The LuLac Edition #5, 642, April 29th, 2026

 

WRITE ON

WEDNESDAY

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This week we look at the damage and chaos created by  one Donald Trump and his people.

AMERICANS CONTINUE TO BEAR THE COST OF TRUMP’S CHAOS

Last April, President Donald Trump announced what will go down as one of the dumbest economic policy decisions in American history.

Nearly every economist told the president that tariffs imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were a loser — with disagreement coming mostly from how bad their impact would be — and the administration was warned the move was likely unconstitutional.

Trump pushed on anyway, causing Americans to spend millions more for goods. 

Now, a year after the president’s so-called Liberation Day tariffs began, it is time for the government to repay more than $166 billion in duties that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

So much for making America wealthy again.

Last April, President Donald Trump announced what will go down as one of the dumbest economic policy decisions in American history.

Nearly every economist told the president that tariffs imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were a loser — with disagreement coming mostly from how bad their impact would be — and the administration was warned the move was likely unconstitutional.

Trump pushed on anyway, causing Americans to spend millions more for goods.

Now, a year after the president’s so-called Liberation Day tariffs began, it is time for the government to repay more than $166 billion in duties that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

So much for making America wealthy again.

ven after being rebuffed by the court, Trump enacted new tariffs, which are expected to cost the average U.S. family more than $2,500 this year — a 43% increase from the $1,745 average estimated during the first year of his second term, according to data recently released by the Joint Economic Committee.

Small-business importers pa an average of $306,000 more per business in tariffs.

All for thing.

A year of economic chaos just so Trump can go on a power trip. But that is what Trump’s second term is shaping up to be.

Jeremy Siegel, professor emeritus of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, called Trump’s tariffs the “biggest policy mistake in 95 years,” alluding to the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act.

The 1930 measure raised import duties on more than 20,000 goods by 50% to 100%, aimed at protecting American farmers and industries from foreign competition during the Great Depression. It backfired, triggering retaliatory tariffs from other nations, causing a 26% drop in global trade and worsening the economic downturn.

Trump’s tariffs have added about $20,000 to the price of a new home. They have increased the cost of clothes by 14%. Household furnishings, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper are up at least 5%.

Tariffs increased food prices on a host of items, including beef, up 16%, coffee up nearly 20%, and seafood up over 6%.

The president claimed tariffs would magically revive American manufacturing. In fact, nearly 100,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost since the start of Trump’s second term.

To add warmongering to injury, Trump’s conflict with Iran has added to the cost pressures on consumers. Gas prices jumped above $4 a gallon. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN Sunday that gas wouldn’t drop below $3 a gallon until next year.

Thanks to Trump’s war of choice in Iran and tariffs, consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since 2014.

Meanwhile, Trump keeps threatening to commit war crimes in Iran, while his administration’s diplomatic efforts amount to the Three Stooges, with Vice President JD Vance, Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and New York developer Steve Witkoff charged with negotiating peace.

Trump’s shortsighted policies, rogue tactics, and erratic leadership have caused major allies to see the U.S. as unreliable and destabilizing. Trump is causing harm around the world, and yet expects the international community to help him out of the mess he created in Iran. Few allies have heeded his call.

For all his tough talk, America has never looked more incompetent or weaker.

In his concurrence with the high court opinion that the president exceeded his authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs, Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, reminded legislators of their responsibility to represent the people. Yet, the Republicans who control Congress have stood aside as Trump flails around with no clear plan.

Fortunately, many Americans are now paying attention. Trump and his policies are highly unpopular, and two-thirds of U.S. adults disapprove of his handling of inflation and the Iran war. Even the MAGA coalition is beginning to fray in the face of White House chaos and broken promises.

As the midterm elections approach, voters seem intent on sending the message that America can no longer afford the cost of an unchecked Trump presidency.

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 641, Aopril 28th, 2026

 

 

McCLAY EVENT TONIGHT

The event for Jessica McClay for State Representative is tonight at 6pm at Rodano’s on the Square. Donation is $30.00.

McClay’s priorities are the following:

Making life more affordable for working Pennsylvanians

Expand opportunities for high-paying jobs in Luzerne County

Bring home investments in our public schools and main streets

Expand access to good, affordable healthcare

Support first responders

All laudable, everybody wants those things but how do we get them?

Through the complete understanding of legislating. Those improvements just don’t happen by wishing and hoping. Or talking about it. It comes through knowledge of ordinances, laws, relationships with multiple community alliances as well as doing the hard work of legislating which McClay has done on Wilkes-Barre city council. Her work on Council came from her  years on various city boards.  If elected that involement  gives her a leg up on committees in Harrisburg that can only help residents of the 121^st.

