The LuLac Edition #5, 192, October 31st, 2024

 

WARNING

It’s concerning that Jamie Walsh and his Republican colleagues have set up an unofficial “election problem-solving team” that gives the appearance of an official Luzerne County voter hotline but is, in fact, run by election-denying MAGA supporters. This setup could easily mislead voters into thinking they’re contacting a legitimate county resource for election issues.

THIS IS NOT A COUNTY SPONSORED SITE

These MAGAs are looking for problems that don't exist.
 

HARRIS’S PERFORMANCE BEFORE 75,000

 

Vice President Harris performed  with compassion and energy in her closing argument Tuesday night,

She spoke forcefully but with flashes of humor, seeking to weave together a lot of strands — an attack on Trump, a summary of her own platform, a biographical narrative for those voters who are still not comfortable with her, and a defense on her more vulnerable issues.

There were no obvious stumbles, gaffes or other moments when things went awr­y — although President Biden added his own complication during a separate video call.

Harris is also enjoying a good few days, after a stretch of the campaign when she had fallen from her earlier polling highs and Trump seemed to edge just slightly ahead in the race for the White House.

But the Trump campaign has spent two days enmeshed in a controversy of its own making, after a comedian at his big rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday made a racist crack about Puerto Rico.

That was a confounding error given the sizable Puerto Rican population in some of the key swing states — including more than 400,000 people in Pennsylvania.

Harris’s performance at the Ellipse ups her chances of turning the momentum back in her favor in the campaign’s final week. `(The Hill)

 

.J.Z. MEETS

DOUG

 

J.Z.'s way better half Karel Zubris with Mayor Brown. (Photos by Karel Zubris) 

Plains resident and retired Wilkes-Barre Area teacher John Zubris (J.Z. to me) had the opportunity to meet first gentleman Doug Emhoff. Emhoff did door to door campaigning with Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and then stopped in at Hillside Farms in Dallas and bought some honey. He then proceeded to King’s College and gave a good speech hyping his spouse’s candidacy. WVIA reports that f emphasized putting country ahead of party Monday in a Northeast Pennsylvania campaign swing on behalf of his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Aiming squarely at Republicans, the Democratic presidential nominee’s husband told a small Wilkes-Barre rally that “conservatives who have never voted for a Democrat in their lives … are coming with us.”

“Once you actually listen to Kamala's policies, you may not agree with every one of them, but you find out you agree with a lot of them,” he said inside King’s College’s Sheehy-Farmer Student Center. “You love her background as a prosecutor. You love her background as a district attorney and attorney general who fought for the rights of all Californians. You've seen her in the United States Senate, sticking up for everyone.”

Harris has withstood “everyone trying to lie about her,” Emhoff said.

“So, if you're a conservative, Republican, moderate, independent, come on board,” he said.

Local resident John Zubris spoke with Emhoff. Zubris told the second Gentleman that the campaign needs to be about the future. Special outreach to young people, especially those undecided voters.  are young people. J.Z. told Emhoff that President Biden promised 2-year free college as well as loan forgiveness, but those ambitious programs were jettisoned from his agenda by a truculent Congress. campaign talks about education 2-year education free, loan forgiveness.  Zubris said that Emhoff was receptive to his opinion.

 

 

RIGHT TRACK-WRONG TRACK

Did you ever notice when polling people ask the question “Is the country on the right or wrong track, they never, ever follow up the question to those polled with the single word “why?”

It is human nature to be pessimistic and selfish in a way. But the economy is the best in the world. Did you know the lowest paid person in Mississippi gets paid more than a worker who lives in Germany and Great Britain? It’s TRUE.

We are a nation of whiners who want our own way and rarely sacrifice. If Trump wins this election, everything that the beleaguered, misunderstood, and unappreciated Biden administration will go down in flames.

That as millions of parents said to their kids, “Quit complaining or I’ll give you a reason to cry”.

With Trump and the GOP…………………..there will be pain, chaos and tears.

 

 

TRUMP CALLS MADISON SQUARE GARDEN A LOVE FEST

 

Speaking Tuesday from Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump praised his recent Madison Square Garden rally ― an event filled with racist rhetoric and messages similar to those at a pro-Nazi rally once held at an earlier iteration of the same venue ― as a “lovefest.”

“The love in that room, it was breathtaking. ... It was like a lovefest, an absolute lovefest, and it was my honor to be involved,” Trump said of his event where he called immigrants “vicious and bloodthirsty criminals” and a comedian onstage referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean.”

