The LuLac Edition #4, 567, August 4th, 2021

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our “Write On Wednesday” logo.

This week we feature an article about senior dental care and how Medicare should at long last include it.

CREATE DENTAL COVERAGE UNDER MEDICARE 

As with most other types of health care, the need for dental care increases with age. But Medicare, which ensures access to most types of health care for older Americans, does not cover dental care.

Congressional Democrats plan to introduce a major bill later this year to include dental, eye and hearing coverage in Medicare. A new study by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation illuminates the need for dental coverage. Nearly half of all Medicare beneficiaries did not have a dental visit in 2018, the study covering that year found. It’s not a coincidence that an identical percentage of Medicare enrollees, 47%, did not have supplemental dental coverage through private plans, Medicare Advantage or Medicaid. Percentages of minority beneficiaries who did no have dental visits were especially highs: 68% for Blacks and 61% for Hispanics but only 42% for whites. The report also found 73% of beneficiaries with low incomes and 63% of those in fair or poor health did not visit a dentist.

People without coverage who sought dental care faced average out-of-pocket expenses of $874, while 20% had bills of more than $1,000 and 10% had to cover bills of more than $2,00Kaiser also reported that among Medicaid beneficiaries who had separate dental insurance, there was wide variation in rates and covered services. And the average coverage cap was just $1,300.

The Kaiser study makes a compelling case for Congress to expand Medicare to include basic dental coverage, and to establish standard basic coverage in Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Beneficiary Welfare Health Board Economics Politics Dental Care Medicaid Dental Health Care Study

The Lulac Edition #4, 566, August 3rd, 2021

 THESE SONGS @ 50 

The LuLac Edition #4,565, August 2nd, 2021

 MONDAY MEMES 

THe LuLac Edition #4,564, July 29th, 2021

 WHY I STAND WITH THE CAPITOL POLICE 

Tuesday Capitol Police officers debunked the conspiracy theories of a peaceful protest on January 6th. These were ignorant, thug pigs that should be arrested, r=tried and then booked on battery and assault and treason. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! 

 

 

 WITH TRUMPANZEES..... ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION 

Listen to this voicemail sent to a Capitol Police officer just for testifying. This slob, most likely calling from mommy's cellar spewed vindictive at one of the officers  officer that  saved the day. Everything he says about this brave officer comes from the caller's own sad mind and most likely his sick heart. Michael Farone is no pussy.........this pig Trump slob IS!

 

 

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT INTRODUCES BILL TO PREPARE WORKERS FOR IN-DEMAND IT JOBS

GRANT PROGRAMS WILL ADDRESS IT WORKER SHORTAGE BY ENCOURAGING INSTITUTIONS TO TEACH WIDELY USED LEGACY CODING LANGUAGES

Representative Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright  introduced the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act, which would help train people for in-demand information technology (IT) jobs, while addressing the shortage of professionals with a background in older coding languages needed to maintain and modernize critical government IT systems.

Older coding languages continue to underpin major sectors of our economy. For example, COBOL – although developed more than 60 years ago – remains widely used across several sectors of our economy, including government and financial services. Yet, IT workers skilled in COBOL largely are reaching retirement age as computer science institutions have shifted towards training in newer languages, resulting in a shortage of skilled workers with knowledge of legacy languages still in use.

Named for a pioneering computer scientist who developed COBOL, the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act would bolster and diversify the pipeline of workers with the skills necessary to sustain and modernize critical IT infrastructure utilizing legacy languages such as COBOL.

“A lot of sectors are seeing a mismatch between the skills workers have and what employers need. Training workers for jobs that are in demand now is key to getting more people back to work and continuing our economic recovery,” said Rep. Cartwright. “When it comes to IT, that mismatch was painfully clear as government agencies struggled to keep their computer systems using older coding languages running during the pandemic. The Grace Hopper Code for Us Act will help prepare workers for good-paying jobs available now in maintaining and modernizing our critical government and private sector information systems.”

Government IT systems using legacy coding languages were overwhelmed amid the pandemic-driven surge in demand for economic relief, such as unemployment insurance. Having a workforce equipped to manage such systems is not only critical to be able to maintain and service current IT issues, workers with those skills are also needed to update and improve systems that run on legacy languages.

This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-01), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12).

"Information systems is an invaluable part of the information technology field, and early exposure can increase interest. This bill will increase the recruitment pipeline starting at grade six and allow more associate degree and continuing education opportunities in this sector. The interdisciplinary education approach will be key to future successes of the field," said Congresswoman Hayes.

