Letter to the editor: Un-American censorship

This is my personal encounter with Big Tech and censorship.

I noticed in 2019, when I ran for Westmoreland County commissioner, that my Facebook posts were being shadow banned. Anything I posted with a picture, link or political message was suppressed.

In 2020, I published a novel about covid titled, “The Wuhan Conspiracy.” Amazon took it down after one week. At the time, Trump was calling covid the China virus. I asked Amazon for an explanation for taking down a fictional book. They couldn’t give me a reason. I surmised it was the title, so I republished it with a different title, “Coronials,” and Amazon allowed it. They blocked my book for seven months.

In 2021-22, I ran for Pennsylvania governor, and in 2023, I ran again for Westmoreland commissioner. Facebook continued to shadow ban my posts.

I grew up in an America where we had free speech. Where we could disagree with someone but defend their right to say what they want. I believe this all changed when the progressives infiltrated America’s institutions. I believe the hand of God is on Trump to restore this country to its greatness and freedoms side by side with Christian ethics.

I know what I experienced under the heavy hand of un-American censorship. I don’t ever want to go back to Marxist progressive control. I’m glad Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos caved to Trump, took a knee, and kissed his ring. God bless America!

John Ventre

Hempfield