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by Jenny Blanchard
Both the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times failed to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election, breaking a decades-long tradition of doing so. Journalists across the globe have condemned this decision as a dereliction of duty in an election where the choice could not be starker. It is important to note that both papers are owned by billionaires whose own fortunes would benefit from the economic and tax policies of a Trump administration. Newspapers should be an independent public forum exempt from the interests of corporate entities or high net worth individuals. The failure to endorse reflects cowardice on the part of both papers, and a number of senior editors have resigned in protest. The Washington Post is fond of boasting that “democracy dies in darkness.” It appears that sometimes it dies in broad daylight.
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by Matthew Thornburg
At the risk of preaching to the converted, tomorrow is the last day in Pennsylvania to register to vote and participate in the 2024 election. I of course urge anyone who may have overlooked this, to register and make your voice heard in a few short weeks. But it’s also important to remember that next door in Ohio, that deadline passed two weeks ago. On the other hand, in some states, such as our neighbor to the south, Maryland, folks may register to vote on Election Day if they wish. And in one state—North Dakota—there is no voter registration. Justice Louis Brandeis famously called the states “laboratories of democracy.” And so it is that this patchwork of state laws has the advantage of showing us which practices work and which do not. No surprise either, that people lead busy lives, procrastinate, and wait until the last minute to register to vote—often missing the deadline. We know from comparison that allowing voters to show up, register, and vote leads to an increase in turnout of about 3 percentage points among those eligible. Every day further away from the election you set the deadline to register to vote results in literally thousands of people missing the window across a state and having to sit out the election. I therefore urge you to register to vote if you have not already, and support reforms in our state that make it easier to do so. by Isaac Von Rue
According to the PA 2024 State of Education Report, 66% of PA schools said that student mental health issues are their biggest concern. In the report school leaders reported that on average 46.4% of their students have some degree of mental health need. With nearly 1.7 million students enrolled in PA schools, this means over 750,000 students have some degree of mental health needs in PA. While PA ranks 11th nationally in spending per student, only a little over 1% of school spending is dedicated to health and mental health services. When students have unaddressed mental health needs, it is hard for them to focus on learning. I encourage you to use your vote to elect leaders who will help ensure that schools are funded appropriately, and that the mental health needs or students don’t continue to go unfulfilled. https://www.psba.org/2024-state-of-education-report/ In This Together NEPA Files Legal Action to Reinstate Mail Ballot Drop Boxes in Luzerne County10/6/2024 by Brian Dugas
Luzerne County, PA — In This Together NEPA, along with impacted voters, has filed an injunction with the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, seeking injunctive relief to reinstate mail ballot drop boxes for the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election. We are proud to be represented in this action by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). CFC November ACLU, CFC October Action Together NEPA. The decision by Luzerne County’s administration to eliminate all drop boxes just weeks before a major election is a clear violation of voter rights, disproportionately affecting seniors, individuals with disabilities, working voters, and voters who rely on these secure and accessible options. Since 2020, drop boxes have provided a trusted, secure method for voters to cast their ballots in Luzerne County, with strict security measures in place, including video surveillance and secure chain of custody. Their removal poses a significant threat to voter access and participation. Luzerne County Council meeting Tuesday, October 8th, Board of Elections meeting Wednesday, October 9th. The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, under the umbrella of CEO, distributes food to organizations feeding those in need in four counties in NEPA. These organizations include food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, group homes for the disabled, day care centers, children's camps, and senior citizens. One of the members of our congregation (Jenny) volunteers at one of these food pantries serving Lackawanna County: BreadBasket of NEPA. When a group of UU members volunteered at the Weinberg Food Bank in August, we learned that the need for food has never been more serious than during the last year. The Weinberg Food Bank has had difficulty meeting this rising demand. In the past, the Weinberg Food Bank made weekly deliveries to participating organizations. BreadBasket was just informed that for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year, the Weinberg Food Bank will only be able to deliver food every other week to all organizations that depend on these donations. We have established an internal food pantry to help members of our own UU congregation, and we remain committed to this important project. Our food pantry is located in the lower level of the church, and it is open to anyone in need. The generosity of our community keeps this pantry well-stocked, and we are grateful. I'd like to ask the congregation to also consider a designated donation of one critically-needed item of food each month for the BreadBasket Food Pantry. Jenny could communicate this need to Monica in the announcements (for example: October Is cereal, November peanut butter, etc.). In this way, we could support both our own UU congregation and the greater community, where the need is dire and growing. At the BreadBasket Food Pantry in downtown Scranton, we feed on average 100 households a week (that gives you a picture of the scope of the problem, as we are only one of seven food pantries in Lackawanna County). The Women's March in Washington, D.C. and other locations is planned on NOVEMBER 2, 2024. (Saturday) Climate Reality NEPA, Saturday, October 26th, 4:00PM. Solar Sparks and Campfire Chat - learn about the value of solar power by visiting Rob and Margaret’s solar panel array. Meet and talk with other people from the Wyoming Valley concerned about our environmental welfare. by Lili Gioia
