The LuLac Edition #5, 302, April 17th, 2025

JOE ON SOCIAL SECURITY

“THEY WANT TO WRECK IT,

SO THEY CAN ROB IT!”

Declaring 'nobody's king,' former President Biden unleashes on Trump, Musk over Social Security cuts

Former President Joe Biden’s remarks in Chicago at the 2025 national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled marked his first public rebuttal of the Trump administration in the early days of his postpresidential life.

Declaring 'nobody's king,' former President Biden unleashes on Trump, Musk over Social Security cuts.

“Fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so — has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking that it could happen that soon,” Biden said.

The former president warned the country has never been “this divided.”

“Nobody’s king. Nobody’s the boss. Everybody has a shot. All people are asking for is a shot,” Biden said. “Honesty, decency, where hard work is rewarded. Have some faith in each other. Fairness, simple fairness. We can’t go on like this as a divided nation, as divided as we are.”

Biden also responded to Musk’s claims that Social Security is a “Ponzi scheme,” but referred to Trump’s influential adviser as “one of them.”

“What the hell are they talking about? People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit,” Biden said. “And no one, no one, no one should take it away.”

While Trump has continued to disparage Biden in the early days of his presidency, including a Truth Social on Monday which dubbed him “Crooked Joe Biden,” the former Democratic president had been keeping quiet in his Trump critiques prior to Tuesday’s address.

The Social Security Administration has endured its share of controversy under Trump’s second term, including a lawsuit over Trump’s decision to allow Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to access Social Security numbers.

Trump and Musk also slashed thousands of jobs at the Social Security Administration, with more planned — and recipients have reported massive outages on an online benefits portal. Trump was also expected to sign a presidential memorandum “aimed at stopping illegal aliens, and other ineligible people, from obtaining” Social Security benefits — despite it already being illegal for immigrants who lack legal status to receive benefits.

In introducing Biden at the conference, former Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley said Trump and Musk have “gutted the Social Security Administration with a chainsaw.” He called Trump administration claims about dead people and illegal immigrants receiving benefits fraudulently “a big lie.”

“The American people aren’t buying it,” O’Malley said. “They’re not buying it because it’s not true.”.”

The Social Security Administration last month announced a plan that would have required in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients, according to The Associated Press. That would have affected anyone who needs to verify their bank information, or those who receive benefits but cannot verify certain information online. That plan, however, was partially reversed, with the Social Security Administration saying that people who aren’t able to use an online portal can complete their claim on the phone, instead of in-person. Those changes began April 14.

“I’d call it idiotic if I didn’t suspect that this is actually part of a plan to throwpeople off of Social Security,” Pritzker said. “Longer wait times for those looking for assistance with their benefits, improper denial of claims and delayed or missed benefit checks. That is what they’re hoping for.”

Remember when Trump attacks Biden as “crooked” he is delusional. Biden neve saw the inside of a courtroom since he was a layer.

Trump, 4 times indicted, on time convicted.

Hey MAGAs, ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION. (AP, LuLac) 

JUDGE BOASBERG TO LAUNCH CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS FOR TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Federal judge will weigh whether the administration defied his order not to remove Venezuelan migrants from the country based on the wartime Alien Enemies Act

Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday said he would launch proceedings to determine whether to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt for defying his order not to remove Venezuelan migrants from the country based on the wartime Alien Enemies Act.

Boasberg’s order is the latest development in a broader showdown between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary, which has blocked or slowed many of the White House’s far-reaching actions. The Supreme Court ruled this month that the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit in the wrong venue, taking the central legal issues of the case away from Boasberg.

Still, Boasberg moved forward with the contempt proceedings, saying that the Trump administration’s actions on March 15, as the removal flights proceeded despite his order to the contrary, “demonstrate a willful disregard … sufficient for the Court to conclude that probable cause exists to find the Government in criminal contempt.”

“The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily”.

