Dear Donald Trump,

Unfortunately, I cannot think of a single person who does not know that you are a candidate for the upcoming Republican primary. I also cannot think of a single person who has not heard of your radical foreign policy ideas related to Muslim immigration. So, congratulations -- you did it. You got America’s attention.

Along with other ideas, (which I blatantly disagree with), you claim that if are elected President, Muslims will be temporarily banned from entering the United States. Apparently all Muslims are “terrorists.” Apparently the Qur’an has a “negative vibe.” Apparently America has to stop being so “politically correct” all the time. Not only do I disagree, but I am outraged by your claims.

First of all, Islam is a religion. It is, in fact, very closely associated with Christianity, as both originated in the Middle East, both practice ideas based on morality and peace, and both have holy scriptures. Islam is a form of spiritual practice. Islam does not mean ISIL. Islam does not mean “terrorist.” Islam is a faith.

Secondly, calling all Muslims terrorists degrades approximately one and a half billion people worldwide. In fact, there are more followers of Islam than there are people in the United States. That’s a large number of people. No one religion consists of one type of person but is an eclectic mix of human life.

Lastly, banning all Muslims from entering the United States will do nothing to combat the world’s terrorism. People already living here perform most of the in-country terrorism and violence. For example, gun violence is an action mostly performed by young white males, and gang violence is mostly performed by low-class, inner-city individuals. Sept. 11 could not have been prevented with this ban because terrorists would have flown here, anyway. Radical terrorists are usually not ones to follow the rules.

Let’s backtrack to 40 years ago. What if we banned Muslims from coming to America in the 1970s? Does this include Muslims living in countries that are not in the Middle East, like perhaps the U.K.? What if a person converted to Islam if it was not necessarily their first religion? What if the person were a folk singer and songwriter who promotes world peace and love for everyone? Yes, I am describing the iconic Cat Stevens, one of the world's most famous and respected musicians.

Cat Stevens made an early career out of performing folk music. He sang about topics ranging from peace to freedom of expression. From his lyrics, you know he has always had a positive outlook on life; even his sadder songs contain optimism and hope for the future.

Cat Stevens converted to Islam in the late 1970s because he was intrigued by the religion’s moral values. He had previously traveled to countries that were heavily populated by Muslim individuals and, as curiosity prevailed, learned much about the religion and its connection to music by prayer. He ditched the stage name Cat Stevens and to this day is referred to as Yusuf Islam, and now devotes himself to the Muslim community.

So, Donald Trump, if these boundaries were put into effect in the 1970s, then millennials today in America would not know about Cat Stevens, now Yusuf, unless we were shown his songs by our parents. His YouTube videos would be blocked. His songs would not stream on Spotify. Most importantly, his messages containing peace and hope would not spread. Yes, Cat Stevens is now a Muslim man. And yes, Cat Stevens, promotes anti-violence through folk songs. Does this Muslim man sound like a terrorist to you? I don’t think so.

I am aware that your campaign is run on “making America great again,” as you consistently speak your mind and assert your claims. I speak my mind too: does that qualify me to become America’s next President? I would like to believe I have the same political experience as you do, since I worked for my local assemblywoman for two years, campaigned for local and federal elections all throughout high school (including Obama’s 2012 win), and to this day stay politically-minded as I advocate for the upcoming Democratic primary in college. Yet, unfortunately, it is you running for President, and not me.

I speak for every woman, immigrant, LGBTQ+ and disabled person when I say I hope you do not win this election, because “making American great again” implies that raging racism and xenophobia (along with approximately a million other isms and phobias -- you get the idea) can and should be allowed. And that’s not right.

Sincerely,
An Angry American