In February 2024, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced her Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act. “Companies are sharing confidential data via algorithms just as they once did in smoke-filled rooms,” Klobuchar told the New York Times (8/30/24). Algorithmic collusion is where companies illegally coordinate to raise prices through the use of an algorithm that they supply their data to, writes Times opinion writer Peter Coy. Each company has its own contract with the algorithmic provider who uses the companies’ data to make pricing recommendations that make them all richer—at the expense of their customers. In August Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to crack down on “corporate landlords” that use price- setting software to jack up rents, should she be elected. Senator Klobuchar indicated that “you can see this going economy wide. It’s mind-blowing what could go wrong here unless something is done about algorithmic price-fixing,” she said. The 134 year old Sherman Anti-Trust Act could not foresee algorithmic collusion. University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Law professor Maurice Stucke told the Times, “As more companies outsource pricing to algorithms, algorithmic collusion will become a ‘bigger issue.’” “The invisible hand is replaced by the digital hands.” A 2023 Federal Trade Commission lawsuit alleged that Amazon.com created a secret algorithm to raise prices on products selectively based on the algorithm’s judgment of whether competitors will follow Amazon’s lead and raise their own prices. Professor Stucke said that “The algorithm learns on its own to collude. That is hard to get at under the antitrust laws.” Klobuchar’s bill doesn’t implicate all pricing algorithms—just ones that mash up confidential information from two or more competitors. The Federal Trade Commission ordered 8 companies to provide information on ‘surveillance pricing’ practices, according to a 7/23/24 ABC News report. “Americans deserve to know whether businesses are using detailed consumer data to deploy surveillance pricing,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said. Firms that harvest Americans’ personal data can put peoples’ privacy at risk. Firms could be exploiting this vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices. Companies may offer products and services using consumer data (including credit information, location and browsing history) to charge different customers different prices for the same goods. The FTC will question third party intermediaries claiming to use advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technology. “The FTC inquiry will shed light on this shadowy eco-system of pricing middlemen,” Khan said. Federal Trade Commission orders were sent to Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JPMorgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture and McKinsey & Co. by Brian Dugas
Not sure how engaged you are with local politics, but recently there was an important decision made that impacts many people in Luzerne County. The Luzerne County election board announced the removal of the drop boxes for the November elections due to security concerns raised by the PA Department of State. The right to vote is one of the most important rights we have as American citizens. For many years that right was denied to many segments of our population, only changing after much suffering and several major significant political movements throughout our history. But is the right to vote now guaranteed to everyone? Recently, many states have passed laws that make voting more difficult for a large segment of our population. These laws frequently impact low socioeconomic populations through restrictive policies, challenging identification requirements, or limiting access. Because of these restrictions there are many people who just don’t vote because it’s too time consuming or difficult. It’s these people that we need to share our fire of commitment with. Today, after the service, we will be personalizing letters to people with low socioeconomic status in the State of Pennsylvania urging them to get out and vote. The organization we are working with is called Vote Forward. Here is a little bit about it: Vote Forward’s flagship voter contact program trains and supports volunteers writing personal, heartfelt letters to potential voters with an easy-to-use online platform. The majority of our letter-writing campaigns are nonpartisan campaigns, supporting our core 501c(3) and 501c(4) social-welfare mission, which focus on mobilizing potential voters in communities that have historically been marginalized in the political process—such as people of color, women, and young voters. Vote Forward is an organization that is supported by UU Justice PA, and we have participated with it before. If you would like to join us today, we have the letters that we will personalize, the envelopes, and the stamps in the back office. Depending upon the number of participants, this should not take us more than a few minutes, but we will start off with some instructions. Because the letters are personalized, it is important that the right letter gets in the right envelope, and there and some instructions on what your personal message should and should not say. So if you would like to feed that fire of commitment that was hopefully lit today, please join Beth and I in the back room after refreshments. by Isaac Von Rue
There is a current push by many members of the GOP to add voter legislation to the funding bill needed to keep the US government funded past October 1 st . While they claim these measures are necessary to secure our elections, in reality they are designed to make it harder for many to legally vote. The proposed legislation would enact a nationwide requirement that anyone requesting a mail in ballot needs to send a copy of their ID. According to the Brennen center, similar legislation that was enacted in Texas has resulted in voters of color having their mail in ballots rejected over 30% as often as white voters. The proposed legislation would also impose significant restrictions for voters in D.C. such as requiring all mail in ballot drop boxes be located in federal buildings with 24 hour electronic surveillance. In addition, the proposed legislation would also remove the $2 million dollar per donor limit to political parties allowing even more influence from the ultra wealthy in our political system. by Brian Dugas
