To the editor:

Thomas Paine argued the government of our nation should have two purposes: protecting private property, and securing the free market. Apparently, Minnesotans never did get that colonial memo.

Any government allowing private gravel carriers to damage other vehicles by failing to require loads be tarped, refusing to penalize irresponsible parties, and offering disingenuous excuses to victims of such preventable injuries… is deserving of absolute contempt.

The embrace of anti-regulatory excess by Republicans has resulted in basic, simple standards of decency being sacrificed in the name of politics. Nobody deserves to have their windshield cracked or chipped, or their face filled with rock through an open window… just because some lazy driver didn’t clean the top rim of their trailer, and/or tarp their load.

Twice in six months I’ve suffered damage, while Minnesota State Patrol claims they have no jurisdiction on county roads: a statement contrary to legal fact. The only place MSP would have no jurisdiction is on tribal lands, or federal property.

The Pipestone County Sheriff … with their department actually suggesting I go confront the hauler in person myself.

Our tax dollars are being paid to subsidize this lack of enforcement against drivers whose negligence and apathy have cost us increased insurance premiums, and/or fines for being too poor to afford a glass deductible. Government vehicles on the other hand, get new glass out of our taxes whenever necessary. Pay. Pay. Pay.

For the record: I contacted every senator and representative serving on both Minnesota state transportation committees… so who wants to bet against my wager that they will do absolutely nothing to fix this issue in 2026? Have yet to hear back from any of them, more than a day later.

Bradley Grower

Ruthton