The LuLac Edition #5, 565, February 5th, 2026

 

 

WHY AMERICA IN

2026 IS WORSE

THAN

GERMANY IN 1936

I’m sure there will be people who find this segment of LuLac an overreaction. Most likely I’ll be accused of overreacting to the situation we are living in today. The Trump MAGSAs will laugh it off or accuse us of having Trump Derangement Syndrome which to me is a transformation of what their cult uses as a defense mechanism.

But the historical parallels are there.

1. In 1936 Germans were living in an economic boon that gave the defeated WWI nation a feeling of superiority and invincibility. That pride was built on he premises that only a segment of the country was exceptional, the rest, not so much.

In order to shield against any imperfections, human scapegoats were found to  be regarded as “less than”. This is happening here in the good old USA where rights for people of color, disabled, Immigrants and Jewish people are blamed for the problems.

2. But in Germany in 1936, an organization had grown into a full-fledged secret police sanctioned by Hitler. (It was founded in 1936 by Herman Goring) to silence those who did not see the perfect German state view. Immigrants and the “less thans” were targeted.  Today in 2026, under the guise of border control, masked ICE officers are dispatched to American cities. People of color, immigrants , despite utilizing the limited pathways opposed by the MAGA parties were chased down streets, and private homes invaded without a search warrant.

3. In Germany in 1936 brilliant artists, entertainers and people of letters were asked to conform. Most seeing what was coming left knowing that culture and critical thinking was frowned upon. Most of the rest were killed.

Today in America entertainers in Hollywood who speak their minds are now dubbed as elitists and vilified not by a supreme leader but by a duly elected President.

4. In 1936 in Germany the NAZI flag is adorned on almost every building. Uniforms are the same to identify that you are one of those. There are no reminders of great German artists and inventors. Books are banned from a country that gave us the printing press.

In America in 2026 names of institutions have an addition, history is rewritten at the Smithsonian Institution, libraries are under fire from MAGA sympathizers who barely read at 5^th grade level, Universities are bribed, the White House has been turned into a diamond  clown show, the front yard dug up and the assault on the senses bear not the name of the everyday heroes but a five letter word. Trump.

5. By 1936 Germany had ceased to be a Republic and was under the rule of one man and his party. The regime was characterized by aggressive foreign policy that centered on annexations of sovereign countries, retribution doled out to political enemies and no elections.

Here in 2026 our nation’s leadership muses about annexing Canada, Greenland, and getting involved in foreign conflicts under the guise of protecting us from immigrants, election fraud (from the viewpoint of one man’s itty bitty fragile feelings) and the prospect of nationalizing an election. That process has begun with bearded uneducated men who are vowing allegiance to “the fight” to the President and Steve Bannon opining that ICE will surround polling places on Election Day.

6. In 1936 Germany citizens are met with propaganda that defied logic and truth. Here in America in 2026 lies and murder are on video, right in front of us. Yet there are deniers that justify it.

7.  I’d venture to guess that if we lived in Germany in 1936 our neighbors on an individual basis would be kind. But collectively acquiesce to evil.

It’s the same here in this era. Individually our fellow parishioners, friends, coworkers and relatives individually are decent. But collectively, give in to the violation of norms that made this country a model for the rest of the world. The tribe they reside in validate THEIR beliefs, no matter the facts to the contrary.

The comparisons are there. Right before our eyes.  It might seem that these 7 similarities are bad enough.

But it’s WORSE.

Germany attempted to take over the world through lies, murder, intimidation, violence and lack of empathy for all things decent and human.

We are on that road. But unlike World War II, it is a road to nowhere but bad.

Because you see, Germany was defeated by a government, people and country that fought and died for saving democracy and a decent standard of life free for all.

The America of our parents and grandparents took those values to defeat oppression.

The America of today of chaos, cruelty and crazy CAN’T. We have become what we fought against.

Plus we are on the road to have no allies. As we approach America at 250, the nation that protected others, stands alone.

Germany learned the lesson that a nation couldn’t protect it from itself.  Sadly, we can’t or more tragically won’t!!

 America stood in the way of Germany’s tyranny. Today MAGA citizens here seem to want it.

Germany in 1936 happened because the people of grievance., real or imagined let it happen.

Some MAGA Americans in 2026 are vigorously advocating for it.

To sum it all up: 2036 vs. 2026.

We’re already 10 years ahead of scheduled tyranny.  

