The LuLac Edition #5, 173, Seotember 19th, 2024

 

FACT CHECK?

OR

SCARE TACTIC

 

Recently this meme has gone up on social media. It is easy to understand and read. It also is focused on the “me” rather than the “us”. It paints America as failing its people by not focusing on the greater good for all but the “what’s in for me” crowd.

I realize that everyone has issues and challenges, and I empathize with that. I can see maybe a couple of these complaints but all of them?

The baby boom has been a bitter disappointment to the World War II greatest generation that survived the depression, a world war on both fronts, social upheaval that drastically changed the make-up of this nation and an uneven economies.  They dealt with everything and more on this list. But they were the collective “we” not “me”.

As citizens of the greatest nation we are on the way to losing our way through negativity on problems we can solve if we all worked together. But unfortunately, we are divided by obstructionists in Congress and as division that started when a failed businessman lied his way into the White House. He put a simple more comfortable stamp on the complex problems that face this nation. He made it simple to be mean, crude and look inward., not outward.

The” we” became the “me” and it needs to be responded to so that people realize we are not failing but better off than any country in the world.

My finances are not better

Average income in Luzerne County is at $60,000 a year, $48, 5 in Wilkes-Barre. It can be a struggle for one income families but even people receiving social security and a pension or two are way better off than they were in the teens.

My grocery bill is not better.

When the pandemic hit, there was a lack of goods. The supply chain was not good and people were buying toilet paper in numbers “like you’ve never seen before”. There was no attempt by the previous administration to address these problems. Major corporations seeing the panic buying saw an opportunity to raise prices. Data from the U.S. Commerce Department shows that corporate profit margins for food companies are the largest they've been in 70 years. Food companies, not a Presidential administration or your Mayor control pricing. Take for example Pepsi. Pepsi prices were up 16%, while unit volumes were down 2%. Pepsico more recently posted a 21% rise in operating profit to $970 million, with a 6% volume decline after double-digit price increases for 7 consecutive quarters - nearly 2 whole years. As an executive bluntly stated, “I still think we're capable of taking whatever pricing we need.”

I always tell people to look for sales. You love Pepsi or in my case Snapple and they raise the prices to $14.00 bucks a case for 24 cans of soda or 12 bottles of tea…well you just don’t buy it. Companies look at regular weekly sales and they get the message.

During World War II there were rations. Today good are plentiful and prices can be lowered but corporations won’t do that because no longer are they owned by families who were happy to make a decent profit and give consumers a good deal that they could afford. Today corporate greed rules because CEOs know that consumers will not blame them but the government.

My interest rates aren't better

In short, interest rates are the Fed's main tool to combat inflation. Inflation is driven by strong consumer demand. By raising interest rates, which makes things more expensive, the central bank is hoping to dampen Americans' willingness to spend money. The stimulus checks sent by both Trump and Biden gave more spending power to consumers but were banked because of shutdowns. When access to spending increased after the pandemic ended, there was high demand.

The interest rates affected more people starting out in life rather than those who own property with no mortgages. Yet the loudest complaints seem to be coming from the over 50 crowd who are established and don’t do much of the borrowing.

My insurance cost is not better

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Over 20 Million Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace Since Start of Open Enrollment Period, a Record High. With more people in the pool, health care can be affordable.

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting and strengthening Medicare. While Congressional Republicans support measures to put Medicare on the chopping block and roll back reductions in drug prices offered through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Administration’s commitment to the more than 65 million Americans with Medicare, and to future beneficiaries, remains unwavering. This includes making sure Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage are both strong and stable.

The Administration is continuing on a stable path to support Medicare Advantage private insurance plans in delivering quality health care for seniors and people with disabilities. Actions include ensuring payments are accurate, cracking down on predatory marketing, preventing inappropriate care denials due to prior authorization, and more. For 2025, the Administration is proposing to increase Medicare Advantage payments by 3.7% overall, which amounts to a roughly $16 billion increase. These actions build on the Administration’s ongoing commitments to promote competition in health care markets and lower health care costs for American families.

If your health care is too high, you might want to look into supplemental plans.

 

My energy costs are not better

Energy depends on how much you use and how much you have. The more appliances you use, radio, TV, air conditioning can be a factor. In Pennsylvania you can choose the company you buy electricity or buy natural gas from. This means you can select from a variety of rates, terms, and companies that fit your unique needs.

A neutral third party exists; it’s called PA. Energy Ratings.  The goal of PA Energy Ratings is to help you navigate the available plans and compare the best Pennsylvania energy suppliers.

My fuel cost is not better

Gas prices are going down. Gas prices surged in 2021 and 2022 amid economic disruptions caused by the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — and they’ve never been the same. The gas prices fluctuate and depend on where you live. Also, if you have a multi vehicle family, naturally the price will be doubled just because of your volume. In 2019 a medium duty pickup truck was $93,000. In my estimation if you could afford a truck like that, you can afford the gas.

My peace of mind is not better

Can’t help you there. We all have our worries, my advice is to work hard, be positive and don’t dwell on things you cannot control.

 

My concern with foreign nations is not better

For the first time in four years, America’s allies are solid. We need to support Ukraine because there is an attempt to take over Europe. The world of 2024 is reminiscent to Germany in 1924.

On the Mideast, remember the new conflict started when 1,000 innocent concert goers were massacred and raped. We need a 2 state solution.

