The LuLac Edition #4,973, May 29th, 2023

 MONDAY MEMES

The LuLac Edition #4,972, May 25th, 2023

 

MCCARTHY SENDING LAWMAKERS HOME

I do not want to hear all about Joe Biden traveling to Delaware on the weekends. Not when Kevin McCarthy is sending Congress home amid a debt crisis THEY ARE CAUSING!

This is irresponsible and typical of the GOP.

 

OATH KEEPERS LEADER STEWART RHODES SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR PLOT TO KEEP TRUMP IN POWER

Too short a sentence!

Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Thursday for leading a far-reaching plot to keep then-President Donald Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election.

The sentence is the first handed down in over a decade for seditious conspiracy.

“What we absolutely cannot have is a group of citizens who – because they did not like the outcome of an election, who did not believe the law was followed as it should be – foment revolution,” District Judge Amit Mehta said before handing down the sentence. “That is what you did.”

“I dare say, Mr. Rhodes – and I never have said this to anyone I have sentenced – you pose an ongoing threat and peril to our democracy and the fabric of this country,” Mehta said.

The judge added: “I dare say we all now hold our collective breaths when an election is approaching. Will we have another January 6 again? That remains to be seen.”

Mehta said Rhodes, 58, has expressed no remorse and continues to be a threat.

“A seditious conspiracy, when you take those two concepts and put it together, is among the most serious crimes an American can commit,” the judge said. “It is an offense against the government to use force. It is an offense against the people of our country.”

Mehta on Thursday previously ruled that Rhodes’ actions amounted to domestic terrorism.

Rhodes should have gotten the death penalty. 18 years for trying to incite a riot is committing treason. It is not justice. 

 

DESANTIS SAYS HE'S OPEN TO 

PARDONING COUP LEADERS 

 

Yep,you bet he will. Even Trump. What kind 

of idiot wants to even pardon the guy who 

has insulted and screwed him?

 

FLORIDA SCHOOL BANS AMANDA GORMAN’S POEM FROM BIDEN INAUGURATION AFTER ONE COMPLAINT: ‘I’M GUTTED

 A Florida school has banned its elementary students from reading Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Hills We Climb,” which she read at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.

The poem was one of several works banned at the Miami-Dade County school after a single challenge by a parent who complained that they referenced critical race theory, “indirect hate messages,” gender ideology and indoctrination, according to the Miami Herald.

Gorman made a statement Tuesday on Twitter, where she wrote: “I’m gutted. Because of one parent’s complaint, my inaugural poem, ‘The Hill We Climb,’ has been banned from an elementary school in Miami-Dade County, Florida.”

One parent who didn’t have the confidence in her ow kid’s ability to not be “indoctrinated” was al it took to get this poem banned. My God, shame on this Salinas chick but shame on the other parents in Flori DUH for their silence.

Here’;s the real issue. They  have a problem with the poet. Not her intellect, not her words BUT HER COLOR!

If this was from  lilly white kid from The Villages in Florida, there would be no issue.

“Robbing children of the chance to find their voices in literature is a violation of their right to

free thought and free speech,” Gorman wrote. “Together, this is a hill we won’t just climb, but a hill we will conquer.”

 Gorman mentioned her publisher Penguin Random House, which recently joined with PEN America to bring a lawsuit against Florida’s Escambia County School District and School Board. The publisher and PEN America are asking the federal court to return banned books to library shelves.

I think the lead defendant in this case should be this Salinas broad whose itty bitty feelings got hurt by the intellect of a student stronger than what she drgged into this world.

 

DESANTIS KING OF BOOK BURNING

As a friendly reminder, they burned books in Germany in the 1930s. Ron DeSantis aka Ron DeFacist has done the following in his state:

In the past year alone, DeSantis has instituted all of these fascistic policies in Florida:

Sweeping book bans targeting books written by or about people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, books about antisemitism and the rise of the Nazis, and accurate descriptions of American history, leaving school libraries empty.4

Banned the teaching of AP African American History in Florida classrooms, claiming that the course "lacks educational value."5

Signed one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, banning the procedure after six weeks, long before many people even know they are pregnant.6

Passed laws making it a felony to provide gender-affirming care for trans youth and making it even more difficult for trans adults to access care.7

Expanded his "Don't Say Gay" bill through 12th grade.

