Editor:

What is going on in Minnesota has no relationship with the law or law enforcement.  It is performative cruelty by dress-up military actors behaving like an occupying force in a hostile environment, with no oversight and no accountability for their actions.

The administration’s stated reason for sending in immigration enforcement is because of fraud, allegedly committed by residents with a Somali background. It is important to note that 98 individuals have already been charged in the scheme, which could exceed $250 million. But none of the more than 2,000 immigration officers on the streets of Minnesota are investigating fraud.

Although $250 million is a lot of money it pales compared to the billions President Trump and his administration have defrauded from the American people. Mr. Trump has defrauded Americans with his cryptocurrency scheme, the brides for pardons fraud, and all his violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution. Not to mention the hundreds of millions of dollars of Venezuelan oil money Mr. Trump sequestered in an offshore account he claims he controls.

The list of fraud from Mr. Trump alone takes pages. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, spent $200 million of taxpayer money to purchase luxury jets for her personal and private use, according to a Department of Homeland Security press release.

Furthermore, when the state officials of Mississippi were found guilty, in a court of law, of defrauding the federal government and ordered to pay more than $1 million dollars in fines, the Trump administration reversed that decision. But I don’t want to get bogged down in both-siderisms.

Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that: Governments “derive their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.”  The Immigration officers in Minnesota are not there with the consent of the citizens or their elected leaders. There was no increase in crime or civil disorder that required federal law enforcement’s presence.

And let me be clear, if there were a need for immigration officials to be in Minnesota, Minnesotans would ask for help. Minnesota has a long and successful history of working with federal immigration officials. But that is not the situation now. Federal agents have not communicated with or made any attempt to coordinate with state and local law enforcement. This is not law enforcement, it is dominance.

Further evidence that this is not a law enforcement activity is that since the federal immigration invasion of Minnesota, schools have gone remote, and businesses have closed.  People are afraid to go out, and residents of the city are terrified. Think about that, federal agents are intentionally creating chaos to terrorize the citizens. They are not making the city safer; they are intentionally and deliberately terrorizing the citizens.

The facts and the evidence are overwhelming. What is happening in Minnesota has no connection to the law or law enforcement. It is forced obedience to authority and to an authoritarian regime. That is why people are taking to the streets to protest.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

WNY STAMP project is pushing forward with plans to build a 2.2 million square foot (think 40 football fields) data center adjacent to the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and Tonawanda Seneca Nation Big Woods.

This monster will use 500 megawatts of our electric power, enough to supply every residence in Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Orleans counties combined. It will essentially be operated by Apollo Global Management, one of the largest private equity corporations in the world.

More than $410 million in state subsidies (our tax dollars) have already been poured into this boondoggle, with not a single one of the promised 9,000 jobs having been created.

This massive data center will raise our electricity bills, strain power supplies, create constant noise and air pollution, imperil wildlife,  and destroy the rural nature of the area.

It’s time to pull the plug on STAMP.

Sandy Chenelly

Waterport

Editor:

As I peruse the various letters to the editor, I find it interesting how many diehard writers continue to concentrate on the Trump administration and digress on everything wrong with him and his policies.

Although his administration has boosted manufacturing jobs, secured the border, disrupted criminal networks, expanded addiction care access and raised public safety and industry standards, some people fail to concede any good he has done for our nation.

This intentional negativity is meant to divert not only from the truth but from the real issues presently affecting our nation. So after many months of waiting, reading and evaluating the content of such posts, it’s time to broaden the picture.

Let’s start with the explosive fraud brought forth by Nick Shirley in Minnesota, which at first seemed to be an untouchable topic by mainstream media. Only when it no longer could be denied, did they start covering this, but those good old boys just can’t tell the whole truth.

Instead they had to weave their sinister lies within each broadcast, article or newspaper. That was a total flop too. After awhile the picture became so clear and obvious that no denial or coverup could thwart the truth. The pressure cooker’s lid had popped and reality was unleashed. Fraud had become so rampant and apparent, the volcanic effect was now in full swing. New allegations were erupting every day and the initial revelation of daycare fraud had evolved into widespread corruption, abuse and misuse of taxpayer money.

It is estimated that $700 million was found in baggage by Somali couriers leaving the St. Paul International Airport. That’s around $2 million a day over a two year period. Most was transported by the Somali/ American couriers on flights to Somalia and the Middle East. Since the cash was legally declared, no immediate capture or arrest were rendered.

However the Feds are now investigating the movements of this money and suspect money laundering amidst large-scale fraud in Minnesota. Some probes have now indicated that some of this money was transferred to regions in Somalia controlled by al-Shabaab, a known terrorist organization. Is it any wonder Trump sent federal agents there to clean up this mess.

The complete abdication of accountability by the Walz administration shows the deep corruption, not only in the state Medicaid system but within the social services departments as well. Taxpayer money has been diverted from the most vulnerable to, in some cases, illegal immigrants who have been getting health care with other state only Medicaid funds.