“The importance of IT professionals cannot be understated, especially given the weaknesses the COVID-19 pandemic showed in government IT systems,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “Lack of IT infrastructure can ultimately impact the government's ability to respond in the time of a crisis, and skilled IT professionals can help ensure our preparedness. The Grace Hopper Code for Us Act will greatly diversify and strengthen the field of IT professionals, as well as our IT infrastructure.”

“The persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry is a key problem that amplifies several issues requiring our attention and focus,” said Congressman G. K. Butterfield, who serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ TECH2025 initiative. “We must do everything in our power to help prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers in STEAM fields. Congress must act to strengthen the pipeline and clear pathways to these careers, especially in those occupations that require the use of long-standing computer programming languages such as COBOL. It is imperative that we include many of our best and brightest problem solvers, critical thinkers, and those that challenge conventional thinking, who are seldom included, to help bolster a workforce that manages the information technology systems many government organizations utilize.  I commend Congressman Matt Cartwright for his leadership, and I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us.”

Specifically, the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act would:

Establish the Grace Hopper Sustainment and Modernization Grant Program to create programming courses focused on maintaining and modernizing information systems utilizing legacy computer languages;

Provide a total of $100 million in competitive grant funding to institutions of higher learning over four years;

Encourage grant recipients to utilize grant money to provide scholarships, arrange paid internship opportunities and engage local students about career opportunities involving legacy languages; and

Prioritize grant applicants that recruit women and other underrepresented groups.

This legislation is endorsed by Alabama A&M University, Anglepoint Academy, Bethany College, BMC Software, Broadcom, Citi, COBOL Cowboys, Compuware, East Carolina University, Ensono, Farmingdale State College, First Citizens Bank, IBM, Interskill Learning, Linux Foundation, Micro Focus, North Carolina AT&T State University, Open Mainframe Project (including its COBOL Working Group), Optimized Technical Solutions, Inc., Phase Change Software, ProTech Enterprise IT Training & Consulting, Robert Morris University, Society for Women Engineers, Superior Welding Supply Co., Talladega College Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alabama – Birmingham, University of Maryland – Eastern Shore and Vicom Infinity, Inc.

“From bridges to IT systems, all forms of infrastructure are vital to the economy and must be properly maintained. In the IT world, many of the longest-serving and most critical IT systems are based on the COBOL programming language, known for its robustness and scalability.  However, inadequate investment over time has introduced risk to those systems, purely due to investment levels, rather than the programming language. Time and again, projects and studies concur the best way to meet future need is to evolve, rather than replace, those systems. Just as reliable stone bridges don’t need to be torn down solely to be rebuilt in steel, neither should COBOL systems be torn down solely to change the programming language.  Instead, they need appropriate investment to renew and modernize to support the challenges of the digital era. Micro Focus fully supports the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act, as it will support a new generation of COBOL enthusiasts, with the skills to support the necessary modernization programs for the long term success of our economy’s IT infrastructure,” said Misty Decker, Product Marketing Director, Micro Focus.

 

CASEY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RENEW JOB CREATION, REVITALIZE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives) 

– U.S. Senator Bob Casey   is introducing the Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps of 2021, or the REVIVE the CCC Act (S.2414), which would revitalize the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps into a modern-day employment, job training and conservation program. The REVIVE the CCC Act would advance our Nation’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis while creating well-paying, quality conservation jobs that protect and restore waterways, working lands and the health and resiliency of our rural and urban communities.

“As communities in Pennsylvania and across the country continue to face devastating economic conditions along with the effects of the climate crisis, a revitalized Civilian Conservation Corps would enable us to invest in our workforce, our environment and the next generation of conservationists, farmers, foresters and leaders committed to taking on the climate crisis and preserving our shared natural resources. My legislation would renew vital efforts to bring conservation jobs to our communities, invest in our local economies and ensure farmers continue to play a critical role in climate change mitigation. It is past time for us to take action to address the climate crisis and create jobs while we do it,” said Senator Casey.

"As an organization that, for 30 years, has supported protecting and regenerating natural ecosystems through agricultural land stewardship, we fully stand behind a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, agriculture is one of the nation's leading sources of water pollution. A modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps would help farmers replenish natural landscapes to turn the tide on water pollution and protect the health of communities across the country,” said Hannah Smith Brubaker, Executive Director, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

"Young farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. They acknowledge the necessity of concerted climate action and are committing their energy and their farms to form part of our national response to this emergency. Proposals like the REVIVE the CCC Act are investing in our young farmers and ranchers, land stewards and future ones to make land the foundation of our planetary health,” said Vanessa García Polanco, Federal Policy Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.

