controlled the document.  When the contenting parties hit a stalemate and could not agree, President Carter proposed new ideas and new language.  Issues that would lead to war and economic ruin in the Middle East were resolved.

7.  Be Persistent

It took thirteen arduous days to negotiate this agreement, and there were plenty of opportunities to give up.  Carter pursued peace until he finally had an agreement

The LuLac Edition #4,562, July 27th, 2021

 THESE SONGS @ 50

THe LuLc Edition #4,561, July 26th, 2021

 MONDAY MEMES 

The LuLac Edition #4,560, July 22nd, 2021

 

WHY TRUMP FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE?

Recently you might have heard right wing un-patriotic radicals positing the news that Donald Trump should be the new Speaker of the House. Why would a man who barely knew the rules of the Presidency be given the Speaker’s job? Well the dream weavers who constantly have hard ons for Trump came up with this rationale. It proves they are desperate fools, grasping at straws and are just plain dumb asses who really have no clue how to love this country. 

The plan is to have Kevin McCarthy resign. Then appoint Diaper Don to be Speaker. THEN Impeach Biden and Harris simultaneously and then have old fat ass shithead Trump become President. 

Yeah..then they call Democrats crazed. 

 

TUCKER CARLSON ATTACKS BLACK OFFICER WHO SAYS HE WAS CALLED THE N-WORD DURING THE CAPITOL RIOT

The new Joseph Goebbels Tucker the ****er Carlson

Fox News host Tucker Carlson called a Black police officer who said he was called the N-word while defending the Capitol on Jan. 6 an "angry, left-wing political activist" on Wednesday.

In April, Capitol police Officer Harry Dunn told "The ReidOut" host Joy Reid that Black officers fought a "different" battle than everybody else as they endured both physical trauma and racist slurs while fending off supporters of former President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol.

Dunn is among the first people set to testify on July 27 before a new House committee created to investigate the Capitol riot. Ahead of Dunn's testimony, Carlson verbally attacked the officer's impartiality as a witness, citing past social media posts that involved Democratic lawmakers.

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT REMINDS NEPA WORKING FAMILIES THAT ADVANCE MONTHLY CHILD TAX CREDIT PAYMENTS BEGIN JULY 15

AN ESTIMATED 126,100 CHILDREN IN PA’S EIGHTH DISTRICT, OR 90% OF PA-08 CHILDREN, TO BENEFIT FROM ENHANCED PAYMENTS OF UP TO $300 PER CHILD EVERY MONTH JULY-DECEMBER AS PART OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN REP. CARTWRIGHT HELPED PASS

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright reminded Northeastern Pennsylvania working families that advance monthly Child Tax Credit payments of up to $300 per month per child will begin landing in their bank accounts on Thursday, July 15, and continue through December 2021.

• An estimated  90% of children in Pennsylvania’s Eighth District will gain from the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit — 126,100 children.
• Working families could get up to $300 per month per child July-December, with the remaining amount to be delivered after filing their taxes next year.
• Eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return should get their monthly payments automatically beginning July 15 until the end of the year with no further action required.
• Families who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020 and who did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to sign up for the Economic Impact Payments, should go online and use the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to sign up today.

“More help is here for hardworking moms, dads and caretakers through major tax relief from the American Rescue Plan,” said Rep. Cartwright. “The boosted monthly Child Tax Credit payments will help tens of thousands of Northeastern Pennsylvania families cover costs like child care, food and clothes for their kids. This is the economic security parents and caregivers need to support their families, help grow our recovering economy and get back to work.”

MAJOR TAX RELIEF FOR NEARLY ALL WORKING FAMILIES

How Much is the Child Tax Credit Expansion from the American Rescue Plan?

The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit to up to $3,600 per child for children ages 0 to 5 and $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.

The American Rescue Plan also authorized advance monthly payments of the Child Tax Credit through December 2021. Beginning in July and running through December, qualifying families can get up to:

• $300 a month per child for children ages 0 to 5. 
• $250 a month per child for children ages 6 to 17. 

Families will get their remaining expanded Child Tax Credit when they file their 2021 tax return. 

Who Qualifies?

Families will qualify for a full credit if their income is below $75,000 for single filers, $112,000 for people filing as head of household, or $150,000 for people who are married and filing jointly. To be eligible, children must:

• Have a Social Security number;
• Live in the household for at least half of the year;

• Be under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2021; and
• Be claimed on the family’s tax return.

Children are eligible if they are your children, adopted children, stepchildren, half-siblings, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or certain other relatives. The adult tax filer must have a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The new Child Tax Credit for 2021 newborns will be capped at $3,600 per eligible child. If the baby is expected after the first checks go out, families can use the Child Tax Credit Update Portal (CTC UP) to update the amount of qualifying children/dependents they have.