We are now in a Constitutional crisis.  I think the Trump administration and Trump himself might be pinning their hopes on a statement by ex President Nixon who told interviewer David Frost “When the President does it, it is not illegal”. Remember during a saner time, Nixon complied with every court order having respect for the institution of the courts. When he made that statement in 1977 he was not in office. The justification and logic was bad but at least he wasn’t a sitting President who could do no harm.

Trump is in office and will do irritable harm to this nation (The Hill, LuLac)

 .

WHY CHINA CAN OUTLAST US

IN TRADE

Trump seems to think that we’ll get the best of China in a trade war. He thinks that China will cave and give in to his will. That will NEVER happen. Here’s why:

1.  First off the people. We are a spoiled group of ingrates. We bitch about everything. Eggs, snow, gas, our family, our neighbors. The Chinese people might feel that way but have sustained themselves through centuries of ups and downs. They have the historical will to outlast us physically and mentally.

2.  We export Soybeans and grains: $25.4 billion in 2022, making it the top export category.  Semiconductors and components: $11.2 billion. Oil and gas: $11.0 billion.   Pharmaceuticals and medicines: $10.9 billion. And Basic chemicals: $6.7 billion.

3.  We import Electronics and Technology       $160 billion Machinery and Equipment      $250 billion Home and Furniture   $30 billion       Fashion & Textiles$25 billion      

 Beauty and Personal Care   $7 billion1.3% Toys       $23 billion        4.3%Automotive     $18 billion       3.4% Kitchenware   $6 billion        1.1% and  Miscellaneous Products       $12 billion       2.2

If you look at the Math we IMPORT more then we EXPORT. The stuff we import most Americans cannot live without NOR would they sacrifice to do so. For Christ sake, during the Pandemic when people were dying, there was a significant group of Americans who did not sacrifice. The Chinese will make do.

4.  Trump’s idea that China will cave is not based on history. During his first term they didn’t, and farmers are still paying for that 8 years later.

THE BIG LIAR AND KILMAR ABREGO GARCIA

Tuesday against my better judgement on my lunch hour, I wanted a press briefing from the White House. I understand why now anyone can’t take anything seriously the press secretary Karoline Claire Leavitt says. She is the most accomplished liar since Goebbels.

She referred to Mr. Garcia as a gang member when in fact there is no proof of that. Why then did the Trump administration admit it made a mistake? She then went on the standard Trump lie offensive and said the Democrats who swore an oath should not be fighting for people like Garcia.

Again, attack the Democrats while you reference the plight of everyday Americans you are screwing over economically. My friend Sue Henry went on about this today omitting the fact that the guy had protection from removal. He also paid taxes no matter whatever his status.

The Supreme Court voted 9-0 to get him back post haste but Trump has defied them. THIS IS GETTING DANGEROUS. This administration can arrest anyone just like they did in Germany. 

To recap, the Trump administration acknowledged late Monday that it mistakenly deported a Salvadoran man protected from removal, sending him to a facility in El Salvador where they argue they are unable to secure his return.

The filing came in a case brought by the family of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia after his wife recognized him in footage released of a group of migrants the Trump administration sent to a Salvadoran prison.

He is not returned yet. This is pure hate and incompetence by this administration and its lying blonde minion.

BRESNAHAN URGES FEMA TO REINSTATE BRIC PROGRAM

Representative Rob Bresnehan (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. sent a letter to Cameron Hamilton, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following the agency’s announcement to cancel the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

“I am writing to express my opposition to FEMA’s recent announcement it would cancel the [BRIC] program…this decision is detrimental to my constituents, and I strongly urge you to reverse this decision,” wrote Rep. Bresnahan. “This program is a hand-up, not a hand-out, to at-risk communities who have suffered catastrophic weather events. This includes my district and Northeastern Pennsylvania. The September 9, 2023 floods caused nearly $25 million in damage and destroyed 459 residences.”

