TO THE EDITOR:
The October 10th edition of the Patriot had an advertisement on the front page for Senator Mathews and representative Mekeland’s campaign. The key messaging was “Vote Liberty = Less Government”. This is very disturbing from two apparent representatives of the people. Government, in a democracy, is “by the people, for the people”. It is designed to regulate industry, utilities, the environment, our infrastructure, and other critical aspects of our communities to maintain the health and wellbeing of our citizens. Without our democratic government, we would be under the rule of corporations, who put profit over people. That is oligarchy! Not democracy! It is critical that our citizens vote for representatives supporting a free and accountable government. A government that puts people before profit. Not one ruled by corporate power, buying out our elections and reducing government so they can more easily exploit the people to make the money and have the power they want… regardless of the harm they impose on others. So, our liberty does not equal less government. Our liberty is dependent on our democratic process of voting for representatives who put people over profit, by maintaining a government that supports our collective freedoms, our right to a livable wage, a safe and healthy environment, affordable healthcare, education, and equal opportunity for all citizens. That is America.
Chuck Derry
Clearwater, MN
