The LuLac Edition #4, 976, June 8th, 2023

DONALD TRUMP INDICTED FOR ALLEGEDLY MISHANDLING CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS SEIZED AT MAR-A-LAGO

Former President Donald Trump was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on charges related to the hundreds of classified documents seized from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, an unprecedented step in the wide-ranging investigations that include his previous indictment in New York.

More than 300 classified documents were recovered more than a year after Trump left the White House, most under subpoena in June 2022 or during an FBI search in August 2022. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith has been investigating the potential mishandling of national defense records.

  

 SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION PROVIDES TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY WHILE WILDFIRE SMOKE RAISES AIR QUALITY ALERTS

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION IS MONITORING AIR QUALITY CONDITIONS AND WORKING TO HELP RESIDENTS REMAIN SAFE.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is providing commonsense tips to help people stay healthy while current weather patterns push smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada into communities across the Commonwealth, increasing the average concentrations of fine particulate matter in the air. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for fine particulate matter for Wednesday June 7, 2023, for the entire state of Pennsylvania. 

“Many of us really enjoy spending time outside, however, while the smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting our air quality, we need to consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of Health. “For the next day or two, I encourage people to limit time outside, especially if you are sensitive to poor air quality.”

All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to:

•   Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

•   Keep outdoor activities short.

•   Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

 Tips to help keep particle pollution lower indoors:

•   Don’t use candles or smoke indoors.

•   Keep windows and doors closed.

 •   If you have an air filter in your home, now is a good time to use it.

•   Clean or replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.

•   If you don’t have one and want to make your own portable air cleaner designed to reduce particles indoors, the EPA offers DIY information. 

Air quality can affect your health, especially people who may be at greater risk, including:

•   People with heart disease

•   People with lung disease, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

•   Older adults

•   Children and teenagers because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air relative to their size

•   People who are pregnant

•   People who work outdoors

If you experience symptoms like trouble breathing or dizziness, you should seek medical attention. If you know a family member or neighbor who has one of the above conditions, remember to check in on them.

Visit www.airnow.gov to find the latest air quality levels and recommendations for your location. 

FROM STEVE CORBETT: 

WHO KILLED JUANITA TODD PART 2 

 

 Who Killed Juanita Todd? Part Two - The Outlaw Steve Corbett (theoutlawcorbett.com)

THE BATTLE OF THE PLUS SIZED MEN

 DONALD TRUMP TAKES ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT DIG AT CHRIS CHRISTIE—BUT WHO ACTUALLY WEIGHS MORE?

RadarOnline.com has exclusively commissioned a fitness expert to weigh in on the presidential-sized Battle of the Bulges between Donald Trumpand Chris Christie – the target of the former commander-in-chief’s merciless fat shaming jokes.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a fitness and nutrition expert, examined photographs of both Republican candidates to determine if the former New Jersey governor is heavier than the fat-shaming former president who seems to have gained a few pounds after leaving the White House.

“Both of them look pretty heavy,” Dr, Mirkin told RadarOnline.com. “I see abdominal obesity on both of them!” (Radaronline)

 

POLITICO REPORTS HOUSING ISSUE COMING

As the federal government strives to contain financial market turmoil, the next risk looming over the nation’s banks is in plain sight: the $20 trillion commercial real estate market.

Some $1.5 trillion in mortgages will come due in the next two years, a potential time bomb as higher interest rates and spiraling office vacancies push down property values.

As the federal government strives to contain financial market turmoil, the next risk looming over the nation’s banks is in plain sight: the $20 trillion commercial real estate market  Some $1.5 trillion in mortgages will come due in the next two years, a potential time bomb as higher interest rates and spiraling office vacancies push down property values.

And because 70 percent of bank-held commercial mortgages sit on the balance sheets of regional and smaller lenders, a write-down in commercial loans could spell big trouble for the financial system and spill over into the larger economy just as the 2024 presidential campaign gets underway.

