The Lu Lac Political Letter: July 2024

Monday, July 29, 2024

The LuLac Edition #5, 148, Juky 29th, 2024

MONDAY MEMES

Thursday, July 25, 2024

The LuLac Edition #5, 147, July 25th, 2024

THE MISTREATMENT

OF JOE BIDEN BY CATHOLICS

The first Irish Catholic President of the United States, John F. Kennedy was lionized by Roman Catholics and people of Irish heritage. When he was alive people readily came to his defense in almost every situation of his Presidency. When he died he was virtually beatified by them and most homes had a picture of JFK hanging in their living rooms usually next to Christ and the Blessed Mother.

The second Irish Catholic President didn’t fare so well. Right from the start he was underestimated and portrayed as crazy Uncle Joe. When Barack Obama picked him to be Vice President, it was primarily because people didn’t think we were ready for an African American President who served just 4 years in the Senate. He was picked to counterpoint his experience with the younger and untested Obama.

After the successful Obama win, he and the new President got along famously but the staff in the West Wing weren’t any friends of his. Even after serving loyally for 8 years, he willingly stepped aside to let Hillary Clinton try in 2016.

When he finally got to the White House, there was no great outpouring of support from Roman Catholics. Some of that was due to his pro-choice stance but a majority of the lack of enthusiasm came from a combination of social circumstances. American Catholics were no longer as devout in their attendance and adherence to social norms. The politics of JFK was rooted in government rules and regulations, polite agree to disagree logic. The politics of Joe Biden was a short attention span, WWE wrestling/America’s Got Talent entertainment. It wasn’t helped by the ignorant bombastic Trump and his divisive rhetoric and childlike temperament. That gave some Roman Catholics the permission to forget the rules of Christianity they learned from the nuns.

Democratic Catholics turned from the party that brought them up and benefited them financially to embrace a coarse culture of “I got mine, now we WON’T let you get yours". These grandchildren of immigrants now decided that new immigrants of his felllow of color didn’t belong. Bestowed with the benefits of citizenship at birth, this new group of voters decided to believe everything negative that was said about immigration and the border. While the chances of millions of crazy people storming West Pittston or Dunmore was improbable if not downright impossible, they chose to believe the lie. It was easy because they didn’t have to work at getting the facts.

In the meantime, Joe Biden went to church every week. When he had one bad public moment, he was vilified as incompetent even after having the most consequential Presidency of the last 9 (Obama included) men who served. He worked to solve every issue thrown at his desk (including the mess Trump left) and served with patience, class and distinction. History will judge him well. The historians will undoubtedly be much kinder and loyal to him than some Irish Catholics of this damaged political climate.

CARTWRIGHT PICNIC

6^th DISTRICT PICNIC

U.S. REP. MATT CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR ROUTE 611 PROJECT TO MOVE FORWARD

PENNDOT AND NATIONAL PARK SERVICE OFFICIALS AGREE TO TEMPORARY SOLUTION TO GET ROAD OPEN

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08), along with PA State Senator Rosemary Brown and PA State Representative Tarah Probst, today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the National Park Service (NPS) have reached a compromise when it comes to reopening Route 611 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

PennDOT officials said they expect it will take roughly eight to ten weeks to complete the project and get traffic flowing once permits are finalized. NPS confirmed the permitting process would be expedited because the project is temporary and not directly impacting resources.

“In my ongoing meetings with PennDOT, the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration - along with national, state and local public officials - we were able to find common ground that included prioritizing the opening of the road to traffic while keeping motorists safe,” Cartwright said. “I am grateful for the partnership with Senator Rosemary Brown and Representative Tarah Probst’s offices, and the multi-level collaboration with National Parks, PennDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and so many community officials who continued to show up and advocate for a solution.”

The agreed-upon plans include the installation of a temporary, free-standing rockfall barrier. This compromise, both agencies agree, will allow two-way traffic to flow while they continue working behind-the-scenes on a more permanent solution.

“This is a critical step in restoring accessibility and alleviating the hardships faced by our residents and businesses,” Brown said. “While this is a temporary fix, it is an important move towards a permanent resolution. I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term solution that balances all interests.”

"I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Congressman Matt Cartwright for bringing all agencies and representatives together to come to a solution to re-open Route 611,” Probst said. “A year and half ago, we started working and trying to get this settled. Everything we wanted to do kept falling to the wayside, and it was frustrating not only for me, but most importantly, the residents who travel that road, the businesses that have suffered because of this closure, the emergency access being removed and the toll it has taken on other municipality roads. I am so glad that there is going to be a temporary fix that will come to a permanent solution, and everybody can get back to their normal lives. We can do better, we will do better, and I thank Congressman Cartwright for stepping in and helping to get this job done."

“This road improvement project marks an important path forward for the communities in my district,” said PA State Rep. Ann Flood. “From the start of the closure, I've been working hard and tirelessly advocating for this cause, because I understand the severe impact it has had on businesses and residents in Portland and surrounding areas. I am thrilled to see a resolution to this situation, which will bring long-awaited relief to our constituents.”