Voters in this important 121st district election need to remember this.

When a person is elected to the Legislature, the way government works is by consensus and respect for the process. Legislators who welcome the newly elected rep want to know if the new arrival can hit the ground running.  A smile and a friendly handshake are the starting points of any successful leader. But a person who arrives with the knowledge of how to get things done is more likely to be fast tracked on the road to success for the constituents of the district.

Jessica McClay is that person. Come meet her tonight.

 

 

OF INCUMBENTS AND STATE COMMITTEE RACES

 

This year’s primary election is somewhat deceiving in the sense that there aren’t many offices on the ballot. But what is interesting is that for the first time, Republican incumbents in Legislative races have opposition. Long time state Senator Lisa Baker is facing opposition from a full fledged MAGA Tyler Meyers and 117^th Representative Jamie Walsh, a proud MAGA who voted no to support Black History and Irish heritage month is being opposed by Bill Jones.

On the Democratic side, there is one race pitting Wilkes-Barre City Council Chair Jessica McClay against retired EMT worker Michael “Scoobey” Stadulis. State Senator Martin Flynn is also facing Democratic opposition from Jeff Lake.

The other Republican incumbents have free rides.

Then there are the state committee races. State committee races are usually rubber stamped by county Executive Committees.  Many people usually skip the ballot for this race because they don’t know what it is.

The Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee (PADSC) is the governing body of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Founded in 1792, the PADSC is charged with steering the direction of your party and organizing for Democrats across the ballot!

PADSC members, who are elected to four-year terms, meet in full three times each year. They elect party leadership, hold nominating conventions, pass and promote a party platform, and help lead organizing efforts across the Commonwealth.

In short…..Democrats elect State committee people who represent their philosophy and trajectory of messaging for elections. This year because of a split in the party that happened AFTER Democrats won multiple seats on County  Council and a  Democrat winning a Judgeship for the first time in 10 years, there are two slates going against each other along with another candidate.

There are 6 seats available, but 13 people running. Most likely the people who are aware of this are dedicated volunteers and party insiders who will cast a vote for their side. But this also represents an opportunity for Democrats not on an Executive committee or those not active to choose a slate that meets their standards.

The best things about a political season are the contests and the energy of the campaigns.

The worst things are when campaigns do a whisper campaign saying that some change was made because the heads of the state committee were unsatisfied with a particular regime in a particular county. There are 67 counties and I doubt they would encourage any faction of a party to make changes. Usually when pressed to get specific information, you get, “well I heard……………” with virtually no facts to back it up.

Democrats have 6 choices to make pout of 13.  These state committee races will be the foundation of the next Presidential election. Choose wisely. Save the drama and the whispers for beating the Republicans, not yourselves.

Here are the slates

 

 Attorney Peter Butera

 

CAROLINE LEVITT’S RANT

 

In her last press conference before her maternity leave, Caroline Levitt blamed the Democrats for fomenting hate speech against the President. That's rich.   

Her boss insulted the memory of John McCain, made fun of disabled people, called his fellow Republican’s names and said he was glad Robert Mueller died. HE WAS THE ONE WHO STARTED ALL THIS SHIT.

We wish the Press Secretary well on her pregnancy. We hope her big set of BALLS don’t get in the way of the baby’s arrival.

The bottom line here is every critic of Trump is offering an  observation of his own chaotic, cruel, crazy and contemptible  cowardly (he has to hide behind the skirt of his Press Secretary) behavior. 

 EDITOR'S NOTE: We wish Caroline 27, and her husband Nick Riccio 61, (GO NICK!!!) a healthy baby. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 640, April 27th, 2026

 MONDAY MEMES 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 639, April 26th, 2026

 

 

ARE TRUMP’S

TARIFFS TASTY?

Food prices have gone up. But not because of a supply chain issue or pandemic. It happened because we were supposed to be liberated a year ago this month. When people see the high prices, they need to see why and what tariffs are and how they impact a normal shopping trip.

Food tariffs are taxes on imported goods that increase prices for consumers, affect supply chains, and can lead to higher grocery and restaurant costs.

HOW FOOD TARIFFS WORK

Tariffs are taxes imposed by a country on imported goods, including food products. They act as trade barriers, raising the cost of imported items, reducing the quantity available for domestic businesses, and creating economic burdens for both consumers and foreign exporters. In the U.S., tariffs have been applied to products from major trading partners such as Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, and the EU, affecting a wide range of food items including beef, pork, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cocoa, and alcoholic beverages.

