494. Lessie LeBlanc for Congress

494. We interview Congressional Candidate Lessie LeBlanc. Lessie is one of the eight candidates running in the 3rd congressional district race. She’s hoping to defeat current congressman Clay Higgins. Leblanc currently works policy and organizing for the Promise of Justice Initiative.  She also holds the District 42 seat on the Democratic State Central Committee and says if elected to Congress, her main focus will be reproductive rights and gun legislation. “The recent Roe versus Wade decision complied with the absolutely abysmal legislation that has been passed at the state level and the absolutely abysmal amendment that was added to our constitution last year stripped these rights. We have stripped these rights away from women, and women want them back. We’re going to take them back,” Leblanc said.  She says polls show most Americans want abortion access to be available to people who need it. “If state legislatures refuse to do the will of the people, then we will have to take care of it at the federal level,” she added. Leblanc says she also has big plans for gun control. She says banning assault weapons should be addressed. She also wants people to be aware of ghost guns, or 3D printed guns, that could become a growing problem. In addition, she says the national criminal background check system needs to be re-vamped. “I think firearms do have a place in our society. I don’t think an outright ban is the answer. No ban has ever worked. Why would it start working now?”

1. This week in Louisiana history. November 5, 1996. Mary Landrieu, first Louisiana woman to be elected to US Senate.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Buried Alive
   November 5, 1970. Many still remember the guy who had himself "buried" in front of the Taco Bell at 4001 Veterans Highway back in 1970 but few remember the details. Below is a November 5, 1970 article which describes why 23 year-old Gretna resident John Diffley found himself in a home-made 3x3x8 foot coffin on public view via a peek-through shoot for the cost of a mere quarter. Diffley's aim was to break a 63-day "buried alive" record by enduring 65 days underground to earn college money. On day 22 at 11 P.M., two men dropped a five-foot Blue Runner snake down the shoot and Diffley wound up at Ochsner hospital -- treated for shock.  The men, both Avondale Shipyard workers,  were arrested for criminal mischief, although they claimed to be merely playing a practical joke. Several days later, Diffley returned to the tomb, determined to break the record, but had to start over again at day one.  I can find no information as to whether John Diffley successfully met his goal.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Kent House Plantation
   3601 Bayou Rapides Road
   Alexandria, LA 71303
   Phone 318-487-5660
   Website
   $11.00 - Adults
   $9.00 - Senior Adults (65+), Military, and AAA
   $3.50 - Children Ages 6-12 
   Free - Children Under 6
   Tours begin in our Gift Shop at the top of the hour
   Monday through Saturday
   9:00am | 11:00am | 1:00pm | 3:00pm
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Lily the Bone Jeweler. You can find her jewelry on Instagram  @abrasax.

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