“We cannot address climate change without addressing interconnected concerns like racial injustice, economic injustice, and food insecurity. It is time to put people to work with well-paying jobs that benefit God’s creation and prioritize the communities most impacted by the climate crisis. The original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in creating jobs and preserving our natural environment, and we have a unique opportunity to revitalize the CCC in a robust, equitable way. As young Christians, we want our leaders to rise to this historic moment and take bold action. Young Evangelicals for Climate Action welcomes Senator Casey’s plan to support workers while addressing environmental and economic injustice,” said Tori Goebel, National Organizer and Spokesperson, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

The REVIVE the CCC Act would guarantee that local communities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the design of CCC projects and positions. Further, it would ensure that farmers are part of the effort to rebuild our economy and invest in climate solutions. Under this legislation, farmers could serve as hosts for Corps members – providing the opportunity to train the next generation of farmers while also expanding their own ability to implement conservation on the land.

This legislation also includes measures to address environmental justice issues, such as air quality, transportation, access to green space and safe housing. As we recover from the pandemic, it is critical that we rebuild and invest in a more productive, equitable and just economy.

The REVIVE the CCC Act is endorsed by:

Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Evangelical Environmental Network, Forest Hills Borough Council, Keystone Research Center, National Wildlife Federation, National Young Farmers Coalition, Pasa Sustaintable Agriculture, PennFuture, ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, The Corps Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

 

THE GIBSON VISIT

When a best friend comes to town, you do what you can to keep him busy. Old college pal Jim Gibson, alumni of King’s College and WRKC paid a visit. Here is a photographic diary of our visit.

First night in town he came to Rocking the River to hear the music of Elton John and Springsteen. He was wildly entertaining by my working there that night with the Wilkes-Barre Health Department.   He also found a friend and had a discussion about COVID vaccines.

The next day after touring our boyhood haunts and wondered how we didn’t die in the process with bicycle stunts, we had a great meal at Eden Vegan. Here’s a photo with the owner Mr. Pelosi. After visiting other family and friends, plus doing a daily walk (re-tracing the trail of his paper route, Gibson also did the new Walktecture 2.2 mile tour of Wilkes-Barre’s historic district. 

We also got together with the redoubtable Bob “Mango” Manfre who was General Manager at “RKC FM as well as Patrick Fadden where we actually closed down a place. (I mean even if it did shut at 9, we did close it down!)

Along the way, Jim met with my friend Ron Felton from the Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP comparing notes on social; justice here vs. in Denver Colorado. Then there was a tour of Wilkes-Barre City Hall to meet some of my co-workers.

On the last night we went to Agolino’s in West Pittston where we had mountains of fine Italian cuisine. Or I should say, he did.

He left last week but as any news junkie will tell you, sometimes stories are embargoed for various and sundry reasons. 

 

MEDIA MATTERS 

 

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

 This week's guest is Sarah Effertz, Executive Director of the Scranton Jazz Festival. 

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Mothership 1340/1400 am, 100.7 and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on The River 105 and 103.5. 

 

 

BOBBY V’S SUNDAY NIGHT DOO WOP SOCK HOP 

 1987

Our 1987 logo.

The World Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Commission, publishes its report, Our Common Future……The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine, which had required radio and television stations to present alternative views on controversial issues….. Nurse Mary R Stout chosen chairperson of Vietnam Veterans of America…… In New Zealand, the Maori Language Act comes into force, making te reo Māori an official language of New Zealand; it can now be used in some legal proceedings… at ArenaBowl I, Pittsburgh Civic Arena: Denver Dynamite beats Pittsburgh Gladiators 45-16, Gary Mullen MVP….. Cincinnati outfielder Eric Davis is 7th to hit 30 HRs & steal 30 bases in one season as he homers in Reds 5-4 win v Giants……Michael Andretti runs fastest Indy car race in history (171.49mph) in winning the Marlboro 500 at the Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan…..USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh/Semipalitinsk USSR……Discovery in Orbital Processing Facility is powered up for STS-26……Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris ties AL record with 5 wild pitches in a 4-2, 10 innings loss v Kansas City Royals…….Twins pitcher Joe Niekro is caught with a file on the mound in 11-3 win v Angels, ejected and suspended for 10 games……and in 1987 this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was MaDonna’ “Who’s That Girl”.