Trump is doubling down but meanwhile 450,000 Puerto Ricans in Pennsylvania are not amused. What the MAGAs can’t grasp is that there will be a political price to pay for this.

 

 

JAMIE WALSH’S BOGUS COMPLAINT

Jamie Walsh recently filed a complaint against the Luzerne County Election Board, demanding they expedite mail ballot processing. Despite being informed that ballot processing was on schedule as of Saturday, Walsh has refused to drop his complaint. His actions are part of an ongoing campaign by Walsh and the Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania, a group that opposes drop boxes, to target Election Board Chair Denise Williams, who supports them. 

ALEC RYNCAVAGE’S MYSTERIOUS TRIP

Last week, it was reported on Alec Ryncavage, the self-proclaimed cybersecurity expert, for cybersquatting domains linked to his opponent, Megan Kocher. Now, details have emerged about a trip Ryncavage and State Rep. Aaron Kaufer took last year—an all-expenses-paid, nine-day journey to India, funded by local businessmen. The trip, intended to foster dairy farm and medical personnel exchanges, has not appeared in any expense or campaign finance reports. No information about the trip was shared on social media by either politician. Details of the trip only surfaced through coverage in an Indian news outlet. By all appearances, this is a gift from lobbyists that wasn’t reported.

 

CARTWRIGHT EARNS TOP RANKING ON COMMON GROUND SCORECARD FOR WORKING ACROSS PARTY LINES

PA CONGRESSMAN SCORES IN TOP 10% OF ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR FINDING COMMON GROUND WITH COLLEAGUES

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Matt Cartwright  has been named a Common Ground Champion on the Common Ground Scorecard for his ongoing efforts to work across party lines on important issues to move the country forward. He has earned a score of 71 out of 110 points, putting him in the Top 10 percent of all elected officials for finding common ground with his colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle.

The Common Ground Scorecard is the first-ever measurement tool of elected officials and candidates for office – including U.S. House Members, U.S. Senators and governors. The Scorecard shows on a scale of 0-110 how much these elected officials seek to find common ground with members of the other political party. The 2024 Scorecard, released by Common Ground Committee (CGC), shows that Rep. Cartwright’s score of 71 is 40 points higher than the overall average score of 31.

“Since arriving in Congress, I’ve worked with Democrats and Republicans to get things done. As a result, I’ve introduced more bills with Democratic and Republican support than any other House Democrat since I was first elected. So far, I’ve succeeded in authoring and passing 16 substantive bills into law, signed and enacted by the last three presidents,” Congressman Cartwright said.  “I firmly believe people want their elected leaders to work together in order to do what’s right for our country. I’m committed to working in a bipartisan manner to find areas of common ground on matters that will make a positive difference in the lives of the people I serve, regardless of political affiliation.”

The Common Ground Scorecard was first released prior to the 2020 election and is updated annually by CGC, a nonpartisan, citizen-led organization devoted to improving public discourse in politics. In addition to their commitments and personal actions, CGC also incorporates third-party rankings on bipartisanship and other public sources of data.

“While personal attacks and social media spats in Congress get the most attention, most America probably don’t realize there are earnest and dedicated Members like Congressman Matt Cartwright, striving each day to solve the complex problems our country faces,” said Common Ground Committee Co-founder Erik Olsen. “We understand that Americans want their leaders to do the hard work necessary to find areas of agreement when possible, and we applaud Congressman Matt Cartwright for his work seeking out common ground on our country’s toughest challenges.”

For more information on the Common Ground Scorecard and Rep. Matt Cartwright’s score, visit here.

 

 

 

CASEY SECURES $245 MILLION TO CLEAN UP ABANDONED MINE LANDS

PUBLISHED:OCTOBER 25, 2024

WITH THIS ROUND OF FUNDING, PA HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN $735 MILLION TO CLEAN UP ABANDONED MINE LANDS

ONE THIRD OF THE NATION’S ABANDONED MINE LAND IS IN PENNSYLVANIA, IMPACTING AS MANY AS 1.4 MILLION RESIDENTS IN 43 OF PA’S 67 COUNTIES

FUNDING TO CLEAN UP ABANDONED MINE LAND COMES FROM CASEY-BACKED INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) secured $245,082,772 to clean up abandoned mine lands across Pennsylvania. This third round of funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior will help create good-paying jobs in rural and energy communities across the Commonwealth, reclaim abandoned mine lands, and mitigate the health hazards and environmental pollution from legacy mining sites. The funding was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Casey fought to pass.