NPS officials said they are also pleased to have found a viable compromise “that will allow Route 611 to re-open, bringing much-needed relief to local businesses, residents and communities, including Portland, Slateford, Delaware Water Gap and others who have suffered greatly during this extended road closure while also protecting Mt. Minsi and the Delaware Water Gap from permanent damage. The opening of this road will take pressure off local communities while NPS, PennDOT and FHWA work on a pathway to permanent repairs along this important route.”

Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap area has remained closed after heavy rains led to a rockslide along Mount Minsi in December of 2022. When re-opening the road hit an impasse due to statuary limitations faced by NPS and PennDOT, Cartwright convened the multi-level meetings between the agencies and elected officials in the affected region.

“Our intention was to hold an ongoing, open discussion on how we could mitigate the challenges the National Park Service and PennDOT faced regarding the reopening of Route 611. I am very pleased we were able to devise a cooperative strategy between both agencies that will provide much-needed relief to the people we serve,” Cartwright said.

CASEY, KAINE INTRODUCE BILL TO STRENGTHEN ADVOCACY FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS

THE STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS ACT WOULD BOLSTER THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMEN ADVOCATE FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS AND MONITOR CONDITIONS AND CARE WITHIN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

CASEY HAS LONG BEEN ONE OF THE SENATE’S LEADING ADVOCATES FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Strengthening Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Act to improve the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which was established under the Older Americans Act. Local Ombudsman programs designate staff and trained volunteers as representatives to advocate for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities, providing residents and their families with confidential information and assistance and monitoring conditions and care within a facility. With a growing number of older adults residing in long-term care facilities, Ombudsman program staff and volunteers face challenges to ensuring residents receive the care they deserve and have their rights protected.

“Long-term care ombudsmen are vital to ensuring that residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have advocates who can represent their interests and can push for better care and conditions,” said Senator Casey. “Senator Kaine and I are introducing this bill to strengthen the Ombudsman Program and ensure that it has the resources, leadership, and personnel to continue its critical work safeguarding the Nation’s residents of long-term care facilities.”

“Older Americans deserve to age with dignity, but sadly, we continue to see reports of abuses at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m introducing this legislation to strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and help ensure that older Virginians and people with disabilities living in long-term care facilities continue to have trained professionals able to advocate for them, address their complaints, and help ensure they have access to safe, quality care.”

In 2023, nearly 5,400 Ombudsman program staff and volunteers conducted over 340,000 visits to long-term care facilities, assisting over 500,000 residents and their families.

The Strengthening Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Act would improve the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program by:

Instructing the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to establish categories of duties for volunteers and appropriate training requirements for volunteers based on those categories. Training guidelines should reflect the diversity of volunteer contributions to the Ombudsman program. This will make it easier to recruit and retain more Ombudsman program volunteers and continue to ensure volunteers have the appropriate training they need.

Reaffirming Congress’ intent that the Ombudsman program should be led by a full-time National Director. In 2019, reorganization under the Trump Administration resulted in the loss of this position. State and local ombudsmen have reported that the lack of a National Director impedes coordination and distracts from the mission of the program.

Requiring the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) to study and issue a report with a recommendation for the number of ombudsmen per LTC facility bed. This would give states and ACL better insight into the current needs of the program. In 1995, the Institute of Medicine (now part of NASEM) released a report recommending a staffing ratio of one ombudsman per 2,000 beds for the Ombudsman program. This staffing ratio has not been updated in the nearly 30 years since and current data indicates that caseloads far exceed that threshold.

Senator Casey has long been one of the Senate’s strongest advocates for Americans in long-term care facilities. Earlier this Congress, Senator Casey released a report entitled, Uninspected and Neglected, which demonstrated the critical role Ombudsman program staff play in safeguarding nursing home residents. In addition, Senator Casey introduced the Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act, a landmark piece of legislation that would invest billions of dollars in bolstering the LTC workforce, thus ensuring those providing care are fairly compensated and supported in the workplace. Senator Casey is also leading the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act this year and held a hearing in May 2024 to discuss reauthorization priorities, which include bolstering the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. The Connecticut State Ombudsman served as a witness at the hearing.

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO LEADS MOST SIGNIFICANT REFORM AND INVESTMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN DECADES TO GIVE EVERY PENNSYLVANIAN THE FREEDOM TO CHART THEIR OWN COURSE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin were joined by higher education leaders and students at Shippensburg University for a ceremonial bill signing of the higher education reforms that Governor Shapiro signed into law last week as part of the 2024-25 budget.

The 2024-25 budget budget makes the first significant progress on higher education in three decades and delivers on the Governor's key priorities to give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.

"Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed - and that's exactly what this budget delivers," said Governor Shapiro. "My Administration has made higher education a priority again, and this budget represents the first significant progress on higher education in 30 years. It delivers real opportunity for our students and ensures that higher education will serve as an economic driver in this Commonwealth for generations to come."

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN

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

STEVE CORBETT’S SCRANTON CITY NEWS

Here's the link: News – The Outlaw Steve Corbett (theoutlawcorbett.com)

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107FM.

