TO THE EDITOR:

In last week's Patriot, retired state representative, Jim Newberger, argued that you cannot vote for Democratic candidates while maintaining conservative values.  The Minnesota DFL controlled government raised taxes to address the deficit previous GOP leadership created.  "Taking away second amendment rights" must refer to the failed Red Flag legislation (due to GOP objections) preventing those with a history of violence and abuse to own guns.  Democrats own guns and support the second amendment.  What has the GOP done to address the health care crisis other than attempt to destroy the Affordable Care Act?  There was no "charge to shut down our power plants".  Fact: Xcel Energy had a long term plan in place to gradually change from coal to cleaner energy sources.

Do check party platforms on the internet; the 14 page 2020-2021 Socialist Party Platform versus the 92 page 2020 Democratic Party Platform vs the 2020 Republican--oops, the RNC didn't adopt a 2020 Party Platform this year, just opted to adopt Trump.  Adopt Trump's 20,000 plus lies, failure to protect us during a pandemic, speeches that incite division rather than unity, greatest deficit ever and his corrupt administration.  The party of Trump is not the party of the former GOP of conservative values.

We need to restore the soul of this country, work together to reclaim values that WILL make us great again, be respected in the world and restore our own self respect.  You will be restoring conservative values if you vote DFL this November.

Joyce LeClaire

Big Lake, MN