TO THE EDITOR:

Think twice before voting this year. Central Minnesota is traditionally conservative as can be seen by the number of Mathews and Mekeland yard signs and Trump flags displayed.

State Senator Mathews and State Representative Mekeland took aim at every move Governor Walz made to slow the spread of COVID-19 in their columns in the August 1st issue of the Patriot. Surprisingly, I received a campaign mailing from Mathews in July which proclaimed, ”Working with Governor Walz to flatten the curve.” Can’t have it both ways.

President Trump’s focus on law and order proclaims that violence and looting, occurring on HIS watch and caused by HIS divisive language, will continue if Biden’s elected.  Trump’s illegal, showy display on the White House Lawn to accept his nomination was in violation of the Hatch Act, which states that government property is not to be used for political purposes, and in violation of Washington, D.C.’s limits on gatherings during the pandemic. Trump’s idea of law and order? Can’t have it both ways.

The death toll from the pandemic now exceeds 190,000, well over three times the American deaths during all of the Vietnam War. Trump’s response? “It is what it is.” 

But it didn’t need to be and doesn’t need to continue. Think twice before voting this year.

Stan Berg

Clear Lake, MN