Letter to the editor: Don’t be fooled by 'front groups'

I’ve recently read letters and op-eds from people or groups from Philadelphia or out of state, wanting to subvert Pennsylvania laws in the name of changing the statute of limitations. To those folks, I say worry about your own backyard. A Phildadelphia group even purchased billboards in Westmoreland County (“Child safety advocates launch billboard campaign against Sen. Kim Ward.”

None of these folks seem to have acknowledged that a two-year window already was opened to settle these cases, in which most have been. Are those holding out simply waiting for bigger paydays? Trial lawyers stand to make a lot of money off of survivors of sexual abuse. I believe it’s not about the cause, it’s about the cash: Lawyers hide behind organizations with innocent names, but their intention is to get rich while bankrupting the Catholic Church.

In my opinion, these front groups use victims as instruments for their political theater to attack those who don’t want to partake in their religious crusade, and it’s the parishioners, the people, who actually pay. It’s unfair to punish an entire faith for something they aren’t directly responsible for.

The last place Westmoreland County needs advice from is Philadelphia, where they’ve had over 400 homicides this year, kids are going hungry in schools, and businesses are being destroyed and shuttered since covid hit.

We’re lucky we have legislators who use their brains, rationale and logic instead of emotion to craft policy. Bravo to those brave enough to stand up for our Constitution, even if it’s politically difficult and inconvenient.

Jamison Poklembo

Mt. Pleasant Township