Isolationism is not the answer unless you have something better.

 

My health insurance is not better

We would be better off with national health care. There is a class disparity between say retired union members who get lifetime health care and those who don't. What stuns me is many, not all of those members enjoying the benefit are down on Harris and bullish on Trump, a guy who never paid his vendors and used non union labor. Right now the most effective vehicle is Medicare. I can’t see why pwople don’t think health insurance is better when the Biden administration got Medicare to negotiate for better prices and capped 10 essential drugs at a low cost, the most prominent being insulin.

My cost of anything that is necessary is not better than 3.5 years ago.

Supply and demand. Corporations set the price. It is a knee jerk reaction to place blame on the government when in effect it s big business who is screwing you. Again, look for sales and buy carefully.

 

I personally can't keep going the way we are going.

I can't delve into any personal needs, but I do know this. The last four years has seen higher wages, more work for everyone, and more consequential legislation than any other since Lyndon Johnson.

The key is to get more people who worry about YOUR FAMILY than THEIR OWN.

HAZLETON POLICE DEPT. UNVEILS NEW QUARTERS

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

 

The Hazleton Standard Speaker reports that the city police department unveiled its new headquarters during National Night Out festivities on Tuesday.

"The biggest thing was getting us out of city hall so we can expand our department," Hazleton Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker said.

In 2016, the department had just 32 police officers. Today, the department has has 52 full-time officers.

 Schoonmaker said he's working with Mayor Jeff Cusat to allocate funding to expanding the force to 62 officers.

The building located at 780 N. Church St. formerly housed Elevate Business and Wellness Center. The city paid $1.75 million and had to do some minor renovations to convert into a suitable space for the police department.

"This department is always continuing to help the community. Hazleton sets the standard, Hazleton leads by example and represents the 116th district,"  State Rep. Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp. said.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, echoed his praise saying, "this is a time when we come together and celebrate community policing, that's what we understand in Northeast PA.

"It makes me proud to get the money I get to support what they are up to, referencing $2,384,064 for HPD equipment and technology upgrades part of five Community Project Funding requests Cartwright submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration for the fiscal year 2025."

According to Cartwright's May news release, this funding was used to upgrade the department's technology, vehicles, and other equipment, improving response times, enhancing officer safety, and promoting accountability

 

CASEY STATEMENT ON FAILED RIGHT TO IVF ACT VOTE

AMERICAN WOMEN KNOW THAT ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS AND WHEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT IVF, SENATE REPUBLICANS HAVE ONCE AGAIN FAILED THEM.”

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

 

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the failed Senate vote on the Right to IVF Act. Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, an Alabama Supreme Court ruling jeopardized access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments for millions of women and families. The Right to IVF Act would protect and guarantee the right for people to access IVF and fertility services nationwide, enhance fertility treatment options for veterans and servicemembers, and require insurance plans to cover infertility treatments.

“The fall of Roe v. Wade not only ripped away abortion access for millions of women, but it also put fertility treatments in jeopardy for Americans desperately trying to start a family. This bill would guarantee that women’s access to IVF cannot be upended at the whims of extreme politicians. American women know that actions speak louder than words and when given the opportunity to protect IVF, Senate Republicans have once again failed them.”

 

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION RECOGNIZES SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, DISCUSSES MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH TO STRENGTHEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND SAVE LIVES

Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined leaders from multiple state agencies, the Governor's Advisory Commissions on LGBTQ Affairs and African American Affairs, and suicide prevention advocacy groups, to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month. Although behavioral health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, this month provides a dedicated time to offer resources, information, and support to those who have been affected by suicide and honor survivors and lives lost to suicide.

"DHS is proud to work alongside our agency colleagues and suicide prevention organizations to raise awareness about how to get help, reduce stigma, and to offer hope. The Shapiro Administration is working collaboratively on suicide prevention efforts to address the unique behavioral health needs of those we serve, and I encourage any Pennsylvanian to reach out when they need support or they are looking to help a loved one," said Secretary Arkoosh. "When a person dies by suicide, that loss has lasting effects on families, friends, and communities who may grapple with unanswered questions, complex emotions, or fears of being stigmatized or isolated. There is always an opportunity to check in with our loved ones, so they know that people care, their lives matter, and they are not alone."

 

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 107.

 

 1984

Our 1984 logo

The 1st MTV Video Music Awards: The Cars win with "You Might Think", and David Bowie wins with "China Girl" and Madonna performs "Like A Virgin"

Dwight Gooden ties record of 32 strikeouts in consecutive games…. Reggie Jackson is 13th to hit 500 HRs….USSR performs underground nuclear test… 1oe Kittinger completes 1st solo balloon crossing of Atlantic….. Tigers clinch AL East championship (spent all year in 1st place) Sparky Anderson is 1st manager to win 100 games in both leagues….Tim Raines is 1st player with 4 consecutive 70-stolen-base seasons…..9 Britain & China complete a proposed agreement to transfer Hong Kong to China by 1997…..0 "The Cosby Show" premieres on NBC-TV starring Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad…Sep 20 Cubs break 2 million in home attendance for 1st time…… Suicide car bomb attacks US Embassy annex in Beirut, kills 23….. NASA launches Galaxy- 36th Emmy Awards: "Hill Street Blues"; "Cheers": John Ritter & Tyne Daly win….and this wek in 1984 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama.