The Larry Kane Report

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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This is what you might call the “travel edition.”

For the second time in three months, I am back on the campaign for “free air” at gasoline stations in the area. Now I know this sounds like a trivial pursuit, but tires with the right amount of air are safer and more fuel efficient. Pennysylvania, New Jersey and Delaware legislatures must pass legislation banning service stations from charging you for air.

I MEAN, ISN’T IT ENOUGH TO PAY OVER 4 BUCKS A GALLON.?   IN ADDITION TO THAT, YOU ARE GETTING HOSED BY SERVICE STATIONS REQUIRING A BUCK OR MORE TO FILL UP YOUR TIRES WITH “AIR.” LAST I HEARD AIR WAS FREE TO BREATHE IN AMERICA. WHY DO WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO PUMP UP OUR TIRES?

Yeah, I know, this is not as hot as Health Care and Taxes as an issue. But this is a public safety matter.

Demand free air!

Moving on to mass transit….

SEPTA has a fantastic opportunity. Regional Rail trains are packed these days, what with high gas prices disabling so many family budgets. This is the time when Septa should be letting everyone know what a great criss-cross rail system we have, along with surface linesIn addition to promotion, Septa needs to brighten up the cars with some paint, and a more cheery atmosphere. This time-period could be the moment that mass transit has been waiting for. Reinforcing that message is very critical.

On to the airlines. To make up for the high cost of fuel, some airlines are charging to check bags, imposing other fees, and in one case charging $2.00 for soft drinks. This is what I can’t figure out. If US Airways wants to charge for extras like soft drinks, why not bulld the cost into the fare? People hate to fork over two dollars for a cola , a glass and some ice? The news about the $2.00 soft drink is disheartening to travelers. My advice, pack your own sandwiches, and buy your drinks before you board. No waiting. No hassle. No money on board.

BROADCAST NOTE: Don Tollefson is leaving Channel 29. People come and go rapidly in the broadcast business, but Tollefson has been around a long time. I first worked with Don back in 1976. He’s a class act who knows his sports. I wish him well and hope to see him on local TV again.

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For some reason, the only time politics gets covered by local TV stations is when there is a seminal moment . Example: The end of the Clinton-Obama battle. But let me tell you that local stations are missing the beat and MISSING THE PULSE OF VIEWERS WHO WANT MORE FROM LOCAL NEWS.

The death of Tim Russert sparked in me a hope that his passing, and what he stood for, promoting and profilerating exciting political coverage, would encourage news outlets everywhere to start covering politics - NOT JUST 15 SECOND SLICES OF TAPE OF CANDIDATES SPEAKING WITH NO SOUND, BUT REAL, AND SOLID ISSUE PIECES.

Is it any surprise to anyone who knows me that I am doing more political coverage now on KYW Newsradio and CN 8, The Comcast Network, than I ever did in 37 years of anchoring the news? The reason is simple - the two outlets are dedicated to political coverage.

And by the way, area viewers are now being cheated out of coverage on the big budget battle in Harrisburg ( YOUR MONEY IS INVOLVED), and other critical political stories that involve you, your children, your communities and your lives.

Again, with fervor, I will be happy to advise News Executives of the CONTENT OF POLITICS:

Food Safety, Education, Highways, Mass Transit, Scholarships, Speed Limits, Drinking Water, Fighting Cancer and Disease, Open Spaces. Corruption, Drugs, The Cost of Health, Health Care Safety, Life, Death, Taxes, TV, Censorship, Fighting Terrorism, State Budgets, Taxes on Everything, War, Peace, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Price Controls, City contracts, Consumerism, Political Appointments, Dirty Air, Clean Air, Mortgages, Foreclosures, Gambling, Regulation, Deregulation, Air Travel, School Bus Safety, Law Enforcement, Gun Laws, Pensions.. and the list goes on.

TV News Executives who don’t understand the value of vibrant and exciting political coverage, and its impact on people, are not doing their jobs.

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