 

TRUMP INDICTMENTS COMING

Whether people believe it or not, but Diaper Don will be indicted in Georgia, for his role in the Insurrection and the documents case.

THIS IS NOT A WITCH HUNT. This is the consequences of an evil pig who thought he could get away with anything. The walls are closing in.

 

DESANTIS SCREWING FLORIDA ON HIS WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Backlash is mounting against Florida over the state’s right-wing laws targeting various marginalized groups. And as the wave builds, potentially threatening Florida’s economy, we’re able to see how Gov. Ron DeSantis’ seeming thirst for the presidency — and his desire to burnish an ultraconservative reputation — is likely to undermine his own state’s interests in the long run.

On Saturday, the NAACP issued a travel advisory warning that the state is “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”

“Before traveling to Florida,” the NAACP wrote, “please understand that the State of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other minorities.”

 

CONGRESSMEN CARTWRIGHT AND THOMPSON INTRODUCE ERIC’S LAW

BILL AIMS TO BRING JUSTICE TO VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN FEDERAL DEATH PENALTY CASES

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Glenn Thompson (PA-15) today introduced Eric’s Law, a bill that aims to deliver justice to victims and their families in federal death penalty cases.

Eric’s Law is named for Eric Williams, a federal correctional officer who was brutally murdered by an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Wayne County, Pa. At the time of his murder, the inmate was already serving a life sentence for murder. Following a trial, the inmate was found guilty and received a second life sentence, despite 11 out of 12 jurors voting in favor of the death penalty.

Current law requires a unanimous decision by the jury to impose the death penalty. This bill permits prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing if the first jury in a federal death penalty case fails to reach a unanimous decision on a sentence.

“Our corrections officers face tremendous risk to their safety each and every day,” Rep. Cartwright said. “Sadly, we have lost too many good officers and the loss of Eric Williams still weighs heavy on our hearts. We must do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from recurring, and that is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. Eric’s Law will ensure justice is served in those horrible incidents where a correctional officer’s life is taken by an inmate.”

“Eric Williams was tragically killed, and his murderer’s sentencing was an injustice,” Rep. Thompson said. “It is a stark reminder of the danger and extreme violence our officers face every day in our nation's federal prisons. Eric’s Law will help provide additional protections for our corrections officers, affirm the option for review of the case and allow for a final, definite decision in death penalty cases that our victims and families deserve.”

“At the trial for the murder of my son, I was in disbelief that under current federal law one lone juror can make a biased decision that becomes irreversible. As a father, it was devastating. As an American who values our judicial system, I was stunned. A ‘trial by jury’ is at the heart of our rights. Eric’s Law allows prosecutors to retry the sentencing phase of the case to allow for the fair and equal court system that all Americans deserve,” said Donald Williams, Father of Eric Williams and Founder of Voices for J.O.E.

“The National Council of Prison Locals commends Congressman Thompson and Congressman Cartwright for their continued efforts to protect the Correctional Officers and Professionals of the Federal Bureau of Prisons by introducing Eric's Law. The harsh reality is that evil does exist in our federal prison system and the threat of the ultimate punishment is the only deterrent. The current statute falls short and unfairly imbalances justice towards evil while repeatedly victimizing the families and survivors of violent crimes.  The men and women that are tasked with humanely managing society's homicidal predators and sociopaths deserve the protections of a unanimous jury that Eric's Law provides.  Above and beyond all other considerations, the victims of incorrigible monsters, the grieving families left behind, deserve equal protections of justice,” said Shane Fausey, National Council of Local Prisons Local 33 President

 

CASEY, YOUNG INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP OLDER AMERICANS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) 2.0 Act to simplify Medicare enrollment for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill would require the federal government to provide advance notice to people approaching Medicare eligibility about basic Medicare enrollment rules, filling a longstanding gap in education for older adults and people with disabilities.