When Waltz was warned to produce a corrective action plan by the end of 2025, he did so but his plan was inefficient and didn’t address the fraud and abuse. Hopefully the highest quality of healthcare there can be restored to the most vulnerable.

Venezuela – another misunderstood topic. Venezuela sits on 300 billion barrels of oil; worth over 17 trillion dollars. The US does not need their oil. China does.  They buy over 90 percent of their crude from Venezuela. The oil does not need  to be controlled by our enemies.

Trump understood something that some other countries didn’t. “Power does not come from owning energy, it comes from controlling who gets it.” So if China loses this gem – a  Taiwan War could be avoided. This is called leverage or better still – strategy. Trump is reshaping alliances so peace can be preserved.

The last topic involves the ICE agents who are battered with verbal abuse and put themselves in harm’s way every single day. Their directive is to root out the criminals, the rapists and the illegals. They are doing their job and with any law enforcement organization, they should be treated with the utmost respect and admiration. Yet we see maniacs trying to impede their agenda. Those who choose to obstruct this mission and put fate into their owns hands must be ready to face the consequences.

Little by little, other independent investigators are coming forward with similar revelations in other states. The domino effect is now in full swing, as it should be. Every state needs to guarantee government accountability, adherence to the law and accuracy. This applies to all state agencies, local government and various private receivers of taxpayer money.

The State Comptroller, the Attorney General and the Department of Revenue need to step up their supervision/audit of taxpayer dollars. One would like to assume that this is already being done, but obviously after this fiasco in Minnesota, that’s not the case. It’s time to clean up this corruption.

Every state will undoubtedly be under scrutiny and as more and more fraud is investigated; the corruption which has plagued America for years will be exposed and those responsible should be held accountable and brought to justice.

Maybe it’s time to see the whole picture, to get out of the rut and admit that maybe, just maybe, Trump is trying to save America.

Mary Mager

Fairport, former Albion resident

Editor:

We would like to acknowledge the passing of Jim Zelazny, who left us shortly before Thanksgiving.

Jim gave years of steady, principled service to the Town of Shelby. He was a regular presence at Town and community meetings for more than a decade. He followed the public record, stayed engaged, and did the unglamorous civic work that supports effective local government.

Behind the scenes, Jim helped create positive change in Shelby, often without credit or fanfare. He also served as the treasurer of the Shelby Republican Committee, a position that required sustained attention to detail and a strong respect for process.

Jim improved Shelby in practical ways, often behind the scenes and always with integrity. His contributions were not loud or performative. He was honest, direct, and acted in good faith. He listened carefully, took notes, and paid close attention to procedure. When a process slipped or transparency broke down, Jim asked questions and pressed for clarity. He supported lawful processes and accurate public recordkeeping because public accountability matters.

Jim Zelazny showed what it means to be an engaged citizen. He led without seeking attention and treated people with respect. The example he set is a reminder that communities are sustained by residents who stay involved, pay attention, and participate. A meaningful way to honor him is for more people to step forward and do the same.

We are grateful not only for the time Jim Zelazny gave, but for the friendship and the privilege of having known him.

Sincerely,

Gabrielle Barone

Andina Barone

Linda Limina

Medina

Editor:

I suggest it is time for the Orleans County Democratic Party to become more active.  Summer picnics are nice, but it should use other county Democratic parties as examples and hit the streets.

The Dems should hold rallies in all Orleans towns to make their views known, conduct marches to publicize its agenda and go door to door explaining the party platform.

In essence the Democrats have been doing the same thing election after election and expecting different results. And the results have been a disaster. Could it be time for new leadership with new ideas?

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Va.

Mr. Capurso is an Albion High School graduate, Class of 1960.

Editor:

Agreed, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is a bad man, a criminal. He is undemocratic, and repressive and his government has destabilized the region for years.

But attacking Venezuela the way President Trump has is criminal. It violates international law, U.S. law and our Constitution. The administration acted unilaterally, without consulting Congress as required.

Mr. Trump left the corrupt Maduro administration in power because he believes he can bully them into turning over their resources (especially their oil) to him and his corrupt cronies. While, Republican politicians, like Claudia Tenney, will just go along with this illegal and corrupt activity.

The rationale for this illegal action is very concerning. In his press conference explaining the illegal invasion of Venezuela to the American people, Mr. Trump stated that the U.S. has now replaced the Monroe Doctrine with the “Donroe Doctrine.”  Which he explained supersedes the Monroe Doctrine and is outlined in the new National Security Strategy released in early December.

This document changes our foreign policy from rule-based order promoting democracy to “Spheres of Influence.” Where powerful countries create spheres of influence in their region. This aligns with Vladimir Putin and Russian foreign policies goals.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pestov speaking about it, told reporters: “The adjustments that we see correspond in many ways to our vision.” Spheres of Influence is how Mr. Putin’s explained his invasion of Ukraine.

This major break from the rules-based order and international laws to one where “Might makes Right,” is what Republicans like Ms. Tenney are cheering and it is very dangerous.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

The idea of placing a 2.2-million-square-foot, 500 megawatt data center in the middle of several wildlife management areas and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s “Big Woods” is the worst idea ever!

