The Commonwealth Beat with Laura LeBeau - Episode 75 - 03/30/25

The Commonwealth Beat with Laura LeBeau is a statewide Public Affairs program airing on all of the Seven Mountains Media Pennsylvania radio stations. The Pennsylvania National Guard traces its roots back to 1747, when it was founded by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia as "The Associators," to  provide for a common defense against raiders and privateers. Since then, Pennsylvanians from all walks have life have answered the call to serve their community, their Commonwealth and their country when needed.  Fast forward to present day, and the PA National Guard comprises nearly 18,000 airmen and soldiers, making it the second-largest state national guard in the nation, divided into the PA Air National Guard and the PA Army National Guard.  Leading that dual mission today is Major General John R. Pippy, who says he's living the dream as Pennsylvania's 55th Adjutant General. 102nd District PA House Representative Russ Diamond has introduced bipartisan-supported legislation to end the death penalty in PA, once and for all.  He has a number of reasons for his position, not the least of which is that if an innocent person is executed, there's no take-backs.  Hear his rationale for introducing this bill.