“When people sign up for Medicare, they should be supported every step of the way. Medicare is an American success story, and we have to make sure folks can make the most of the benefits they have earned,” said Chairman Casey. “This legislation will help seniors avoid the costly fees associated with missing the deadline to enroll, and hold onto their hard-earned savings.”

“Currently, seniors who miss the sign-up deadline for Medicare Part B face onerous penalties that persist for the rest of their lives. The BENES 2.0 Act will ensure individuals have access to the information necessary to make more informed decisions as they approach Medicare eligibility,” said Senator Young.

People who miss their initial Medicare enrollment window may pay lifetime late enrollment penalties. In 2020, about 776,000 people with Medicare were paying a Part B Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) and the average LEP amounted to nearly a 27 percent increase in a beneficiary’s monthly premium.

In December 2020, Congress passed key provisions of the original BENES Act, which updated Medicare enrollment rules to end needless gaps in coverage. In addition to Senators Casey and Young, the bill is cosponsored by Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Tim Scott (R-SC), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Mike Braun (R-IN).

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO HOSTS NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION ROUND TABLE ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WITH NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY AND DELAWARE GOVERNOR JOHN CARNEY IN PHILADELPHIA

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND FIRST LADY SHAPIRO HIGHLIGHT THE ADMINISTRATION’S PLANS TO INVEST IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH DURING CONVERSATION WITH LEADERS, EXPERTS

Governor Josh Shapiro hosted a National Governors Association (NGA) roundtable on youth mental health in Philadelphia with NGA Chair New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Delaware Governor John Carney, and frontline leaders in youth mental health care. Governor Shapiro is participating in this NGA initiative in collaboration with governors from across the nation to develop bipartisan solutions to address the growing youth mental health crisis.(Photo: Shapiro website)

“For too long, there has been a stigma around mental health care – but that’s changing with this generation. Students across the Commonwealth aren’t afraid to talk about their mental health, and that’s what I hear every day,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “We need a comprehensive approach to deliver real help for young people struggling with their mental health, and that’s why we need to work with parents, teachers, and mental health professionals to ensure those resources are available. Here in Pennsylvania, I’m proposing a $500 million investment in student mental health – and I look forward to working with Governor Murphy and my colleagues across the country to get young people the help they need.”

Yesterday, Governor Shapiro visited Hempfield Area High School in Westmoreland County, where he met with students and shared his plan to invest $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in Pennsylvania schools.

To increase access and resources for every Pennsylvania student, Governor Shapiro’s budget includes:

$500 million over the next five years so that schools can fund mental health counselors and services on site, prioritizing students’ mental health in addition to their physical health.

$20 million in 2023-24, growing to $60 million annually to restore mental health funding to Pennsylvania counties, who provide critical community-based mental health services for residents.

$5 million for one-time buildout costs of the 988 system while providing sustainable future funding for the 14-suicide prevention lifeline call centers throughout the Commonwealth.

The roundtable discussion hosted by Governor Shapiro and Governor Murphy featured parents, educators, mental health experts and advocates, including actress Goldie Hawn. Hawn founded MindUP, a program launched in 2003 to advance science-based social-emotional learning to support youth mental health and resilience.

Governor Shapiro knows that the mental health crisis cannot continue to be an afterthought in Pennsylvania and is committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to the mental health resources they need and deserve that will help them lead healthy and productive lives.

As Attorney General, he started Safe2Say Something – an anonymous tip reporting system for students that has seen over 100,000 tips – and his budget proposal includes $500 million over the next five years so that schools can fund mental health counselors and services on site, prioritizing students’ mental health in addition to their physical health.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

NO MORE AM RADIO IN CARS? 

Two major auto companies announced that they were no longer going to be putting AM radios in new cards. The National Association of Broadcasters and radio station owners have been meeting with auto industry leaders in an effort to preserve AM radio in the car. The discussions come as some automakers, including Ford, Tesla, BMW and Audi, have removed AM radio receivers from their electric vehicles due to interference caused by electric motors. “We want to work collaboratively to ensure cars keep listeners’ favorite local AM radio stations at their fingertips,” NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt writes in a blog post.

