The LuLac Edition #5, 616, March 31st, 2026

 

 

DOESN’T THIS GUY LIKE ANYBODY?

Jamie Walsh voted AGAINST Black History Month.  Okay, not a big constituency there. Not inclusive either but  a move that seems to border on America first to the extreme. After all, we did have to import the help and then instead of thanking them, we bought and sold them until ironically enough a non MAGA Republican by the name of Lincoln set them free.

But now he voted against Irish celebrations. Wait a minute! Walsh. Somewhere the late Scranton Mayor James Walsh and Common Pleas Judge of Lackawanna County is scratching his head.

But in HR 395 St. Patrick’s Day Pennsylvania House Resolution 395 (HR 395) is a ceremonial resolution that recognizes and honors St. Patrick’s Day and Irish heritage in Pennsylvania.

What it does:

•      Designates March 17, 2026, as “St. Patrick’s Day” in Pennsylvania.

•      Celebrates Irish-American contributions to the state’s history, culture, and economy.

•      Acknowledges the importance of Irish heritage, including traditions, community impact, and historical influence.

•      Often highlights parades, cultural events, and civic pride tied to the holiday.

Bottom line:

HR 395 doesn’t create law or regulations—it’s a symbolic measure used by the legislature to officially recognize and celebrate Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day across the state. 

 House Roll Call Vote Summary #855 | 2025-2026 Regular Session - PA House of Representatives

First it was Black History Month, then the Irish folks favorite month, next is April and holy shit, Earth Day. Unless he of course wants to dislike Passover and Easter! 

Walsh is running in the 117th for another term. He won by 3 votes last time. Bill Jones is running against him.  

 

RICK GAZENSKI

Wilkes-Barre lost a good man last week and he was buried yesterday. Rick Gazenski was a well respected businessman, politico, music lover (he never missed a Rockin’ the River concert) or a baseball game for his children and grandchildren. Rick was the city administrator in the last year of Mayor Tony George’s term. It was there that I got to see firsthand the measure of the professional and person. He’d stop in my office and we’d talk about politics and music. One day we were talking about a Temptations concert in 1989 when all the band members were reunited. Rick was in row 2 at the Kirby and I was in row 4. The late David Ruffin announced that as a special treat, he was going to invite the first guy up on the stage to sing “My Girl” with him and the Temps. I was ready to make my move but by the time I got my (at the time) 300 pound ass up, Rick was on the stage with Ruffin. I reminded him of that many, many times.

At Rick’s wake at McLaughlin’s, the Turtles and 1960 music was playing in the background.  And I’d like to believe that somewhere in musical heaven, Melvin Franklin is calling out to David Ruffin, “Hey Ruff, there’s that white dude from Wilkes-Barre  you sang with, want me to send him over?” 

RIP sir!

 

SINCE ITS HOLY WEEK

Here’s  snapshot of Trump’s approval ratings

Catholics & Protestants: Trump’s approval has turned negative among Catholics (48% approve vs. 52% disapprove) and Protestants (47% approve vs. 53% disapprove), signaling a decline in support compared to earlier polls.

White Evangelicals: Support among white evangelicals has strengthened, rising from 60% to 64% approval, widening his net positive to 28 points.

Political Implications: Changes in religious voter sentiment may indicate shifting political pressure ahead of the midterms, highlighting the importance of these groups in Trump’s coalitions. The White Evangelists are beyond redemption.  

rump's polling stands at 33% approval.  

 

DEM EVENT NEXT MONTH