The cornerstone of the City of Lancaster’s Independence Day celebration was last Friday’s “Celebrate Lancaster” festival, which included street vendors, concerts, and a fireworks display. But here are some of the other events the City and various groups have planned for Independence Day:

Musser Park, at Lime and Chestnut streets, will hold its annual “Old Fashioned 4th of July” from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Entertainment will include food, games, music, and crafts.

FreedomFest ‘08 at the Marion Courtroom will feature 12 bands on two stages, as well exhibits from over 30 artists, and food concessions. Admission to the outdoor festival is $8 at the gates, starting at 3 p.m. Marion Court is located at 7 East Marion Street near the corner of Marion and Christian.

Also starting July 4 and running through July 26th is a “Patriotic Exhibition at Living Light Gallery.” “The exhibit will feature the photography of Adrianna Hoff, a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Art, much of whose work centers on “capturing the day her subjects learned they are being deployed to Iraq this September.” Living Light Gallery is located at 150 North Prince Street and its hours will be 11 a.m to 9 .m.

On July 4th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Eggs-Actly Right Gifts of 346 N. Queen St. will host guest artist Rena Grimmer, from Newmanstown, who will be displaying art deco and art nouveau jewelry.

July 4th is also one of the City’s “First Fridays” in which “over 90 art galleries and shops extend their hours and stay open until 9:00 p.m. – some even later!”

Enjoy laser tag? For $20, you can play all day July 4th (12 p.m. to 1 a.m.) at Laserdome, 2050 Auction Road in Manheim. For an additional $5, they’ll throw in unlimited soda and popcorn, and two slices of pizza.

Also July 4th, the Lancaster Barnstormers play a home game against the York Revolution.

Starting July 5th and running through July 27th, Theater of the Seventh Sister presents “Seed of a Nation: Lancaster and William Penn’s Holy Experiment.” The drama “unfolds through the eyes of several families, as they intersect with famous and significant figures and events in history.” The show runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., at the Roschel Performing Arts Center at Franklin & Marshall College (628 College Avenue). General admission is $25, with discounts available including a family package.

On Sunday July 6, at Long’s Park, the 257th Army Band, known as the “Band of the Nation’s Capital,” performs. Billed as “the community’s largest patriotic celebration,” the night features “Charlie Smithgall’s cannon brigade” and spectacular fireworks. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m.

All three Lancaster newspapers – The Intelligencer Journal, New Era, and the Sunday News have failed to cover or comment upon the Wall Street Journal’s expose last Thursday of how Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) has been grossly profiting at the expense of our uninsured (for religious reasons) Amish neighbors (and others) by insisting that they pay “charges” in full that LGH routinely discounts to insurance companies by over 50% and even more so to MediCare.

When NewsLanc launched its ongoing investigation into what seemed inexplicable earnings by LGH, the hospital’s unfair treatment of the Amish was on the lips of almost all knowledgeable observers whom we interviewed.

When the Intell published a front page puff piece stating “Though the large size of [LGH’s] facilities alone would seem to guarantee big revenues and profits, LGH is exceptionally efficient inside those facilities, the council report shows”, NewsLanc Watchdog responded, “Even the dullest Introductory Economics student, let alone a reporter and editor worth half their salt, would recognize that a major reason for such unusual profits might be non-competitive market conditions that permit higher prices and thus higher profits than would be normal.”

LNP’s dereliction of journalistic responsibility concerning the overcharge of the Amish is further evidence of the tacit and self serving collusion that has been underway in Lancaster, at least harkening back to the Convention Center project and attacks on former commissioners. The Lancaster Newspapers, with rare and benign exceptions, “sees no evil, hears no evil, and speaks no evil” about the Big Five: F & M College, Fulton Bank, the High Group, Lancaster General Hospital and, of course, itself.

NewsLanc blames the executives of the LNP for this abomination, not necessarily editors and staff.

NewsLanc repeats its demand for a new chair and president of The Lancaster Newspapers so that once again Steinman Enterprises can reliably serve its community, as it did so honorably in the past.

On June 28, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled “Opting Out’ Old Order’ Mennonites and Amish Who Shun Insurance Face Rising Bills. Should Hospitals Cut Them a Break?”

The WSJ article anticipates one of NewsLanc’s findings in its extensive ongoing research into the causes for Lancaster General Hospital’s exceptional profitability.

NewsLanc’s “editor’s note” to an article in the current newsletter entitled HEALTH: The High Cost of Medical Insurance states:

According to a report from the State, hospitals only collect a fraction of their ‘charges’ from insurance companies and MediCare. But Ralph’s percentage payment is based upon the bloated ‘charges.’ NewsLanc will report more on this in a forthcoming series analyzing the reasons for Lancaster General Hospital’s extraordinary profitability.”

It is NewsLanc’s understanding that LGH accepts payments averaging 44% of its “charges” from insurance companies and an even lesser percentage as payment from MediCare as payment in full. Yet in calculating co-pay responsibilities for those insured or billing individuals not insured, LGH often insists on payment based on the full “charges.”