 

WRESTLER SECRETARY SCFEWS OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS (OCR) STAFF, VICTIMS

 

A new report from a government watchdog suggests the Trump administration's efforts to fire staff at the U.S. Department of Education cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

The report, from the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), focuses on the department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which investigates complaints of discrimination in schools based on students' sex, race, national origin, disability and more.

In March, the administration attempted to fire more than half of OCR's civil rights attorneys and staff. At the time, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the cuts reflected the department's commitment to "efficiency" and "accountable”.

But, when that reduction-in-force (RIF) was blocked by the courts and the Education Department was forced to retain and continue paying these staff, the department prohibited them from returning to work.

From March to September, OCR resolved more than 7,000 discrimination complaints, but about 90% were resolved by the department dismissing the complaint, meaning staff received information from complainants but did not proceed to investigate. To put that into perspective, the dismissal rate under the Obama administration was 49%.

To compare Trump’s first administration’s year (2017) to 2025’s resolved nearly 60 sexual harassment cases and 15 sexual assault cases in 2017. After Trump's second inauguration, the office did not reach a resolution agreement in a single case of school-based sexual harassment or sexual assault for the rest of the year.

So the bottom line here is this department has abandoned accusations of sexual assault of any kind. This is what happens when you hire a buffoon to run an important agency that deals with people’s safety and lives.

WHO IS THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION?

 

MELANIA’S MOVIE

Melania is a 2026 American documentary film that follows Melania Trump, the first lady of the United States, in the 20 days before her husband Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration. It is directed and produced by Brett Ratner. The project is unique in the sense that it’s a vignette into a constricted time frame.

Development started shortly after the 2024 presidential election and the project received bids from Amazon, Disney, Netflix, and Paramount Pictures. Amazon's offer of $40 million, the highest price ever paid for a documentary, also included a theatrical release and a follow-up docuseries. Trump retained editorial control and was heavily involved in the production.

Melania was released in the United States on January 30, 2026. It received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and has been called by some a pro-Trump propaganda film. It has grossed $7.1 million on a $40 million production budget.

If you’ve ever seen the movie Citizen Cane, you se how the newspaper publisher forced the talent of his significant other on unsuspecting opera fans. I see the same comparison with the obvious support of Trump’s 1%.

The content of the film is accurate but I’m struck by the that the First Lady used the song “Bille Jean” in it. I wonder about her marriage and relationship when I hear Michael sing the lyrics….. , "Be careful of who you love And be careful of what you do (oh-oh)  'Cause the lie becomes the truth”.

 

NATIONALIZE ELECTIONS?

HERE IT COMES

After the 2024 elections, a very wise woman told me that she wasn’t sure there’re would be a 2026 election.

Trump on Monday called on Republicans to "take over" and "nationalize" voting as he continued to make false claims about the electoral process in the U.S. with the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon.

Trump made the comments in an interview with former FBI Director Dan Bongino, who resigned from his post in December and returned to podcasting.

Trump alleged noncitizen voting was improperly influencing election outcomes, though experts insist such instances are incredibly rare and already illegal, and told Bongino it was "amazing that the Republicans aren't tougher on it."

"The Republicans should say, 'We want to take over,'" Trump said. "We should take over the voting ... in at least many, 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that are so crooked and they're counting votes."

The Constitution gives states the authority to conduct federal elections, subject to laws passed by Congress. The elections clause states, in part, that "state legislatures will establish the times, places, and manner of holding elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate."

Trump has used Georgia as an example of why he lost in 2020. But even if he won that election, he’d have still lost that election. To me this is another way to diminish belief in our system.

This is COIMING. Like everything he has ever tried to do, there was a trial balloon first.  That balloon needs to be burst. (ABC, LuLac)

 

 

BRESNAHAN RECOGNIZES LOCAL STUDENT FOR STEM INNOVATION IN 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District, David Colburn, an 11th grade student at Dallas High School.

“This achievement highlights the bright future of STEM innovation in Pennsylvania’s 8th District,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “David’s work on the Lanternfly Reporter shows how young people can use coding and creativity to address challenges facing our region.”

Colburn designed the Lanternfly Reporter, an app that allows users to identify, track, and report sightings of the invasive spotted lanternfly. The app aims to raise awareness and support efforts to address the environmental impact of the species through accessible, technology-driven reporting.

As the district winner, his app will be:

Featured on the Congressional App Challenge website and House.gov

Displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year

Awarded a Copyright Fee Waiver through the ARTS Act

Recognized with an invitation to the #HouseOfCode celebration in Washington, D.C.