With the country careening toward a possible recession, the financial system is especially vulnerable to shocks as the turbulence sparked by the collapse of three regional banks showed. Adding a commercial real estate market slide to the mix would be particularly perilous. It’s a concern that’s top of mind for policymakers in Washington — even as they acknowledge there’s not a lot they can do to fend off a crisis.  (Politico)

 

CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON U.S. DEBT CEILING BILL VOTE

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

 “I’ll vote yes on the debt ceiling deal. There are some items in the bill I dislike. But these are short-term issues. The alternative, allowing Kevin McCarthy to default on the American national debt for the first time since the War of 1812, would do irreparable damage to our economy and our standing in the world. And, as usual, the most vulnerable among us would pay the steepest price. I regret that Speaker McCarthy made this ugly threat, one which history has proven to be unnecessary. We have balanced the federal budget in the past without it, and we can do it again.”

 

CASEY, COLLEAGUES PUSH FAA TO IMPLEMENT LEGISLATION TO PREVENT AIRPLANE HIJACKING

CASEY PASSED BILL NAMED AFTER BUCKS COUNTY PILOT IN 2018

MORE THAN TWO YEARS PAST THE MANDATED DEADLINE, FAA HAS YET TO FINALIZE RULES REQUIRING SECONDARY BARRIERS ON NEW AIRCRAFT

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives) 

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Acting Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Administrator Billy Nolen urging the FAA to implement the Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2018. The law requires all new commercial aircraft to be built with a secondary barrier separating the cockpit from the cabin within a year of enactment. The FAA issued a proposed rule requiring these barriers last year, but although the public comment period closed in September 2022, there has been no public update on the timing of a final rule. 

“Hundreds of new planes have entered use since October 5, 2019, the statutory date for implementation of the rule, but none of these aircraft were required to be equipped with secondary barriers. With the average airplane staying in commercial service for 20 – 30 years, this means that millions of flights will occur without the Congressionally required safety mechanisms in place,” the Senators wrote. “Further delays in implementation, compounded by the two-year transition period in the proposed rule, will only increase that number.”

Casey continues to work to protect airplane passengers and pilots from hijackings. Since 2019, he has led the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act to mandate installation of secondary barriers between cabin and cockpit on all passenger planes in the United States, not only new ones.

 

 GOVERNOR SHAPIRO SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS REESTABLISHING FIVE GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COMMISSIONS, ESTABLISHING NEW COMMISSION ON NEXT GENERATION ENGAGEMENT

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Shapiro reestablished the Governor’s Advisory Commissions on African American Affairs, Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, Latino Affairs, LGBTQ Affairs, and Women — and established the new Commission on Next Generation Engagement

Governor Josh Shapiro signed executive orders reestablishing five Governor’s Advisory Commissions – including the Commissions on African American Affairs, Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, Latino Affairs, LGBTQ Affairs, and Women – and established a new Commission on Next Generation Engagement.

The Governor’s Advisory Commissions make recommendations to the Governor on policies and legislation that impact the Commonwealth and help ensure the communities they represent have a voice in state government. The newly established Commission on Next Generation Engagement recognizes that Pennsylvanians between the ages of 16-26 make unique, diverse, and valuable contributions to Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro knows that next generation Pennsylvanians make important contributions to the Commonwealth and is committed to ensuring that this generation’s voice is heard in his Administration to address the issues that matter most to them.

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to – you have a place here in Pennsylvania. These advisory commissions will ensure all Pennsylvania communities have a seat at the table of progress in my Administration,” said Governor Shapiro. “Moriah, Razin, Ruby, Anette, Olga, and Henry are dedicated public servants ready to serve the Commonwealth and ensure that all Pennsylvanians see themselves reflected in state government – and I’m proud to appoint them as we continue working to build a better future for our Commonwealth.”

Each commission will allow for up to 30 members representing diverse backgrounds, careers, regions, and political affiliations. Led by the executive directors, the commissioners bring unique perspectives to their work to ensure that all Pennsylvania communities are represented in the Shapiro Administration and to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians.

Read more about the executive director of each commission below.

Moriah Hathaway, Commission on Women

Moriah Hathaway has been the executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women since July 2020. In this position, Moriah works with the commissioners, stakeholders, and legislators from across the state to advocate for women and girls at the executive level. She previously served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as the Executive Assistant to Governor Wolf’s Regional Directors. She graduated in 2019 from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in political science and serves on the Shippensburg University Alumni Board of Directors. Moriah is from Carmichaels, Pennsylvania in Greene County and currently resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with her wife, Bailey, and son, Emerson.

