The LuLac Edition #515, July 7th, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: THE LATE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JUNIOR AND MAYOR THOMAS LEIGHTON OF WILKES BARRE

SYMBOLISM

The Democratic party convention organizers are gearing up to have a special program in Denver at the National Convention. Word is that Senator Obama will give his acceptance speech on the 45th anniversary of the Martin Luther King "I Have A Dream" speech. Many will say that this is politicizing an event and the memory of Dr. King. But King was heavily involved in the political process despite his independence and essentially played with and torked off both parties. I think it would be a fitting tribute to the memory of the non violent King and the late Bobby Kennedy who said in 1968 shortly before his death that, in his estimation, in 40 years there would be a black President.

WEBB OUT

Virginia Senator Jim Webb has taken himself out of the Veepstakes today. In a statement, Webb said he had no interest in the position. Democrats see Webb who won a Senate seat just barely in 2006 as the best hope to hold on to that seat in the old Dominion.

PLATFORM PRATFALLS

No one really takes a party platform seriously except those insiders of a party who are trying to make a point or reshape their party. John McCain may have some troubles with the right of his party at the September convention in the Twin Cities. The G.O.P. platform currently is a 100-page-long decree that mentions George W. Bush's name at every right-wing turn of page. The entire platform will have to be rewritten to lessen the imprint of the President, who has the highest disapproval rating of any White House occupant since Richard M. Nixon. Conservatives are itching for a fight saying they'll challenge McCain priorities as global warming, stem cell research, immigration reform, and campaign finance restrictions.

CALENDER OF EVENTS

This is what will happen the rest of this Presidential year. Mark your calender:
AUGUST 2008 25-28
Democratic National Convention in Denver.
SEPTEMBER 2008

Sept. 1-4 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul .
Presidential debate in Oxford, Miss. Sept. 26th.

OCTOBER 2008
Vice Presidential debate in St. Louis, Mo. Oct. 2th.
Presidential debate in Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 7th.
Presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y. Oct. 15th.
NOVEMBER 2008
Election Day Nov. 4th.

LEIGHTON SPEAKS

Mayor Tom Leighton was on WILK this morning talking about some new plans for the city. The Mayor who is working hard to revitalize the city should make more of these public appearances to let the general public know just what is going on with his efforts to rebuild the city. Reports are the Mayor recieved a favorable response to his comments.