Most of the Emails that I receive (probably 75%) are from people trying to sell me campaign services (texting and phone banking, direct mail, advertising, etc.).
another 20% are special interest groups wanting me to pander for their endorsements.
my campaign is about the less than 5% that are people actually thinking about their vote.
Dear Ray,
Hi! My name is N. H., and I am a University of Minnesota student and a lifelong Minnesota resident. I am actively involved in my local Muslim community through volunteering and community service. As I prepare to vote in the upcoming election, I have been reaching out to candidates to better understand not only their policy positions, but also the values that guide them.
I would appreciate your perspective on several issues that are especially important to me and many members of my community: Your opinions on these key topics are critical to my morals and ethics, and heavily influence my choice when voting.
How would you describe your approach to President Donald Trump and the direction he represents for the country?
What specific steps do you support to address Islamophobia, anti-Muslim discrimination, and racism in Minnesota and across the United States?
What are your views on ICE and immigration enforcement? Are there reforms you believe are necessary?
What is your position on the war in Gaza? Do you believe Israel's actions constitute genocide, and why or why not? Regardless of what authority your office may have over foreign policy, I believe a candidate's willingness to speak clearly on humanitarian issues reflects their values and moral judgment, and that this is one of the largest moral crimes of our time.
I understand that not every office has direct influence over federal immigration or foreign policy. However, I believe elected officials' responses to these issues provide insight into the principles that shape their leadership and decision-making.
I would greatly appreciate any response you are willing to provide. Thank you for your time, and for your willingness to serve the people of Minnesota.
Sincerely,
N. H.
Dear N.:
Thank you for your email. I am happy to give you my views on these topics, though I believe from the context of your questions you may not like them.
Before I answer your specific questions, I would like to state that I work with and consider friends many people of different religions and ethnicities. After nearly 60 years of life experience I have learned to consider every person individually rather than as a member of a community. I know that many members of those communities feel the same regardless of what pundits would have us believe.
I have financially supported and voted for President Trump for three elections. My support was initially based on the fact that both parties rejected him, and I was very tired of the major parties’ control of the government. My support has grown to be about his respect for individual freedoms now being more fervently espoused by Republicans over the subservient collectivism that Democrats appear to be increasingly embracing. While I do not agree with him on every position (no two people ever do), I agree on most things.
Discrimination always has and always will exist. Humans are born attracted to people that are most similar to themselves and fearful of those that are different. People have to learn through experience that differences are safe. Discrimination cannot be legislated away for that just breeds resentment and further strengthens discrimination. Legislation must be based on the rights of individuals.
Laws need to be enforced. There are means to change immigration laws that do not require violence against the people charged with enforcing them. The primary reforms currently needed are replacing those in public office and government bureaucracy that feel they can ignore or outright violate laws that they don’t like while inciting others to risk their and others lives to interfere with the enforcement of those laws.
Everyone is living on conquered land. Everyone’s ancestors have been both oppressors and oppressed. Everyone has the choice to continue re-fighting the wars of their ancestors or creating the future of their progeny, but rarely both. As far as the Palestinians, for decades I have watched with both hope and dismay as they have fluctuated between the two. Israel has a right to protect its people, but even if they were to disappear tomorrow the Palestinians would still be oppressed by the same authoritarian regime they are now.
The easiest way to manipulate people is convincing them that their current circumstances are somebody else’s fault. The belief of victimhood absolves them of the responsibility to take action for improvement and accountability for actions detrimental to their situation. Politicians have controlled people for generations in this manner.
Again, Thank you for your engagement in the electoral process. I hope this helps with your decision making.
Respectfully,
Raymond Petersen