 

 

The LuLac Edition #4,563, July 28th, 2021

 

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY 

 

Our “Write On Wednesday” logo

This week we give you an article on the Camp David accords written y local resident Peter Gagliardi  In describing a book he enjoys, Gagliardi takes us on  the twist and turns that were The Camp David Accords of 1978.

CAMP DAVID REVISITED

I Love Great Books as they enlighten me and this is where I get my greatest insights.    This is an article about the greatest book I have ever read about the miracle at Camp David, and the fine art of peacemaking.  The book is entitled Thirteen Days, Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David by Lawrence Wright.  I have a Master's Degree in Government and Politics and I learned more about diplomacy and peacemaking from this book than I did in all my years as a student.  You can have the same success by reading great books at the library.

Wright's book displays the principles of diplomacy and peacemaking that can be used to peacefully resolve any conflict.  These principles can also be used to resolve the conflicts in your life.  Here are the universal principles of diplomacy and peacemaking:

1.  Peace Is Always Possible

When President Carter came into office, the consensus at the time was that peace between Israel and her Arab neighbors was impossible.  President Carter was the only known major leader in his generation who believed real peace was possible and he pursued it with great vigor and determination as he believed God Himself wanted him to bring peace to the Middle East.

2.  Chose a Peaceful Environment

President Carter chose Camp David as it is isolated, peaceful, close to nature, and would encourage people to leave their grudges behind.

3.  Be Willing To Make Sacrifices For Peace

Carter, Begin, and Sadat were willing to pay the price for peace.  President Carter risked his presidency.  President Sadat gave up Egypt's traditional role as leader of the Arab world as the peace treaty was widely opposed in the Arab world.  Prime Minister Begin put Israel's security on the line as he gave up the entire Sinai Peninsula, a strategically important piece of real estate, to make peace with Egypt.

 

4.  Know the People Involved in the Conflict

President Carter studied and understood President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin and that made it possible to negotiate the peace treaty. President Carter studied a thick briefing book that the government compiled.  Carter's understanding of Prime Minister Begin made peace with Israel possible. The Camp David conference was beginning to conclude on the thirteenth day and there was no final agreement as Prime Minister Begin was holding out.  President Carter knew that his grandchildren meant the world to him, and he used this to his advantage.  President Carter had a batch of photographs for the three leaders to sign, and they were to be souvenirs for Begin's grandchildren.  Carter signed each photograph with the inscription "with love" and wrote the name of each grandchild on the photos.  Begin was sitting on the porch in great anguish because the negotiations had failed.  When Carter approached him Begin simply wanted to dismiss Carter.  Carter handed Begin the photos and he noticed that he had signed the top photograph with the child's name on it.  For example, the signing read "To Ayelet."  Begin was moved by Carter's display of human kindness and compassion and he froze as he read the names of the grandchildren on the photos.  One by one he read the children's names and Begin began to cry.  Begin invited Carter into the cabin and suddenly Begin was friendly.   Begin changed his mind and accepted the agreement.

5.  Be Flexible

President Carter wanted a comprehensive peace treaty.  When this proved impossible, Carter lessened his goal to a separate peace between Israel and Egypt.

6.  Know Your Proper Role

Frequently, a peacemaker can be successful simply by being a facilitator or mediator. This is not always possible, and then the peacemaker must play a larger role and become a catalyst.  This requires the peacemaker to get personally involved in the conflict and present specific proposals to resolve the issues. Begin and Sadat could not make any progress by talking to each other, so President Carter had to play a much larger role.  President Carter became a catalyst for peace and began presenting specific proposals to solve the issues.  President Carter used the one-text procedure which is based on a simple concept.  As the catalyst, President Carter wrote the basic document or peace treaty and then asked each side for their response.  Issues that are not contested are considered agreed upon.  Those that are contested are then dealt with by continually narrowing  the differences.  When each side finally agrees on an issue, that issue is considered complete.  The key is that as the catalyst, President Carter controlled the document.  When the contenting parties hit a stalemate and could not agree, President Carter proposed new ideas and new language.  Issues that would lead to war and economic ruin in the Middle East were resolved.

7.  Be Persistent

It took thirteen arduous days to negotiate this agreement, and there were plenty of opportunities to give up.  Carter pursued peace until he finally had an agreement