The WSJ article states in part

“…Complicating matters is that many of these [Amish] farmers won’t buy health insurance: They believe it is the religious duty of their communities to provide for one another when sick. They don’t pay Social Security taxes and reject Medicaid or Medicare benefits, as well as farm subsidies.”

Later the article observes

“Dr. [D. Holmes] Morton has called on the two local hospitals to offer half-price discounts to uninsured Amish and Mennonites, calling hospital bills inflated. He notes that the government and private insurers negotiate reduced rates. The hospitals, both of which are profitable, say they can’t make special provisions based on religious beliefs or anything else.”

“Lancaster General’s chief executive Thomas Beeman calls the discount request unrealistic and unfair. ‘You’re really then putting the burden on you and everyone else,’ he says.”

Somewhat later in the article, the WSJ states “Lancaster General has increased its discount for uninsured patients to 25% from 15%. Mr. Beeman says uninsured patients now receive the same discount that commercial insurers do, though not as much as the government does.” Yet NewsLanc’s review of State statistics would suggest that the discount should by about 56%, not 25% to 15%.

NewsLanc hastens to add that its research is not complete. It awaits responses to questions already being asked of LGH and anticipates posing future questions prior to publication of its research of all the factors contributing the LGH’s extraordinary profitability and whether some of the profit is derived unfairly at the expense of the Lancaster public.

NewsLanc urges readers to click here to read the article, which is is still available to non-subscribers in order to read a detailed and fair account of dealings between the Amish and LGH.

The estimable Art Morris, Sunday News’ guest op-ed writer, in a column headed “Sen. McCain is fit for the future” opines “As we each of us makes a choice for president, I hope we do it based on issues and not on age, race or other baseless reasons.”

Certainly Morris does not mean for us to set aside the United State Constitution! It sets a minimum age for Representatives of 25, for Senators of 30, and for Presidents of 35. To our founding fathers, age was an important consideration.

It is one thing for a septuagenarian to serve in the House or Senate in a legislative and oversight capacity and as one of many. A famous example of this was former President John Quincy Adams who served in the House of Representatives until age 81 and distinguished himself by repeatedly (and bravely) speaking out against the institution of slavery.

Morris equally errs by too narrowly defining the tasks of a CEO or President as follows: “A president is not a doer. The president, after listening to the best advice available, makes decisions and tells people what to do.”

If only it were so simple, we could all successfully serve in that capacity. Rather, the presidency is perhaps the biggest chief executive officer job in the world and requires not only huge energy to perform iits myriad of responsibilities including a grueling daily schedule and much travel, but also the ability to think clearly and, in part, rely upon one’s own judgment. As Abraham Lincoln once indirectly observed, there is only one vote that really counts at a cabinet meeting.

Lastly, Morris is at that magic point in his life (late fifties or early sixties?) where energy remains in abundance and what slippage may take place in acuity is more than off set by experience and contacts. But the next decade brings diminution of memory, changing temperament, less patience, and flagging vigor. (If only there was Viagra for thinking!)

Let’s look at the ages at the time of their ascension to office of those by consensus considered the most successful presidents: George Washington, 57; John Adams, 61, Thomas Jefferson, 57; Abraham Lincoln, 52; Theodore Roosevelt, 42; Woodrow Wilson, 56; Franklin Roosevelt, 51; Harry Truman, 60; Dwight Eisenhower, 62.

The oldest presidents at ascension were Andrew Jackson, 61; William Harrison, 68 (he died the first month); Zachary Taylor, 64 (he died 15 months later); James Buchanan, 65; and Ronald Reagan, 69.

For some, Reagan is the strongest argument that McCain, who would be 72 upon ascension, is not too old. Others point out that Reagan was already suffering from early signs of dementia during his second term.

Contrary to what Morris contends, age, unlike religion, race, and ethnicity, is a legitimate issue for consideration in choosing the next president of the United States.

While all delight that Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) enjoys profits for 2007 exceeding $136 million, second highest for any hospital in the state, NewsLanc believes it is in the public’s interest to know the causes of these extraordinary profits and whether, in some manner, they are in part at the inordinate expense of the community.

NewsLanc staff soon discovered that it would require a person of greater skill, experience and patience in evaluating the hundreds of statistics provided by a State agency and gleaned from LGH and other sources in order to comprehensively evaluate matters.

Therefore arrangements were made to borrow the services of Doug McVay, Director of Research for Common Sense for Drug Policy, a sister organization. McVay is the compiler and editor of “Drug War Facts” (DrugWarFacts.org) which is in its sixth edition. He also manages scholarly web sites that serve five thousand individuals a day. The fairness and accuracy of his research is relied upon by academics and media world wide.

McVay has received cooperation from LGH and has requested additional information. NewsLanc prefers to publish a comprehensive report but that depends upon LGH continuing to be forthcoming. If so, a draft of the report would be submitted to LGH for its review and comment before a final version is published.

The purpose of the research is not to find fault. Rather it is to bring transparency to the factors contributing to LGH’s outstanding profitability so that the community can play a more knowledgeable role. LGH is a public foundation established to serve the same community that NewsLanc seeks to inform.

we are so fortunate to have the current Convention Center board. They will go down in history as creating the life preserver needed to enable this plane to land as safe as possible with as few casualties as possible.