The BRIC program supports state, local, and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk, including governments in Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District. Specifically, the city of Scranton, PA, was awaiting funding for buy-outs of flood-prone properties that were destroyed by flash floods on September 9, 2023. Without the support from the BRIC program, the city will be forced to come up with an additional $2.5 million in funding in order to create floodplain restoration and infrastructure, which is important to city public safety and future cost savings.

“In cases where communities cannot bear the full cost of property purchases, programs like BRIC are not wasteful, but well within the purview of federal coordination of disaster relief efforts,” continued Rep. Bresnahan. “The BRIC program has, and can continue to, support communities like those in my district. I urge you in the strongest possible manner to revive this program.”

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO CHALLENGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S UNLAWFUL DECISION TO REVOKE $185 MILLION OWED TO 116 PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND EDUCATION ENTITIES

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ABRUPTLY REVOKED $185 MILLION IN CONGRESSIONALLY-APPROPRIATED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

CUTS THREATEN CRITICAL INITIATIVES TO HELP STUDENTS LEARN, INCLUDING FUNDING FOR SCHOOL VENTILATION SYSTEMS, ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM SPACE, AND THE PURCHASING OF CRITICAL SUPPLIES TO SUPPORT STUDENTS

THIS FUNDING WAS APPROPRIATED BY CONGRESS TO STRENGTHEN STATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND NOW PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS, CHILDREN AND TAXPAYERS WILL ULTIMATELY BEAR THE BURDEN FOR THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S FAILURE TO KEEP ITS WORD

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit(opens in a new tab) with 15 other states and the District of Columbia challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to abruptly revoke $185 million in funding owed to Pennsylvania, much of which the United States Department of Education had already approved for distribution. These funds include(opens in a new tab) $183.6 million owed to 116 Pennsylvania school districts, charter schools, intermediate units, and career and technical centers and $1.8 million owed to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This funding supports mental health resources for students, provides access to reliable high-speed internet, and enables HVAC installation to improve student health and safety. 

Governor Shapiro has been working aggressively to protect Pennsylvania taxpayers and ensure the federal government honors its obligations. In February, the Governor filed a lawsuit challenging (opens in a new tab)the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional freeze of federal funding, and just last week Governor Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit to protect public health in Pennsylvania after the Trump Administration abruptly and arbitrarily canceled more than half a billion dollars in public health grants. As a result of the Governor taking legal action both times, $2.7 billion in federal funding owed to Pennsylvanians has been restored.

Governor Shapiro is once again taking action to ensure the federal government upholds its commitments to Pennsylvania, as the law requires.

“Congress and the federal government made a commitment to our students, and school districts across Pennsylvania started construction to make schools safer, delivered supplies to students, and invested to create more opportunity for our kids based on that commitment,” said Governor Shapiro. “Now the Trump Administration is trying to renege on its commitments to our kids and leave Pennsylvania taxpayers holding the bag. Every Pennsylvania student deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. I’m taking action to preserve that freedom and ensure no Pennsylvania student is harmed by the federal government’s decision to go back on its word."

In early 2025, the United States Department of Education (USDE) granted Pennsylvania an extension of time to access hundreds of millions of dollars in funds previously awarded to students in grades K-12 attending both public and private schools.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5:03 pm, with no advance notice or warning, USDE and Education Secretary McMahon abruptly and arbitrarily reversed course, notifying Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) by letter that as of 5:00 pm that day, USDE had unilaterally rescinded the extensions previously approved by USDE. The extensions had allowed Pennsylvania to continue accessing awarded funds – which have already been obligated to vital education programs – through March 2026. But through the rescission letter, Secretary McMahon and USDE suddenly declared that the period for accessing the funds had already expired.

Many of the projects funded by these dollars support critical programs for Pennsylvania schools like addressing academic and mental health needs, implementing technology upgrades that let students learn with modern tools, and installing critical infrastructure improvements for schools across the Commonwealth to ensure students' health and safety. Infrastructure improvement projects in particular are often subject to delivery or construction delays outside of the control of school districts.