Households with adult dependents also are eligible in certain cases. More information is available on the IRS website.

The Child Tax Credit will not affect disbursement of SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid, TANF Cash Assistance, SSI, or other public benefits.

How Do I Get My Payment?

• Nearly all families should get their monthly payments automatically beginning July 15 with no further action required. If you’ve filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service, you will get this tax relief automatically. You do not need to sign up or take any action.
    
• Families who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020 and who did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to sign up for the Economic Impact Payments, should go online and use the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to sign up today.
    
• Families who got their refunds from the IRS through direct deposit will get these payments in their bank account around the 15th of every month until the end of 2021. People who don’t use direct deposit will receive their payment by mail around the same time.
    
• Families will be able to determine their eligibility, check the status of their payments and more at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021 later this month.  

Watch out for scams

According to IRS.gov: “The IRS urges everyone to be on the lookout for scams related to both Advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. The IRS emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through the Non-filer Sign-up tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a scam.

Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS never sends unsolicited electronic communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a non-governmental web site.”

 

CASEY, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL ANTI-BULLYING LEGISLATION

Senator Bob Casey (LuLac archives)

Senator Bob Casey introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act with the support of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the Human Rights Campaign. This legislation would require school districts to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA-38), John Katko (R-NY-24) and Mark Takano (D-CA-41).

“Children deserve to go to school without fear or intimidation. Bullying and harassment affects far too many children with serious negative impacts on their mental and physical health, emotional well-being and academic achievement. With text messaging, social media and ever increasing virtual interactions, many children find they cannot escape the harassment when they go home at night. It follows them from the moment they wake until the moment they go to sleep. This commonsense legislation will ensure that schools districts across the country take proactive steps to combat bullying and protect children,” said Senator Casey.

“Every child deserves to learn in a safe and welcoming environment, regardless of their race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to help protect students from harm, and make clear that bullying and harassment have no place in our schools,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Rep. Linda T. Sánchez: “Our kids should be able to wake up and go to school every day without fear of being bullied when they get there. The Safe Schools Improvement Act will help deliver an educational environment that is free of harassment for every single one of our students. As a mother, I know this bill will bring peace of mind to parents, teachers, school administrators and staff, and I know it will make a difference for countless students in school hallways across the country. I thank Representative John Katko, Representative Mark Takano, Senator Bob Casey, the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me in standing up for safer schools.”

“All students — regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion — should be able to learn in safe and supportive schools, free of bullying and harassment. The Human Rights Campaign applauds Representatives Sánchez, Katko, and Takano and Senator Casey for introducing the Safe Schools Improvement Act. LGBTQ youth are especially vulnerable to exclusion, discrimination, and violence, and this legislation is an important step in ensuring that our nation’s schools are accepting of students from diverse backgrounds and identities. The Human Rights Campaign urges Congress to pass this important bill,” said David Stacy, Government Affairs Director of the Human Rights Campaign.Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, GLSEN Interim Executive Director said, “Thank-you to Senator Casey, Representatives Sánchez, Katko, and Takano for their leadership on this critically important legislation. Today, only 21 states, DC, and Puerto Rico have enumerated anti-bullying and harassment laws that specifically protect youth who are LGBTQ+, transgender, nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and people with disabilities. The Safe Schools Improvement Act will empower schools across the country to collaborate with communities to prevent and more effectively respond to incidents of bullying and harassment, including establishing restorative discipline practices that will decrease the likelihood of youth entering the school to prison pipeline. This bill is needed now more than ever during this moment of mass disruption and trauma when all young people should be safe in K-12 learning communities.”

The Safe Schools Improvement Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Gary Peters (D-MI).

This legislation is supported by nearly 100 organizations, including the National PTA; the American Federation of Teachers; the American Library Association; Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network; the Human Rights Campaign; Unidos; the Anti-Defamation League; and the American Unity Fund

 

MEDIA MATTERS

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Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Mothership 1340/1400 am, 100.7 and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on The River 105 and 103.5.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!

1987

Our 1987 logo

Rick Astley releases hit single, "Never Gonna Give You Up"………

Four hundred pilgrims are killed in clashes between demonstrating Iranian pilgrims and Saudi Arabian security forces in Mecca……..Docklands Light Railway in London, the first driverless railway in Great Britain, is formally opened by Elizabeth II……E! Launches as Movie Time…..An F4-rated tornado devastates eastern Edmonton, Alberta; hardest hit are an industrial park and a trailer park. 27 people are killed and hundreds injured, with hundreds more left homeless and jobless…..and during this week in 1987 the number one song in LuLacland  was “Shakedown” by Bob Seger. .