The Larry Kane Report

All the rebate checks in the world will not erase the simple fact that the economy has tanked, and the pain felt by so many Americans is real, along with doubts about the future. The concern expressed by the White House and the Congress is so lame you would think that we really didn’t have a problem. The President should be on this problem daily, instructing all of his executive branch departments to act NOW!

Some recommendations:

Justice Department: Investigation of possible price gouging at individual service stations.

Transportation Department — More expansive program to inform drivers on gas saving tips. The Department should also be reaching out with discretionary funds to mass transit systems that are coping with millions of additional riders. Also, a thorough check to see if airlines are complying with FAA guidelines by raising their prices with little or no warning.

Energy Department: A thorough investigation of the flow of oil from foreign nations to America, and whether middlemen are raking in runaway profits.

Treasury Department - Seek information quickly on credit card company gouging during this time of extreme hardship.

Bottom Line — The economy is capsizing in a domino effect, primarily caused by ghastly gasoline prices. Is anyone working in Washington?

A TIP OF THE HAT TO PHILA AREA POLICE -

City and suburban. They work their necks off in these hot summer months to keep us safe. And what a job they are doing! City and Suburban neighborhoods are safer than they have been in decades. Once a community is safe, a community becomes more liveable. So a tip of the hat to area Police and Firefighters for keeping us healthy.

AFGHAN WAR HEATS UP AND NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE–

For the second time in two months, there are more casualties in Afghanistan than Iraq. Please remember that is the real war on terror, aimed directly at the people who attacked us on 9/11. What’s going on here? Have we lost our resolve. A defeat in Afghanistan will do more to enhance world terrorism than any setbacks in iraq. The Afghan War against the Taliban is a must win situation. Is anybody ready to face up to thst? Ironically, Barack Obama seems tougher on a possible stance against the Taliban than John McCain who is focused on Iraq. Where are our priorities?

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The Supreme Court of the United States is in recess, returning on the first Monday in October. Some of the Justices will be available for special decisions via phone on appeals and last minute reprieves. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO GETS 90 DAYS OFF?

The problems of America are too big for the Supremes to get three months off the job. They get more time off than the Congress, and you know how I feel about the productivity of Congress. They get more time off than the President, who lately is looking like he’s already on vacation! These are difficult times. Yes, I know that the Supremes need time to read and study and all that good stuff. But they owe us more time. And if they are too tired to do the job, maybe its time for some of them to go into retirement.

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GAS GOUGERS? Why is it that in the same neigborhood, gasoline prices are so different, sometimes by a dime a gallon? The biggest problems seem to be in the suburbs. Most city-based stations are featuring similar prices at the pump. The Counties all have their weights and measures inspectors. The District Attorneys do not take 90 days off like the Supreme Court. It would be interesting to do some surveillance on a few gas stations to see how many times during a twelve-hour period they change prices. Something is not right, and our governments, at the local and state levels, are hesitate to check out this potential trouble.

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GOOD VIBRATIONS –

After 45 years , and a series of false alarms, Mayor Nutter is taking a determined approach about genuine development on the Philadelphia waterfront. Along with Ed Rendell’s dredging plan, which will super charge the local maritime industry, there is finally some direction. Along with this positive environment, NJ Governor Jon Corzine, he of the higher tolls and increased taxes mold, is threatening to block the dredging operation. Politics always wins out on the wateefront, but Corzine, who has millions to spend on his own re- election, will find that the dredging controversy could impact on his chances for a second term. Powerful forces, some of them Democrat, and pro-union, are not happy with Corzine’s position.

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POLITICAL FORECAST —

Newest hot names on the VP List; For Obama — Former Senator Bill Bradley, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, and ex Fla. Senator Graham.

Newest “buzzed” names for McCain — Former Health Secretary Tommy Thompson, Condi Rice (again) and Elizabeth Dole.

Don’t take any of these names to the bank.

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There was a time when Ralph Nader was a consumer crusader who was more interested in safety in products than he was in promoting himself. That was before the days when the need for ego gratification became prioriity number one. Now, Nader, agains indulging himself in a Presidential campaign he cannot win, has assailed Barack Obama for “talking white.” Can you imagine this so called expert on free speech and democracy injecting race into the campaign? Yo Ralph, cool it, get a grip, find a lemon of a car to take on.

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President Bush has lifted sanctions and the terror label on North Korea because the Koreans have turned over details of their nuke program? Good news. Maybe. As Ronald Reagan used to say, “check and verify.” “Check and verify.” The North Koreans have had more broken promises than any government in the world. Was the President, seeking a diplomatic victory, too quick to accept North Korea’s word? We’ll see.

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This writer has continually complained about conditions at the airport - dirty bathrooms, filthy concourses etc. I’m happy to report that things have changed for the better on Michael Nutter’s watch. Terminal A EAST is a model of what a great airport should look like - sparkling clean and user friendly. NOW IF ONLY THE TSA INSPECTORS WOULD LOOK AT YOUR FACE WHEN THEY MATCH THE BOARDING PASSES AND THE ID’S! This is the one area of airport security that needs to be fixed. TSA inspectors are much to casual when they match the face to the ticket.

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WORKPLACE HORRORS-

How many of you have stories of emotional and sometimes sexual harassment on the job? Although talk is cheap on  how to deal with this, we are taking another shot at helping victims on my CN 8 Show Voice of Reason this Sunday Night at 9:30. Two experts on coping with workploace problems have some fantastic insights on how to cope with ABUSIVE BOSSES, untrustworthy co-workers, sexually harassing cohorts, and all varieties of work-related crises. It’s a lively half hour with some stories that you may relate to.

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Some fantastic columns lately on the reality garbage that is appearing on Summer TV. How about Hollywood? Have you tried to look for a good movie lately? They are simply not there. Which means that if you want great entertainment, see a ball game, or watch Video on Demand or Cn 8 (The Plug Zone.)

I mean, take a look at the movie listings. Do you see anything that will make you want to rush out and see a movie? Indiana Jones? That’s the past. “Sex and The City’? Fun, but hardly worth eight bucks. That leaves us with a pile of junk. My suggestion: see “RECOUNT” on HBO or read a book. The movie industry needs to get its act together. And by the way, Hollywood is ignoring the generation of “mature” film goers, also known as the plus 50 group. We need something a little more scintillating than the current special effects fare to get us to the movies.

Final recommendation : Hot independent movie, available On Demand: It’s called DINNER RUSH. You won’t forget it.

On to politics. Latest hot buzz from the locals on the Democratic VP pursuit. Sam Nunn, Conservative former Senator from Georgia. Sam has the qualities: an expert on the military and foreign affairs. Downside? Jimmy Carter is pushing him. The other name we hear, and this is a surprise: Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, the Republican who served Bill Clinton. And I might add that there has been more Joe Biden buzz from Chicago (Obama Central) in the last few days.

Some broadcasting comment. I continue to be startled by the amount of race-baiting by some nationally syndicated radio talk show hosts. You know who I’m talking about. There is no room for racial incitement on the radio. Fortunately, our local radio hosts are a lot smarter. They don’t abuse the freedom of speech that we have to take shots at minorities and immigrants, two of the favorite targets of extreme radio. The FCC is more interesting in the indecency of profanity and nudity than it is in the indecency of radio hosts who use their bully pulpit to incite hatred. This is just a reality check as we head down the road to the fall campaign. I’m sick of it. And you should be too.

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