Description

Since 2008, Northeastern Pennsylvania has been ground zero for presidential politics, the national media, and, above all, fraud. Dominating the headlines are stories of greed, controversy, corruption, and immorality. With so much attention given to the region in recent years, the inevitable question is: Who and what defines us? NEPATIZED! investigates the most recent scandals in Northeastern Pennsylvania. With more than 30 interviews with local politicians, media figures, and activists, this book takes a critical look at some of the people and events that have redefined the region. Anti-minority rage, divinely-inspired bigotry, and talk radio's cacophonous diatribes are all part of what the author calls "a spectacle of unequivocal idiocy." With wit and intellect, author Ken Luck's fact-filled exposé explores the region through the people who have helped to mold it: Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty, former WILK host Kevin Lynn, filmmaker Josh Fox ("Gas Land"), political scientist G. Terry Madonna, union leader Michael Milz, blogger Dan Cheek, and King's College student Justin Vacula tell in their own words the recent story of Northeastern Pennsylvania, their grievances against the status quo, and their roles in making things better.