TO THE EDITOR:

Individual responsibility. That phrase is how the GOP once chose to explain it’s philosophy. It means of course that everyone is responsible for their own actions. But Trump, Emmer and the GOP seem to have abandoned that philosophy. They blame America’s epidemic of illegal drug use on foreigners. Have immigrants been caught force-feeding / injecting innocent American citizens with fentanyl and other illegal substances? No. The cartels are engaged in the classic capitalist role of being the supplier to the demander (American drug addicts). America’s drug appetites created and paid for the cartels and their violence. President Trump first promised to build an impenetrable wall (paid for by Mexico, of course). We haven’t heard much from him about that lately, though. Instead, our giant and very expensive Navy has picked off 20+ boats from Venezuela which may or may not be involved in the drug trade. In any event, they are small potatoes and will have close to zero effect on the gigantic drug trade here in America. The root of the drug epidemic in America is right here at our doorsteps. Individual responsibility. But I don’t see Trump, Emmer or any other politician acknowledging the truth of that.

Anthony Thompson

Big Lake, MN