IMPACT ON PRICES

Tariffs directly increase the cost of imported food. For example, a 25% tariff on Mexican vegetables, fruits, and alcoholic beverages can lead to higher grocery prices and menu costs at restaurants. Similarly, tariffs on Canadian beef, pork, and canola oil can raise the cost of meat and processed foods. The Atlanta Federal Reserve estimates that tariffs on key trading partners could increase U.S. food and beverage prices by up to 1.63%, depending on whether businesses absorb the costs or pass them to consumers.

Even when tariffs are rolled back or exemptions are granted, prices may not immediately decrease. Inventories purchased at higher tariff rates remain in warehouses and distribution centers, meaning retailers often continue selling at elevated prices until these stocks are depleted. Supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can further delay price adjustments, sometimes taking up to a year for prices to normalize.

RECENT POLICY CHANGES

In November 2025, the U.S. government rolled back tariffs on select food items, including coffee, beef, cocoa, and bananas, to alleviate consumer costs. Additionally, exemptions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other trade agreements have allowed a significant portion of Canadian and Mexican food imports to enter the U.S. tariff-free, reducing the overall impact on prices. Despite these measures, more than half of imported food products still face tariffs, particularly items from countries not covered by exemptions, which continues to influence grocery and restaurant prices.

HERE’S A RECAP

Tariffs increase food costs for consumers and businesses.

Exemptions and trade agreements can mitigate some price increases but do not eliminate them entirely.

Supply chain factors mean that even after tariff reductions, prices may remain high for months.

Majorly affected items include fresh produce, meat, dairy, coffee, cocoa, and alcoholic beverages.

Understanding food tariffs is essential for anticipating price trends, planning budgets, and evaluating the economic impact of trade policies on everyday grocery and dining expenses. (LuLac, CNBC. CNN)

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 638, April 25th, 2026

 

PAYTON RANDOLPH

FIRST A VIRGINIAN.

THEN AN AMERICAN

Payton Randolph was born into Virginia's wealthiest and most powerful family, Randolph served as speaker of Vrginia's House of Burgesses, president of the first two Virginia Conventions, and president of the First Continental Congress.[1][2] He also served briefly as the first president of the Second Continental Congress.

In 1774, Randolph signed the Continental Association, a trade boycott adopted by the First Continental Congress in response to the British Parliament's Intolerable Acts. Randolph was a first cousin once removed of Thomas Jefferson and was also related to John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, and Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate States Army in the American Civil War.

Randolph chaired meetings of the first of five Virginia Conventions of former House members, principally at a Williamsburg tavern, which worked toward responses to the unwelcome tax measures imposed by the British government. On March 21, 1775, he was president of the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond that debated independence (the setting of Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech). In April, Randolph negotiated with Lord Dunmore for the removal of gunpowder from the Williamsburg arsenal during the Gunpowder Incident, which was a confrontation between the governor's forces and Virginia militia, led by Henry.

The House of Burgesses was called back by Lord Dunmore one last time in June 1775 to address British Prime Minister Lord North's Conciliatory Resolution. Randolph, who was a delegate to the Continental Congress, returned to Williamsburg to take his place as Speaker. Randolph indicated that the resolution had not been sent to the Congress (it had instead been sent to each colony individually in an attempt to divide them and bypass the Continental Congress). The House of Burgesses rejected the proposal, which was also later rejected by the Continental Congress.

Randolph was the last speaker of the House of Burgesses (their role was replaced by the Virginia Conventions and later the House of Delegates in 1776). Randolph also served as the president of the Third Virginia Convention in July 1775, which as a legislative body elected a committee of safety to act as the colony's executive since Lord Dunmore had abandoned the capital and took refuge on a British warship. Pendleton succeeded Randolph as president of the later conventions.

In th e First and Second Continental Congress;

Virginia selected Randolph as one of its delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1774 and 1775. Fellow delegates elected him their president (speaker) of both the First Continental Congress, which requested that King George III repeal the Intolerable Acts and passed the Continental Association, and president of the Second Continental Congress, which extended the Olive Branch Petition as a final attempt at reconciliation. However, Randolph fell ill during each term. Henry Middleton of South Carolina succeeded him as president from his resignation on October 22, 1774, two days after presiding over the passage and signing of the Continental Association, until his return on May 10, 1775. He was again elected president of Congress, but Randolph left for Virginia four days later and was succeeded as president by John Hancock.

Randolph returned as a Virginia delegate but suffered a five-hour-long stroke while dining with Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia and died later that evening on October 22, 1775. His remains were returned to Williamsburg, where they were interred at the chapel of the College of William & Mary. Since renamed the Wren Building, Randolph remains buried in the chapel following its restoration.