Entitled “Preserving AM Radio in Cars Keeps Americans Safe,” the post traces the legacy radio band’s 100-year role in American life, from broadcasting FDR’s fireside chats to reporting on global conflicts and natural disasters. “Local AM stations have also been the source of entertainment and connection to our communities, providing pioneering sitcoms and serials, religious services, presidential addresses, talk shows and ballgame,” LeGeyt says in the post. “And perhaps most importantly, when tragedy strikes AM radio serves as the backbone of the Emergency Alert System, informing Americans of impending danger and directing people to safety.”

LeGeyt is right about that. AM Radio is used for traffic back ups, emergencies as well as by Penn Dot for travel advisories. More to come on this story in the intervening days. 

 

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

 You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River. 

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

1954

Our 1954 logo.

The common Nordic Labour Market act is signed……A fire on board the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Bennington, off Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts, kills 103 sailors.

In the 1954 Australian federal election: Robert Menzies' Liberal/Country Coalition Government is re-elected with a decreased majority, defeating the Labor Party led by H.V. Evatt. The election came shortly after the Petrov Affair, arguably helping the Government survive what was initially predicted to be a defeat……there was the creation and first meeting of the Bilderberg Group….The Bilderberg meeting (also known as the Bilderberg Group) is an annual off-the-record conference established in 1954 to foster dialogue between Europe and North America. The group's agenda, originally to prevent another world war, is now defined as bolstering a consensus around free market Western capitalism and its interests around the globe. Participants include political leaders, experts, captains of industry, finance, academia, numbering between 120 and 150. Attendees are entitled to use information gained at meetings, but not attribute it to a named speaker (known as the Chatham House Rule). This is to encourage candid debate, while maintaining privacy—a provision that has fed conspiracy theories from both the left and right.

Meetings were chaired by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands until 1975. The current Chairman is French businessman Henri de Castries. Since 1954, the meeting has taken place every year except in 1976, when it was cancelled due to the Lockheed bribery scandals involving Prince Bernhard, and in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 meeting in Washington, D.C. was the 68th edition…….Diane Leather becomes the first woman to run a sub-five minute mile, in Birmingham, England and 69 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Sha-Boom” by the Crew-cuts.

The LuLac Edition #4, 971, May 24th, 2023

 WRITE ON WEDNESDAY 

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo. 

This week we learned that some America car companies wanted to stop making AM radios for Electric cars. The Times Shamrock Editoril board had a few thoughts which we concur with.

 'ZOWEE DIGGINS!' KEEP AM RADIO

There are technical and generational gaps between AM radio and modern media. It’s safe to say that younger Northeast Pennsylvanians aren’t familiar with AM, much less with the term “Zowee Diggins!” — the late DJ Terry McNulty’s signature call for WARM dance parties during AM’s heyday.

Now, automakers have begun to produce vehicles without AM radio access. Tesla, Ford, BMW, Mazda and Volkswagen have said that their electric vehicle motors create electromagnetic frequencies that interfere with AM.

They might have to resolve that problem. Many members of Congress want to preserve AM radio as an important medium for public emergency broadcasts. And, conservative legislators have noted that eight of the top 10 radio talk shows lean conservative and air primarily on AM.

The AM for Every Vehicle Act has been introduced in both houses by sponsors of both parties. Support for the AM spectrum covers the political spectrum. The primary Senate sponsors, for example, are Democrat Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts and Republican Ted Cruz of Texas. Leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the FCC also want to preserve the band.

 The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require carmakers to keep AM radio in their vehicles at no extra cost.

Preservationists make a strong case. Automakers should retain the band to ensure the broadest possible means to access emergency broadcasts.

(Times-Shamrock Communications, which publishes The Citizens’ Voice, also owns WEJL Radio)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog editor also worked for WEJL Radio and loved every minute of it. 

UPDATE: Ford will keep AM in all of its vehicles.