A message to U.S. House candidate Rapoport
I've lived in Cleveland Heights and University Heights for most of my life. I have a good idea of what kind of people live here. And I know that using rhetoric that dehumanizes those that seek asylum or simply a better life is not a great way to solicit votes in this specific part of Ohio.
Referring to undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border as "invasions by criminals, terrorists, and drug dealers" is incredibly xenophobic, harmful, and innacurate. Multiple studies show that immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are far less likely than U.S.-born Americans to commit crimes.
You call yourself a "common sense moderate," but your [political] ad makes you sound like a typical new-age American conservative (aka MAGA). Calling Shontel Brown, who is a steadfast supporter of the apartheid- and genocidal state of Israel, a "progressive,” shows just how far right a political position you're speaking from.
The House-introduced acts you brought up that you support further highlights the extremism of your positions.
The Lower Energy Costs Act would repeal parts of the inflation reduction act which incentivize the transition to clean energy, and make it harder for thorough environmental assessments to be conducted.
The Secure the Border Act targets the most vulnerable immigrants and children by significantly limiting immigration parole and the ability for certain children to be classified as Special Immigrant Juveniles. It even threatens funding of NGO's working to help immigrants.
The Parents Bill of Rights Act would take away the right of LGBTQ people to come out on their own timeline, and would remove the confidentiality that students expect from mental health providers.
The Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act would hamper the ability of federal employees to remove threats, disinformation, and propaganda from the Internet, and would require agencies to report to Congress the names of employees who suggest a post's removal. This act ironically does not put any of these restrictions on members of Congress.
The Resolution to condemn defunding the police is a non-binding resolution and was simply an opportunity for political posturing.
I am not asking you to censor yourself. Hate speech is legal so long as it doesn't directly threaten anyone. I'm merely offering political advice: take your Trumpian talking points to other parts of Ohio, because they won't garner you much support here.
Moshe Koval
Moshe Koval is a student who resides in Cleveland Heights.