The elections are November 5th. If you haven’t verified or registered to vote, do it now while there is still time. No one knows what type of fraud or manipulation that may be tried. Wednesday, September 4th, 6:00PM on Zoom. The first meeting of the NEPA Climate Reality Chapter. At Climate Reality, we recruit, train, and mobilize people of all ages and backgrounds to work for just climate solutions that speed the global transition from dirty fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. Through our 100-plus US chapters and 11 international branches, we drive change to stop rising temperatures and build a sustainable future for all by: Reducing emissions, Calling Out Greenwashing, Financing a Just Transition, Promoting International Cooperation Lehman Township solar project voted down September 12 - 17 March on Harrisburg, March On Harrisburg works to end corruption and move Pennsylvania from the one of the top most corrupt states into one of the least corrupt by passing a wave of democracy bills to end excessive money in politics, end gerrymandering, and secure and expand the right to vote. (September Collection for a Cause) PA is the 5th most corrupt state
Vote Forward is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that empowers grassroots volunteers to send handwritten letters encouraging fellow Americans to vote. Vote Forward’s flagship voter contact program trains and supports volunteers writing personal, heartfelt letters to potential voters with an easy-to-use online platform. The majority of our letter-writing campaigns are nonpartisan campaigns, supporting our core 501c(3) and 501c(4) social-welfare mission, which focus on mobilizing potential voters in communities that have historically been marginalized in the political process—such as people of color, women, and young voters. by Brian Dugas
On July 4th, 1776 a group of 56 men gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, a short document (1320 words) that explained the principles on which our government was based, and why we should be free of the tyranny of Great Britain. I would like to read one important section. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Some points need to be viewed a little more thoroughly: “All men are created equal”. We know that they were talking about white, landowning men and not including Native Americans, African Americans or women. The struggle for equality and justice for these groups, and many others as well, continues to this very day. In fact many of the rights that have been earned through great sacrifice and determination over the years are at risk once again. “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”. The people of this country are the source of the government’s power. Our elected officials get their power from the consent of the people, not from wealthy donors or corporate sponsors who contribute to political campaigns that serve their best interests. “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government,” Our Founding Fathers were brave enough to risk everything by signing this document as it could be used as evidence of treason by Great Britain, but they signed it regardless of the risks. They knew that it did not establish independence for the colonies, that would have to be won by force. But it did establish the fact that some things are worth fighting for. While our current Declaration of Independence was important in its day, and had a global impact around the world, it is obvious that it needs to be updated to reflect the reality of the country in which we live. That means a Government of the People that is quote “laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness”. Our elected officials are in office with the consent of the people and they are expected to implement our will. When the government becomes destructive of these ends, we have the right and the responsibility to alter or abolish it. We are at another critical point in this country. Just like in July of 1776, many of the freedoms and rights that we cherish the most are at risk. We need to find the courage shown by those original Founding Fathers, and rewrite the Declaration of Independence to include every gender, race, and belief system that collectively makes our country great. We need a new Declaration of Independence that lives up to the enlightened ideals and actually guarantees everyone's Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness. by Brian Dugas
Did you know that January - April of this year is recorded as the warmest in 175 years. April 2024 was the 11th month in a row to be the hottest on record, and that 2024 may be the first year to hit 1.5C of warming. This summer is shaping up to have significant weather patterns due to the record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and La Nina conditions in the Pacific. I'm sure you have noticed the increased number and intensity of significant weather events like tornadoes already this year, and they are expecting a significant hurricane season as well. Things are starting to build momentum and even the most adamant climate deniers will start to notice when it hits them in the pocketbook (insurance rates in Florida). Recently I was contacted by two environmental organizations desiring to start chapters in our area. Over the last few years I have been disappointed at how little environmental activism there has been in NEPA, but I think that is about to change. Anyone wishing to pursue this further can join myself and others as we try to get organized and make an impact on the region. The environment is just one of the reasons that we are seeing the number of refugees worldwide. Violence, economic disparity, and people just searching for a better life all contribute to the refugee problem that is going to get worse. 36.4 million people in the world today are refugees and there are tens of thousands of unaccompanied children in our country. Lancaster County has hundreds of refugees arriving each year. CWS Lancaster will be speaking to us on June 23rd, and they are the recipient of the Collection for a Cause this month. They have a Home Study program that works with children and their sponsors to visit homes, and their caseworkers work with them on goals such as attending school. I asked the person I coordinated the service with if there was anything else we could do to help them. They asked for school supplies. |
The Social Action Minute
One of the most popular features of our Sunday services is our Social Action Minute. During this time, a member of the Social Action Committee speaks on a topic of their choice in order to bring awareness and a call to action to the members of our Congregation. These are the archives of the Social Action Minutes presented at our Sunday services. If you missed a service, or are interested in the topic, you can revisit it and get information here. Archives
December 2024
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