Many Pennsylvania school districts and local education agencies such as intermediate units and charter schools have already spent the money to provide these critical services and upgrades to students. Under the standard process for these grants, PDE then reimburses schools, and USDE fulfills their commitment to reimburse PDE. By abruptly canceling $185 million it had promised to Pennsylvania schools, USDE has left Pennsylvania taxpayers on the hook.

For example, Reading School District was granted over $20 million to replace and install new HVAC systems in 3 middle schools and make building repairs at 7 different schools. Reading is currently in the middle of these projects relying on the money that is owed to them by the federal government.

For student safety, Hollidaysburg School District was spending their allocation of the funding on electronic locking doors. The funding for this will now fall on the taxpayers of Hollidaysburg because the Administration broke their promise.

Scranton School District was granted $104,000 to provide homeless students with backpacks, winter clothes, blankets, and hygiene products.

These unlawful cuts will weaken Pennsylvania’s schools infrastructure, where our children learn and put their health and safety at risk. Governor Shapiro is taking action to reverse this abrupt and unlawful action and ensure Pennsylvania is legally protected so that Commonwealth agencies can continue their work to improve Pennsylvanians’ lives.

The lawsuit is co-led by New York, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington DC.

MEDIA MATTERS

WILK RADIO WINS AWARDS

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.

TRUMP AND THE  WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER

President Trump is not expected to attend next weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, The Hill confirmed Tuesday.

Trump did not attend any of the annual dinners during his first term, bucking a tradition that went back several administrations. Trump won’t come because he’s a big baby but if he does, I’d do a mass walkout. 

FRANK McGEE GONE @ 51 YEARS

McGee moved to The Today Show in 1971, replacing Hugh Downs, who had hosted the program since 1962.McGee moved Today into a more serious news presentation,[ insisting on opening and closing the show by himself while sharing other duties with co-host Barbara Walters. He also insisted that he, and not Walters, ask guests the first three questions if both of them were doing an interview, according to Walters.

McGee last appeared on Today on April 11, 1974, six days before his death at the age of 52 from complications from multiple myeloma, a type of bone cancer.[  Following that last show, he checked himself into Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City; his immune system was weakened by chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and he died of an overwhelming pneumonia.

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

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

April 1963

USS Thresher (SSN-593)

USS Thresher (SSN-593) was the lead boat of her class of nuclear-powered attack submarines in the United States Navy. She was the U.S. Navy's second submarine to be named after the thresher shark.

On 10 April 1963, Thresher sank during deep-diving tests about 350 km (220 mi) east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, killing all 129 crew and shipyard personnel aboard. Her loss was a watershed for the U.S. Navy, leading to the implementation of a rigorous submarine safety program known as SUBSAFE. The first nuclear submarine lost at sea, Thresher was also the third of four submarines lost with more than 100 people aboard, the others being the French Surcouf, sinking with 130 personnel in 1942, USS Argonaut, lost with 102 aboard in 1943, and Russian Kursk, which sank with 118 aboard in 2000.

Created to find and destroy Soviet submarines, Thresher was the fastest and quietest submarine of its day, matching the smaller, contemporary Skipjack class. She also had the most advanced weapons system, including launchers for the U.S. Navy's newest anti-submarine missile, the SUBROC, as well as passive and active sonar that could detect vessels at unprecedented range. Shortly after her loss, the Commander of Submarine Force Atlantic wrote in the March 1964 issue of the U.S. Naval Institute's monthly journal Proceedings that "the Navy had depended upon this performance to the extent that it had asked for and received authority to build 14 of these ships, as well as an additional 11 submarines with very much the same characteristics. This was the first time since World War II that we had considered our design sufficiently advanced to embark upon construction of a large class of general-purpose attack submarines."

Following Navy tradition, this class of subs was originally named Thresher after the lead boat. When Thresher was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 10 April 1963, the class name was changed to that of the second boat, Permit. Having been lost at sea, Thresher was not decommissioned by the U.S. Navy and remains on "Eternal Patrol".