1984

Our 1984 logo

Vanessa Williams is asked to resign as Miss America due to publication of nude photos of her in Penthouse. ……

Federation Cup Women's Tennis, São Paulo, Brazil: Czech pair Hana Mandlíková & Helena Suková beat Australians Elizabeth Sayers & Wendy Turnbull 6-2, 6-2 for a 2-1 victory……ish Open Men's Golf, St Andrews: Seve Ballesteros of Spain wins his 2nd of 3 Open titles by 2 shots from Bernhard Langer & Tom Watson….C Royals Dan Quisenberry gets his 200th career save….Careless Whisper" single released by George Michael (credited in US to Wham!) (Billboard Song of the Year 1985)…. Bowie Kuhn announces pitcher Vida Blue is suspended for the rest of 1984 due to cocaine conviction….. Expos Pete Rose ties Ty Cobb with his 3,502nd single……Jul 27 West Indies cricket opening batsman Gordon Greenidge smashes 223 in innings & 64 run win over England in 4th Test at Manchester; Windies lead series, 4-0……… 23rd modern Olympic Games open in Los Angeles………..American cyclists Alexi Grewal and Connie Carpenter take out the road race double around the streets of Mission Viejo at the LA Olympics…….Canadian Open Women's Golf (du Maurier Classic), St. George's CC: Juli Inkster wins by 1 from Ayako Okamoto of Japan…..Alvenus tanker at Cameron Louisiana, spills 2.8 million gallons of oil…..Hollie Roffey aged 10 days is the youngest person to ever receive a heart transplant, will survive 28 days…..Soap Opera "Santa Barbara" premieres on NBC TV, Leeza Gibbon's 1st appearance on Entertainment Tonight and the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Infatuation” by Rod Stewart.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The LuLac Edition #5, 146, July 23rd, 2024

STATE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS WEIGH IN ON BIDEN

DECISION

This is an e mail that was sent to members of the Wilkes-Barre League of Women Voters on how a party handles succession plan.

Hello and good morning,

I am writing to provide some context, talking points, and resources to help you answer any questions you might receive regarding the decision of the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee to withdraw from the presidential race.

First, it is really important to keep in mind that while it is unusual for a party's presumptive nominee to withdraw from a presidential race at this point in the race -- indeed, we are hearing that it is "unprecedented" -- please remember that the modern primary system did not came about until after WWII and really not until after the 1972 presidential election. So while this is unusual, it is hard to say that anything is "unprecedented" with such a relatively short history to draw upon. (See here for a history of primary elections in the United States.)

Second, and related to the first point, there are no federal laws governing the conduct of primary elections. Primaries are governed by the rules of the parties. The LWV is a member organization of the National Task Force on Election Crises, who released a statement following President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. The Task Force makes two key points related to election rules and laws that I'd like to highlight for us to keep in mind as we talk to League members and members of our communities:

1. "Americans can be confident that this situation falls well within existing rules and that their election system continues to allow for a free and fair election."

2. President Biden was not yet the official Democratic Party nominee, he was the presumptive nominee. As a result, and importantly, "state ballot access laws are no obstacle to the party choosing a nominee other than President Biden. States have not yet printed ballots for the general election, and state laws across the country provide for the candidate chosen by the Democratic Party at or before the convention to appear on ballots this November irrespective of whether that nominee is the same individual as the party’s presumptive nominee based on the results of the party’s presidential preference primaries."

Third, we need to continue to remind folks that there isn't just one election in November; the presidential candidates need to win each state, as states, state by state, and there are congressional and state legislative races across the country that really matter as well. We should continue to emphasize the importance of down-ballot voting. And, if folks are feeling uncertain in these unusual times, remind them that the best action to take is to vote and to get their friends and families to do the same.

Finally, here are some resources for you to refer to in the coming days. As more are created, provided, and shared, I will be sure to pass them along.

1. LWV-US statement President Biden Withdraws from Reelection | League of Women Voters (lwv.org)

2. National Task Force on Election Crisis, "Statement on the Democratic Party Replacing Its Presumptive Nominee" Task Force Statement Candidate Succession (electiontaskforce.org)

3. National Task Force on Election Crisis, "Candidate Succession Before Election Day" Final Draft TF Explainer on Candidate Succession pre-Election Day (with TF edits).docx (electiontaskforce.org)

I will continue to keep you up-to-date and informed about any new resources or information that would be helpful. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions and/or concerns.

Amy Widestrom, PhD (she/her)

Executive Director

League of Women Voters of PA

To become a member of the Wilkes-Barre League of Women Voters access this link:

LWV-WBA: Join Us (lwvwba.org)

STATE DEMS ENDORSE HARRIS

Yesterday at noon the state Democratic committee endorsed Vice President Harris for President. Here’s what Luzerne County ChaIR Tom Shubilla wrote:

This morning the PA Democratic Party Executive Committee has voted to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States and County Chairs will follow suit at noon.

I will do my best to keep everyone in the loop as news progresses but matter what we must continue to work hard to unite the Democratic Party and engage our voters to keep democracy alive and well in the United States.

I say it in every interview I do: "Once again, all eyes are on Luzerne County."