War With Iran Is A

Deflection Tactic

To The Readers’ Forum:

And so it begins … war with Iran. Is Iran a “good” country? Trump says Khomeini is bad. Does Iran want to befriend its own people? So, what is the reason for American involvement? There seems to be no good answer. Some say it’s because Iran does not support its people’s wishes, but U.S. government agencies (ICE) kill unarmed American citizens against Americans’ wishes. Some say it’s that Iran could have missiles that might reach the U.S., but there is no such evidence. Some say Iran could have weapons-grade nuclear material, but Trump said that material was “obliterated” back in June 2025 – 9 months ago. So, what is it that going to war is so urgent – so existential?

Well, there is, to me, only one reason, which is to distract the American people from the Epstein files! Why do you think Trump’s so-called “justice” department has withheld 3 million documents that should have been released under the law signed by Trump, which was passed by all but one member of both the House and Senate. It has turned out that, among those documents withheld, three of the four FBI interviews (allegedly naming Trump), as well as FBI interviews with victims have not been released by Trump’s so-called “justice” department. In other words, if there is no investigation of Trump, an investigation that could bring down his presidency, Trump can become “scot-free” regardless of what he does with Iran. Trump’s name appears throughout the Epstein Files. Shouldn’t Trump at least be investigated? If Trump is exonerated and found not guilty of engaging in crimes, shouldn’t that be the best scenario for Trump, rather than the suspicion surrounding what appears to be an active coverup?

Don’t be fooled by the “armchair” war with Iran! It’s easy to send our fighting men and women into a war, clearly of choice, when you don’t have to fight it yourself. Sure, American soldiers may die, but since American citizens died here in Minnesota, and Trump did not care, what are some casualties in a foreign conflict?

Paul L. Demler

Jamestown

Questioning Langworthy’s

Contributions, Vote

To The Readers’ Forum:

I recently contacted Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office regarding his voting record on Epstein files transparency. His response cited his vote for HR 4405, which passed 427-1 on November 18, 2025. That is accurate — but it omits something important.

Before HR 4405 reached the floor, Representatives Massie and Khanna filed a discharge petition on September 2, 2025 to force an identical vote. Speaker Johnson sent the House home early specifically to prevent that petition from reaching 218 signatures. Only four Republicans signed it. Congressman Langworthy was not among them.

Voting yes at 427-1 when the outcome is politically predetermined costs nothing. Signing a discharge petition against your own party leadership — when the Trump administration was actively pressuring members not to — is the actual test of conviction on transparency.

I then asked Congressman Langworthy’s office about his documented receipt of over $300,000 in pro-Israel PAC contributions, including from AIPAC and its affiliated network. I received no response.

Public FEC records also show contributions to Langworthy from Pfizer — a pharmaceutical company whose industry he directly oversees as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee — and from Americans for Prosperity, the Koch network’s 501(c)(4) that does not disclose its donors.

These are not allegations. They are public records any constituent can verify at fec.gov and opensecrets.org.

Congressman Langworthy represents NY-23. His constituents deserve a direct answer to one question: did you sign the Massie-Khanna discharge petition, or did you wait until transparency was safe?

Andrew Gritters,

Jamestown

Hochul’s Budget May Hurt Weatherization Programs

To The Readers’ Forum:

Chautauqua County’s most vulnerable residents could soon feel the impact of a quiet but devastating budget decision. Across New York, including here in Chautauqua County, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) providers are speaking out against proposed cuts. Weatherization helps low-income households reduce energy costs by improving home efficiency through insulation, air sealing, and other improvements. The Governor’s budget omits 10% of the HEAP funding usually dedicated to WAP–a reduction with far-reaching consequences for communities statewide.

That 10% represents as much as 60% of operating budgets for many local agencies delivering these services. In Chautauqua County, this could mean fewer homes being weatherized, reduced energy savings for vulnerable families, and potential layoffs for the skilled workforce that keeps these programs running. For example, our local program, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., serves on average 70 families annually and invests an average of $800,000 per year with the focus on single family, multi-family and manufactured housing.

WAP is one of the state’s most effective tools for lowering energy costs while improving health and safety. Cutting this funding undermines both affordability and long-term energy solutions.

State leaders must restore this funding in the final budget. Chautauqua County families–and communities across New York–cannot afford to lose a program that delivers real savings and real impact.

Diane Hewitt-Johnson

Jamestown

CEO of Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.