Razin Karu, Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs

Razin Karu serves as the Executive Director for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs. He was born and raised in India and has been living in the United States since 2013. He received his associate’s degree with honors in history from Bucks County Community College and received his bachelor’s degree in history and political science, with minors in global studies and economics from Temple University. He most recently served as the Executive Director of the Muslim Society of Delaware Valley where he directed all programs and activities for the Muslim Youth Center of Philadelphia and the Islamic Cultural Center of Willow Grove and led the organization’s strategic planning. Prior to that, Razin served as the outreach coordinator at ICNA Relief PA where he worked on programs focusing on a diverse set of community needs, including refugee services, hunger prevention, disaster relief, educational empowerment and more. Razin serves as a member of the Bucks County New Americans Advisory Commission and is an active member of the Indian community in Bensalem.

Ruby Mundok, Commission on Next Generation Engagement

Ruby Mundok serves as the Executive Director of Governor Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. After volunteering as a chapter lead with Students for Shapiro during the 2022 election, she understands the importance of youth engagement in government first-hand. Prior to this role, Ruby served on Governor Shapiro’s Inaugural Committee and was an intern in the Digital Strategy Office of the Governor. In addition to her work within the Shapiro Administration, she is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in media arts production with a minor in Political and Governmental Affairs at Millersville University. Ruby was born and raised and currently resides in Lancaster, PA.

Anette Nance, Commission on African American Affairs

Anette Nance is a community-engaged leader, decorated veteran, and master’s-level social worker. Now residing in Pittsburgh, she is from Auburn, GA and of Haitian descent. Anette served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years, including an Operation Enduring Freedom deployment, and holds a master’s degree in social work with a focus on community organization and social action and a certificate in Human Services Management from the University of Pittsburgh. Her advocacy work within the veteran space has earned her recognition at local, regional, and national levels, including being a finalist for the 2020 Student Veteran of the Year award. Anette actively serves on nonprofit boards and served as Commissioner on Governor Wolf’s Commission on African American Affairs. Her contributions to the Pittsburgh region have been widely celebrated, with honors such as Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP’s 40 Under 40 award and the Rising Star Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a woman of faith, a wife, and a devoted mother of two.

Olga Negrón, Commission on Latino Affairs

Olga Negrón was the first elected Latino Councilwoman in the City of Bethlehem, and when elected, she was the only woman of color in City Council. She is no stranger to community organizations and to the people of Pennsylvania from decades in public service on numerous boards, commissions, and committees, including the Pennsylvania Crime & Delinquency Commission’s Crime Prevention & Community Revitalization Advisory Council, appointed by former Governor Edward G. Rendell; member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Public Library, appointed by Governor Tom Wolf; and Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention. Olga has worked as a community organizer and executive director for several non-profit organizations, Neighborhood Coordinator for the City of Allentown, and as the Legislative Assistant for a State Representative. Olga is happily married to Magisterial District Judge Nicholas E. Englesson.

Henry Sias, Commission on LGBTQ Affairs

Henry Sias is Governor Shapiro’s Executive Director of the Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. A civil rights lawyer in Philadelphia for over a decade, Henry co-founded a nonprofit that has provided thousands of free expungements for low-income Philadelphians. He began working on pro-bono projects benefiting the LGBTQ community during his first semester of law school, when he assisted professors working on a brief in Lawrence v. Texas. Henry has been working on projects to advance that cause ever since, from decriminalizing LGBTQ relationships to promoting marriage equality and fighting discrimination. An out transgender man, Henry brings his decades of experience to the cause of transgender equality, fighting to protect children from bullying and workplaces from discrimination while maintaining and expanding freedom and security for the entire LGBTQ community. Henry graduated from Western Michigan University in 1998 and Yale Law School in 2005 and is an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

MEDIA MATTERS 

 

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 SATURDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

 

1954

Our 1954 logo.

On Flag Day the words "under God" are added to the United States Pledge of Allegiance…. The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is a patriotic recited verse that promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States of America. The first version, with a text different from the one used at present, was written in 1885 by Captain George Thatcher Balch, a Union Army officer in the Civil War who later authored a book on how to teach patriotism to children in public schools. In 1892, Francis Bellamy revised Balch's verse as part of a magazine promotion surrounding the World's Columbian Exposition, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. In 1906, The Daughters of the American Revolution's magazine, The American Monthly, used the following wording for the pledge of allegiance, based on Balch's Pledge:

I pledge allegiance to my flag, and the republic for which it stands. I pledge my head and my heart to God and my country. One country, one language and one flag.

