I am writing in response to a Public Forum letter, published Aug. 24, in which the writer criticized the West Central Tribune for reporting the names of those who end up facing criminal charges for what they were alleged to have done. The public should be aware of crimes taking place in their community and who is involved, whether they are convicted or not.
In the case of a person involved in a meth crime, law enforcement have to close down the home because it was found that methamphetamine is being manufactured there. I am dumbfounded on why anyone thinks someone's good name is being smeared and that readers should have to access court records to get this or any other information involving criminal activity.
I think it is important for the public to be aware that there are those involved in manufacturing meth and possibly endangering neighbors and anyone else who makes contact with this house. Not only is it important to report this news, but it is responsible.
This is a war that rural Minnesota and other rural cities are fighting. Adults, as well as children, are using meth and it is causing the breakdown of families across the United States, not to mention the medical expenses associated with this drug. When a meth house is discovered, law enforcement must not only notify social services if kids are involved but they must be cautious themselves that they do not fall victim to chemicals that may be around the house.
Someone's good name is the last thing anyone should be worried about. If you are caught, it could be a good thing because who knows what might happen if the meth house continued to operate? People died and people struggle to overcome this powerful addiction and if you are using and dealing, then all bets are off.
ADVERTISEMENT
There is no excuse and there should be no leniency, especially if kids are involved. When you choose to use your home to cook meth, then you have decided you do not care who gets hurt or what the consequences are. Of course, if you seemed to be more worried what other people think, then maybe they should have thought of that before they turned their home into a death trap.