 

 

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO UNVEILS 2026-27 BUDGET PROPOSAL TO KEEP DOING WHAT'S WORKING IN PENNSYLVANIA: CUTTING COSTS, GROWING THE ECONOMY, STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SAFETY, FUNDING EDUCATION, AND GETTING STUFF DONE FOR PENNSYLVANIANS

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: Governor’s office)

 

Governor Josh Shapiro presented his 2026-27 budget proposal to the General Assembly and the people of Pennsylvania - building on three years of historic progress by continuing to do what's working across the Commonwealth to lower costs, create economic growth, strengthen public safety, support students, and continue Pennsylvania's rise. The Governor's budget proposal maintains fiscal responsibility, continues to cut taxes, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

"From day one, my Administration has been laser-focused on delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania - and what we're doing is working," said Governor Shapiro. "By listening to Pennsylvanians and working together, we're solving problems and proving that government can be a force for good in people's lives. This budget builds on the progress we've made by making smart, responsible investments that strengthen our schools, keep communities safe, and grow our economy. At a time when dysfunction and division seem to dominate elsewhere, here in Pennsylvania we've shown that we can still work together to get stuff done and build on what's working - because Pennsylvania is on the rise."

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made historic investments in education, strengthened public safety, raised wages for workers who care for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable neighbors, and driven economic development that has created over 21,500 good-paying jobs and attracted more than $39 billion in private-sector investment across the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, Pennsylvania has increased education funding by nearly 30 percent, kept unemployment below the national average for 31 straight months, and become the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy. The Governor has cut taxes seven times - delivering relief for seniors, families, and small businesses - while making Pennsylvania more competitive and affordable.

 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA NEWS

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.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

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.

 

THE LULAC

TIME MACHINE

February 1959

The day the music died

On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were all killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson.[The event became known as "The Day the Music Died" after singer-songwriter Don McLean referred to it as such in his 1971 song "American Pie".

At the time, Holly and his band, consisting of Waylon Jennings, Tommy Allsup, and Carl Bunch, were playing on the "Winter Dance Party" tour across the American Midwest. Rising artists Valens, Richardson and vocal group Dion and the Belmonts had joined the tour as well. The long journeys between venues on board the cold, uncomfortable tour buses adversely affected the performers, with cases of flu and even frostbite.

After stopping at Clear Lake to perform, and frustrated by the conditions on the tour buses, Holly chose to charter a plane to reach their next venue in Moorhead, Minnesota. Richardson, suffering from flu, swapped places with Jennings, taking his seat on the plane, while Allsup lost his seat to Valens on a coin toss. Soon after takeoff, late at night and in poor, wintry weather conditions, pilot Peterson lost control of the light aircraft, a Beechcraft Bonanza, which crashed into a cornfield, killing all four on board.

The event has since been mentioned or referenced in various media. Various monuments have been erected at the crash site and in Clear Lake, where an annual memorial concert is held at the Surf Ballroom, the venue that hosted the artists' last performances.

After the show ended, Anderson drove Holly, Valens and Richardson to nearby Mason City Municipal Airport,[22] where the elevation is 1,214 feet (370 m) AMSL. The weather at the time of departure was reported as light snow, a ceiling of 3,000 feet (900 m) AMSL with sky obscured, visibility six miles (10 km) and winds from 20 to 30 mph (17 to 26 kn; 32 to 48 km/h; 8.9 to 13.4 m/s). Although deteriorating weather was reported along the planned route, the weather briefings Peterson received failed to relay the information. María Elena Holly learned of her husband's death via a television news report. A widow after only six months of marriage, she suffered a miscarriage shortly after, reportedly due to "psychological trauma". Holly's mother, on hearing the news on the radio at home in Lubbock, Texas, screamed and collapsed.

Despite the tragedy, the "Winter Dance Party" tour continued. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Vee was given the task of filling in for Holly at the next scheduled performance in Moorhead, in part because he "knew all the words to all the songs."Jennings and Allsup carried on for two more weeks, with Jennings taking Holly's place as lead singer.[30] Other performers who were recruited for the remainder of the tour were Jimmy Clanton, Fabian and Frankie Avalon.

Meanwhile, funerals for the victims were held individually. Holly and Richardson were buried in Texas, Valens in California and Peterson in Iowa. Holly's widow, María Elena, did not attend his funeral.She said in an interview: "In a way, I blame myself. I was not feeling well when he left. I was two weeks pregnant, and I wanted Buddy to stay with me, but he had scheduled that tour. It was the only time I wasn't with him. And I blame myself because I know that, if only I had gone along, Buddy never would have gotten into that airplane."….and this week in 1959 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Smoke  Gets In Your Eyes” by The Platters.