“I have long fought to help Pennsylvania’s coal communities overcome the legacy of abandoned mine pollution, which has ravaged landscapes, damaged property, and threatened the health of far too many Pennsylvanians,” said Senator Casey. “Thanks to the infrastructure law, we can continue cleaning up this land, create good-paying jobs and boost our Commonwealth’s economy. These communities built and powered our Nation for decades and I will keep working to ensure that they are not left behind.” 

Senator Casey has long advocated for abandoned mine cleanup across the Commonwealth. With this round of funding, Pennsylvania has received more than $735 million from the IIJA to clean up abandoned mine lands. In January 2022, after delivering $244 million in an initial round of funding for abandoned mine cleanup, Casey spoke to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland about the need for additional flexibility during her visit to?Swoyersville, PA, allowing states to use their acid mine drainage (AMD) set-aside programs to mitigate environmental hazards acid mine drainage.?Casey also passed the STREAM Act to allow states more flexibility to use funding from the infrastructure law to address long-term impacts of abandoned mine land including AMD, which pollutes Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams. In addition to voting to pass the infrastructure law, in April 2021, Casey introduced?legislation?to extend abandoned mine land cleanup?funding?and?to?provide a boost for coal reclamation projects that provide economic development and growth in communities impacted by the downturn in the coal industry.?

In June 2024, Senator Casey announced more than $28.6 million from the Department of the Interior’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program. In March 2024, Casey delivered $90 million from the infrastructure law to build solar facilities on former mine lands in Clearfield County. The Mineral Basin solar project is expected to produce enough energy to power 70,000 homes per year. In May 2022, Casey announced $26.6 million from the AMLER Program.

 

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO HOLDS CEREMONIAL BILL SIGNING WITH FORMER NBA STAR MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST, ENSURING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR SPEECH THERAPY FOR CHILDREN WHO STUTTER

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO SIGNED THE BILL INTO LAW LAST WEEK, HELPING CHILDREN OVERCOME THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES OF STUTTERING

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro was joined by former NBA star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Representative Brandon Markosek for a ceremonial signing of HB 2268(opens in a new tab), which ensures that children who stutter can access speech therapy without financial barriers.

Governor Shapiro officially signed the bill(opens in a new tab) into law last week, ensuring children who stutter can access speech therapy and overcome social and emotional challenges associated with stuttering. Kidd-Gilchrist, a former University of Kentucky and NBA star, is a leading advocate for stuttering awareness and met with state legislators earlier this summer during a visit to the Capitol.

“By signing this bill into law, we’re ensuring that Pennsylvania children who stutter can access the critical support they need without worrying about affordability. For too long, financial barriers have prevented many families from getting their children the speech therapy services that can make a world of difference in their lives,” said Governor Shapiro. “Speech therapy can be life-changing for kids facing this challenge, giving them the tools they need to find their voice, overcome obstacles, and thrive. I’m proud that Pennsylvania is leading the way in removing these barriers and standing up for our children’s right to the care they need. Today, we are taking an important step toward creating a more inclusive, supportive future for all kids across the Commonwealth.”

Childhood stuttering is a neurological speech disorder that typically develops between the ages of two and six, characterized by repeated sounds, syllables, prolonged speech, and interruptions. It affects 5 to 10 percent of American children, impacting around 3 million people across the country.

The new law requires health insurance companies to cover speech therapy for children in this age group diagnosed with stuttering, offering significant relief to families. With therapy sessions costing between $75 and $250, and months of treatment often required, this financial support is crucial for those affected by stuttering.

Kidd-Gilchrist, a standout basketball player who won a national championship with the University of Kentucky before a successful NBA career, has openly discussed his lifelong struggle with stuttering. He has become a prominent personal advocate for stuttering awareness, supporting similar legislation across the country.

This marks Kidd-Gilchrist's second visit to the Pennsylvania State Capitol. In June, he joined Representative Brandon Markosek – who has been open about his own experiences with stuttering – in addressing the House of Representatives about their personal journeys with the disorder.

At the signing, Kidd-Gilchrist emphasized the importance of this legislation, noting that his home state of Kentucky recently passed a similar law.