First of all, the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is one of many important birding areas in Western New York. A refuge for many birds to rest, nest, feed and raise their young. I learned that over 30% of the endangered short-eared owl population have been lost since the WNY STAMP project began.

The owl depends on hearing to hunt its prey. How is the owl going to be able to hear if a data center is roaring as loud as a rock concert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

The other species of special concern in this area is the Eastern Massassauga snake, the Northern Harrier Hawk, Bobolinks, Long Nose Bat and the Cerulean Warbler are all at risk here.

What about the demand on our power grid and water resources? The STAMP project was intended for advanced manufacturing not a power-sucking data center! The GCEDC doesn’t care about the environment and how can they be the lead agency for the SEQR? It’s like putting the wolf in charge of the sheep.

Of course they are going to push it through they will receive millions for destroying our wetlands. For very little jobs offered.

Stop WNY STAMP. No data centers next to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Evelyn Wackett

Certified wildlife rehabber

Buffalo

Editor:

Congresswoman Tenney congratulated Trump for his capture of Maduro in Venezuela.  She stated that his capture “sent a clear message against tyranny and corruption.”  It appears Tenney has strong feelings on this matter.  I wonder how strong.

I suggest she volunteer to be the new Chief of the US Mission to Venezuela. Perhaps she would welcome the opportunity to govern 30 million hostile people and solve its severe poverty problems.

Jack Capurso

Albion High School 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

Yesterday, we saw another egregious act by our President. The sole purpose of this offense can be directly tied to the multitude of offenses by this Administration and its tag-along Congress.

Regime change is prevalent in our DNA, but it has never boded well for us or other countries. In fact, it is often destabilizing for a country and can cause irreparable harm in terms of the consequences and sometimes lead to civil wars.

The fact that Congress was not informed, and the President and his Administration lied in briefings to them by saying this was not going to lead to regime change. Senator Ruben Gallego repeatedly asked that question to Secretary Rubio and was told it was not.

We have removed President Maduro and his wife, flown them to New York where they will be held in a New York Detention Center in Brooklyn. I would say that is definitely regime change! Nobody should be a fan of Maduro and his corrupt government, but this brazen act was taken by President Trump and his administration.

We have a Congress, and under our Constitution, they have the sole power to declare war on a country. Why is that not respected and upheld, but instead mowed down by the ego and hubris of this President?

We have also witnessed the expected complicity by this Congress, including NY24 Rep. Claudia Tenney. Her statement praised the action of our government saying it “sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere.” She also said that the Venezuelan people “now have the opportunity to pursue freedom and prosperity.”

This has absolutely nothing to do with the Venezuelans pursuit of freedom and prosperity, nor a stand against tyranny and corruption. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! It does, however, have everything to do with the grift of this President and his administration.

Once President Trump got off script in his press conference, he was not shy about revealing the reasons he did it either. He repeatedly said “we are running Venezuela now.” And when asked why, he made no bones about how “we’ll be selling large amounts of oil to other countries.”

He is on the take for himself and his cronies. We have no money to pay for healthcare in this country, or rising cost of groceries, but he and his oligarchs are lining their pockets with Venezuelan oil money.

So, I ask you, is this what we are asking our brave military to do now? Be the muscle behind the grift and corruption? It is shameful, that this President, would send our young men and women to wage a war for the benefit of the 1%. That is the reality of today’s actions. It is most disgraceful that those in Congress, such as our Rep. Claudia Tenney, play a shell game with the truth. She does not deserve to represent us.

Time for a change!

Diana Kastenbaum

Batavia

Kastenbaum is a candidate for the 24^th Congressional District of New York.

Editor:

In rural areas like Congressional Districts 23 and 24, farmers rely on undocumented immigrants, especially year-round operations like dairy farmers, because those workers are largely ineligible for the H-2A visas.

While immigration was one of the major issues Republicans campaigned on last year, they have not proposed any comprehensive plans. Farmers want legal farm workers; they want changes to the immigration process.

Republicans like Claudia Tenney and Nick Langworthy vote against all reforms. Instead, they push enforcement and punishment. Newsweek reported (9/8/25) that Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids are putting an $8 billion farming business in New York at risk.

Democrats have proposed legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) has proposed H.R. 3227 Farmworker Modernization Act of 2025. This act would provide a legal status for farm workers, protecting them from deportation and providing a stable labor force for the employers. It also streamlines and expands the H-2a visas to include year-round jobs and reduces bureaucratic delays.

Arizona Senator Rubin Gallego proposed the Securing the Border and Fueling Economic Prosperity Act in May this year. This act would bolster border patrol staffing and the use of advanced technology for drug detection.

Additionally, the legislation would overhaul the asylum system and address the root causes of migration. Our Congressional Representatives continue to squash immigration reform. They will not address the issue of immigration because having a campaign slogan is more important to our Republican representatives than solving real issues facing their constituents.

William Fine

Brockport