Letter: Our government is weaponized against us

Hazleton resident warns of impending civil war, potential cancellation of midterm elections

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, a Hazleton, Pennsylvania resident expresses grave concerns about the state of the country, describing a 'gradual coup' underway and the government being 'weaponized against us'. The letter writer warns of execution-style killings by ICE agents, widespread protests, and the potential for civil war and the cancellation of midterm elections.

Why it matters

This letter reflects growing fears and unrest among some Americans who believe the government has turned against its own citizens, potentially foreshadowing further social and political upheaval in the country.

The details

The letter writer describes a series of disturbing incidents, including execution-style killings by ICE agents, Gestapo-like raids, and widespread protests. They warn that cities like Philadelphia, the 'birthplace of American democracy', are preparing to fight back against ICE. The letter writer also suggests that there may be no midterm elections due to Trump-engineered distractions and the erosion of democratic norms.

  • The letter was published on February 9, 2026.

The players

Maria Jacketti

A resident of Hazleton, Pennsylvania who wrote the letter to the editor expressing concerns about the state of the country.

Donald Trump

The former president whose photo the letter writer says is hanging in the 'half-demolished White House', and who the letter writer accuses of engineering distractions to keep people's minds off of illegal and unconstitutional activities.

ICE

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that the letter writer says is carrying out 'execution-style killings' and 'Gestapo-like' raids on homes and vehicles.

Gov. Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania who the letter writer says is preparing as if ICE has its eyes focused on the state.

Black Panthers

A group that the letter writer says is preparing for ICE's descent upon Philadelphia.

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What they’re saying

“It is time to hang our flag upside-down, as is the norm for any nation under attack. Our government has weaponized itself against us.”

— Maria Jacketti, Hazleton resident (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

The letter writer does not provide any specific next steps, but the overall tone suggests the situation is dire and that further unrest and conflict may be imminent.

The takeaway

This letter reflects a deeply concerning perspective held by some Americans who believe the government has turned against its own citizens, potentially foreshadowing further social and political upheaval in the country. The warnings of civil war, execution-style killings, and the potential cancellation of elections underscore the gravity of the situation from the letter writer's point of view.