We better not forget the time and effort they are spending , their positive attitude, and the bonding of City and County members. One can feel the sincerety in comments and actions.

I have to keep saying how fortunate we were to have had two prior commissioners that made some mistakes as we all do BUT put their jobs on the line by questioning the project. They searched for and appointed people who took on the role of keeping the taxpayers interest at the forefront.

When I shared this information with my financial advisor earlier this week who does risk managing for municipalities, his advice was the LCCCA shoould better call in their monies and not even consider collateral.

My personal suggestion to the finance committee is to go to Fulton Bank, a past limited partner of Penn Square Partners, and have them put together a good package for this construction money because they are VERY conservative and, if this project is such a good idea, who better to give us an extra point or two on 25 to 30 million dollars?

Kudos! Its June 27 front page article “No ‘Helping Hand’ from Highmark: Insurance giant denies money for parents’ preferred procedure” describes how “Highmark would cover the surgery cost of $150-200,000″ but would “only pay $4,907.18 of the $15,600 total billed” for prosthetics that give the same appearance and avoid complicated major surgery.

WATCHDOG: It is encouraging to see a Lancaster Post article that seems well researched and is consistent with the front page headline and graphics. Keep up the good work!

Wachovia sold the LCCCA’s construction bonds in late March of 2007, and administers their funds. As a part of the deal, the $64 million in bond proceeds was handed over to M&T Bank, which is responsible for investing the bond proceeds until the money is actually spent. The investment was put out to bid, in compliance with the law, under a multitude of factors that I don’t pretend to understand. I do know that the funds must be readily available, and bidders must have held an AAA rating. MBIA was the highest bidder, offering 5.3% interest.

The problem started when the major financial rating agencies found out that MBIA has a substantial exposure in guaranteeing equities consisting of sub-prime mortages. Even though this is only a part of MBIA’s overall business, they could lose a LOT of money on these shaky investments. As a result, the major rating agencies lowered their assessment of MBIA’s creditworthiness.

This triggered provisions in the LCCCA’s contract with MBIA, which spell out that in the event the company investing the LCCCA’s funds would lose two steps in its credit rating, MBIA has fifteen days to either “collateralize” the LCCCA’s remaining funds (which I understand means MBIA must have enough cash on hand to repay the LCCCA’s money)*, or the LCCCA has the RIGHT to request all of their remaining funds to be refunded, without penalty and with accrued interest. The LCCCA leadership has clearly stated that if MBIA does not collateralize their funds by the end of the 15 days, or July 7th,they will demand all of their money back. If this were to happen, the $25 to $30 million remaining would be reinvested in money market funds.

Here’s where it gets complicated: the LCCCA isn’t the only agency looking for similar guarantees. When MBIA’s credit rating was reduced, it triggered similar provisions on many other contracts. On top of that, some agencies/companies/people will no longer do as much business with MBIA, simply because their credit rating is less than perfect.

MBIA has been trying to avoid disaster by selling off municipal bonds, which are the safest investment available. MBIA claims they have more than enough cash to meet their contractural obligations. However, if for some unknown reason they don’t, MBIA would be forced to ask the courts for bankruptcy protection. If MBIA would declare bankruptcy before the LCCCA funds are collateralized or refunded, the LCCCA would be unable to access its money. As a result, construction of the project would quickly come to a halt.

As best as I can tell from reading multiple news sources, the LCCCA’s money is most likely quite safe. But however unlikely, bankruptcy could happen.

Editor’s note. “Collateralizing” might be achieved by having others with an AAA or AA rating add their guarantee.

Published on June 28th an editorial favoring paper ballots and a column entitled
“F&M’s presentation on rail yard fails to win over skeptics.”

WATCHDOG: New Era earned double kudos!

First, an Editorial entitled “Paper ballots on comeback trail” states “Following Florida’s presidential election fiasco in 2000, many states abandoned punch cards – once used by nearly a third of the electorate – and mechanical level machines in favor of electronic touch-screen voting systems.” It then explains how electronic voting machines without a paper trail of each vote actually cast often fail (or we would add, sometimes are rigged) and there is no possible way to check on what took place.

What the article is not clear about is that the voting machines which former commissioners Pete Shaub and Dick Shellenberger insisted on buying in disregard to Molly Henderson’s objection have no verifiable paper trail. The sooner that the County gets rid of these second hand “bargains,” the better!

Second, the New Era carried an article by columnist Carol Petersen that properly challenges for lack of candidness and fair play the presentation by F&M College last week to home owners in the vicinity of the proposed (and almost certain) relocation of the Norfolk & Southern freight yard.

Samples:

“The two most important issues on a long list of citizen concerns are the potential health risks associated with freight trains and their cargo and the loud impact noise inherent in coupling and uncoupling train cars. Imagine residents’ surprise and disappointment when they learned from the engineering firm that those two critical items were ‘not within the parameteres given to us by F&M.’”…

“‘You just have to take our word for it’ that there would be remediation should it be needed, [John Fry] added.’ Trust is earned, and without solid answers to their long-standing questions resident are running a little short of trust in F&M.”