Growing Plutocracy Has Risen To Power In America

To the Readers’ Forum:

We can thank the shortsightedness of the Roberts Court for the rise of a plutocracy in America that gave us a Donald Trump.

On January 21, 2010, in Citizens United v. F.E.C., the Roberts Court opened the door for corporations (and other organizations) to pay for political ads made independently from candidate campaigns, by overturning the provision of McCain-Feingold law that barred such expenditures because of their corrupting, political influence on those who are supposed to represent us.

In effect, the Court expanded corporate/organizational “personhood” to include monetary, political expression as a First Amendment right. In doing so, the Court put the real power in the hands of the wealthy, not the electorate, to cultivate candidates for office who would benefit them the most, not us.

Corporations and their wealthy investors, and organizations and their wealthy supporters, found it most effective to use polarizing, political tactics “to groom” and promote for office representatives who would put them first, not our republic. The truth or falsity of the information they use to “sell” their chosen candidates matters less to them than “making the sale” to the American public.

Our Founders would be appalled that our non-elected branch of government — the Judiciary — unwittingly put the likes of the East India Company , i.e., a wealthy, politically-influential class, above “We the People,” in the nation they founded to do the exact opposite.

Maurice F. Baggiano, J.D.,

Jamestown

published legal author, member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court

Senior Citizens Can Be Healthier With SNAP

To the Readers’ Forum:

April is Senior Hunger Awareness Month. This month, we are reminded that access to nutritious food can be a challenge for many seniors in our community. Food insecurity can have harmful effects on seniors’ health, leading to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, poor cardiovascular health, and other chronic conditions.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help older adults put food on the table. SNAP provides monthly grocery benefits to more than 600,000 seniors in New York State, but many more may be eligible. SNAP helps seniors stay healthy by improving nutrition and food security, leading to better medication adherence, reduced hospital and nursing home admissions, and lower healthcare costs.

SNAP income eligibility requirements are more generous for seniors than others, and medical deductions may increase their monthly benefit amount. Many seniors can use a simplified application process that makes it easier to apply for SNAP and keep benefits. SNAP works like Social Security or Medicare–everyone who is eligible and applies will receive their benefit without affecting benefits to others.

For many seniors, SNAP can be the difference between having food and going hungry. The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) can help you learn if you may be eligible and complete and submit a SNAP application. These services are free and confidential. If you have trouble putting food on the table, please contact your local NOEP coordinator today at (716) 208-8688 or snap@feedmorewny.org.

Sincerely,

Brooke Barone

Feedmore WNY

Jamestown

Religion Is Being Misused By Governments

To the Readers’ Forum:

I used to be a “practicing Catholic” until things changed at St. James Church in Jamestown at the leadership level (Bishops to Parish level). There was too much support for pedophiles (promotions, lack of discipline, financial support) and lack of concern for the poor. I shouldn’t have to tell anyone this, but the Buffalo Diocese transferred Diocesan pedophiles within the Diocese and raised money to support them in spite of their lawlessness. Further, a former local parish priest banned St. James Church from participating in the Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission and having a “Rice Bowl” for money for the international poor.

Bishop Talbert Swan serves in the Church of God in Christ and the Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ (Massachusetts) and recently wrote on Twitter (X) in response to Franklin Graham and his support of Donald Trump, “Let’s call it what it is, it’s not just hypocrisy, it’s moral fraud” and “That’s not Christianity, that’s idolatry of whiteness, wrapped in religious language and draped in a flag.” Swan further states, “Calling evil when it benefits you, and calling good evil when it threatens your power” and “Then having the audacity to say that God said it!”

What “true Christians” and non-Christians, are saying is that Trump is the furthest from Christian as anyone can be. He has made the presidency, for himself and his family, a self-serving monetary organization for “grifting”. He put his picture and name all over Washington, D.C. including buildings and OUR money! He gives millionaires and billionaires tax breaks while taking away benefits from the poor and needy not only in this country but around the world. Trump has lied to MAGA and even the Republicans by causing higher prices on everyday goods, including food and gas to name a couple, when he started needless tariffs, and a war with Iran (killing innocent school children, killing/wounding U.S. military personnel and Iranians) and causing U.S. allies to balk at supporting the U.S., to name but a few logical effects.

Both Trump and Pete Hegseth have misused “religion” to achieve positions of personal power and control. I also feel that the Iranian government has misused “religion” for similar positions of power and control.

It’s beyond time for governments to serve the people rather than serve themselves!

Paul L. Demler

Jamestown