“Special thanks to Governor Shapiro, Representative Markosek, and the Pennsylvania House and Senate for their support of House Bill 2268 that will help young children who stutter receive the speech therapy they need and deserve,” said Kidd-Gilchrist, stuttering champion and NBA Veteran. “I’m honored to have played a small part in this process that will have such a huge impact in their lives.”

“When I was growing up and struggling with a speech disorder, I had a lot of bad days feeling like things weren’t going to get better. I also know how important speech therapy can be, not only in improving speech but also in boosting confidence,” said Representative Markosek. “Today I am so proud to say this new law will ensure that kids will have better access to speech therapy. I can’t thank my fiend Michael Kidd-Gilchrist enough for his advocacy and Governor Shapiro for his support. It’s a great day.”

The social impact of stuttering can be significant, with many children experiencing bullying, which can lead to poor academic performance, mental health struggles, and career challenges later in life. This law reflects broad recognition of the importance of early intervention in treating speech disorders. Research shows that access to speech therapy in early childhood leads to improved outcomes and greater confidence for children who stutter.

The new law will take effect in 60 days, providing immediate relief to families seeking speech therapy for their children.

 

 

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

First NBA game at LA Memorial Sports Arena - LA Clippers beat NY Knicks, 107-105…….. Larry Shue's "Foreigner" premieres in NYC……Willem de Kooning's "Two Women" sells for $1,980,000, a then record for a contemporary work of art and for a living artist…….France performs nuclear test at Mururoa Atoll in the Pacific…… Velma Barfield becomes the first woman executed in the United States since 1962….. 3,000 die in 3 day anti-Sikh riot in India….. Body of assassinated Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi cremated….Funk-rocker Prince opens his "Purple Rain" tour featuring his new band 'The Revolution' with the 1st of seven shows at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan…Willie Hernandez wins AL MVP Award and this week in LuLac land the number one song was “Wake Me Up Before I Go Go” by Wham.

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 191, October 28th, 2024

 

 

KENNEDY VISIT @ 64 YEARS

Kennedy In Nanticoke 

 

and then Pittston.

 

Today marks 64 years that then Senator John Kennedy came to LuLac land and barnstormed both Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. It was days before the general election and Kennedy made his way up the old Route 11 from Wilkes-Bare to Scranton.

            I was 6 and my father took me down the alley from our house on DeWitt Street in Pittston to see him. We waited for hours at the bottom of the alley to see the Democratc candidate ride by.  It was unseasonably warm and kids in the neighborhood were anticipating the big day of masquerading and trick or treating. I was one of the few exceptions though that thought Halloween was a colossal waste of time. Still do. But the practical use of lighting from the Komensky kids Jack o lanterns, as well as the overhead streetlight at Ormsby Alley was helpful.

            The crowd buzzed with activity and chatter.  My mom was working a night shift, my sister was stuck baby sitting so it was just me and Jake waiting, waiting, and waiting. We’d get word passed down to us from the lines up North Main Street that he was in Wikes-Barre, then the west side, then West Pittston and then crossing over the Water Street Bridge where today a statue of JFK stands.

            Finally at 9:30pm or so we saw a big limo convertible approaching. The car approached followed by another vehicle that shined a spotlight on the candidate. It lit up the evening like a moonbeam was shining on the Junction neighborhood as its League of nation nationalities neighbors waited with anticipation.

            My memory of that night was the suit. Kennedy had a blue suit that seemed to glow. The face was tanned, the hair a type of henna brown and the smile was electric. He waved, the crowd cheered and just like a flash the car was headed up route 11 to Scranton where Kennedy arrived at after 11pm to address a capacity crowd at the Watres Armory.

            That evening, 64 years ago today sealed my future. Impressions were made. If you showed up, dressed up, and kept up….you can succeed. Maybe not to the heights of the Presidency but to make your life impactful. This was just two months before Kennedy would proclaim “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.

            2024 is my 17^th Presidential election. I’m struck by how things have devolved because of a division that has divided us with cruelty, stupidity and hate. The guy riding in that car would hardly recognize the America he was wishing to serve just 64 years ago today. Today reminds us that it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. All we need do is follow the path of decency and decorum. That will astound the many and confuse the rest.

Here's a video from a few years back on the occasion of JFK’s 100^th birthday celebration and how I recounted his ride through Wilkes-Barre-Pittston and Scranton  16 Presidential elections ago.