In subsequent publications of the Daughters of the American Revolution, such as in 1915's "Proceedings of the Twenty-Fourth Continental Congress of the Daughters of the American Revolution" and 1916's annual "National Report," the previous pledge (adjusted to read "I pledge my head, my hand, my heart..."), listed as official in 1906, is now categorized as "Old Pledge" with Bellamy's version under the heading "New Pledge." The "Old Pledge" was still taken in other organizations until the National Flag Conference established uniform flag procedures in 1923. Louis Albert Bowman, an attorney from Illinois, was the first to suggest the addition of "under God" to the pledge. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution gave him an Award of Merit as the originator of this idea. He spent his adult life in the Chicago area and was chaplain of the Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. At a meeting on February 12, 1948,he led the society in reciting the pledge with the two words "under God" added. He said that the words came from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Although not all manuscript versions of the Gettysburg Address contain the words "under God", all the reporters' transcripts of the speech as delivered do, as perhaps Lincoln may have deviated from his prepared text and inserted the phrase when he said "that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom." Bowman repeated his revised version of the Pledge at other meetings.

During the Cold War era, many Americans wanted to distinguish the United States from the state atheism promoted by Marxist-Leninist countries, a view that led to support for the words "under God" to be added to the Pledge of Allegiance.

In 1951, the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization, also began including the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.In New York City, on April 30, 1951, the board of directors of the Knights of Columbus adopted a resolution to amend the text of their Pledge of Allegiance at the opening of each of the meetings of the 800 Fourth Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus by addition of the words "under God" after the words "one nation." Over the next two years, the idea spread throughout Knights of Columbus organizations nationwide. On August 21, 1952, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus at its annual meeting adopted a resolution urging that the change be made universal, and copies of this resolution were sent to the President, the Vice President (as Presiding Officer of the Senate), and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The National Fraternal Congress meeting in Boston on September 24, 1952, adopted a similar resolution upon the recommendation of its president, Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart. Several State Fraternal Congresses acted likewise almost immediately thereafter. This campaign led to several official attempts to prompt Congress to adopt the Knights of Columbus policy for the entire nation. These attempts were eventually a success.

At the suggestion of a correspondent, Representative Louis C. Rabaut (D-Mich.), of Michigan sponsored a resolution to add the words "under God" to the Pledge in 1953.

George MacPherson Docherty (left) and President Eisenhower (second from left) on the morning of February 7, 1954, at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

Before February 1954, no endeavor to get the pledge officially amended had succeeded. The final successful push came from George MacPherson Docherty. Some American presidents honored Lincoln's birthday by attending services at the church Lincoln attended, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church by sitting in Lincoln's pew on the Sunday nearest February 12. On February 7, 1954, with President Dwight D. Eisenhower sitting in Lincoln's pew, Docherty, the church's pastor, delivered a sermon based on the Gettysburg Address entitled "A New Birth of Freedom." He argued that the nation's might lay not in arms but rather in its spirit and higher purpose. He noted that the Pledge's sentiments could be those of any nation: "There was something missing in the pledge, and that which was missing was the characteristic and definitive factor in the American way of life." He cited Lincoln's words "under God" as defining words that set the US apart from other nations.

President Eisenhower had been baptized a Presbyterian very recently, just a year before. He responded enthusiastically to Docherty in a conversation following the service. Eisenhower acted on his suggestion the next day and on February 8, 1954, Rep. Charles Oakman (R-Mich.), introduced a bill to that effect. Congress passed the necessary legislation and Eisenhower signed the bill into law on Flag Day, June 14, 1954.[44] Eisenhower said:

From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.... In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war.

The phrase "under God" was incorporated into the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1954, by a Joint Resolution of Congress amending § 4 of the Flag Code enacted in 1942…….

European Football Associations) is formed in Basel, Switzerland…..A CIA-engineered military coup occurs in Guatemala…..and the number one song in LuLac land and America this week was “This Is the Thanks I Get For Loving You” by Eddy Arnold.