Candice Randolph, Minot

My name is Candice. I have lived in Minot North Dakota for over 10 years now. I came from Minneapolis which has very different political values/views than here. However, I have grown accustomed to the conservative nature in North Dakota and many of their values. I can only speak about the city in which I’ve lived and one thing I know to be true is that we have a very diverse community since the oil boom and it’s even more diverse due to the Air Force Base being located here in Minot. I very much so enjoy all the people I have met here. I also enjoy the diversity and different views that some people have. I have learned to respect everyone’s opinions and values. As those opinions and values only help me to learn love for everyone rather than hate. I’ve learned acceptance instead of judgements. I’ve learned to really listen instead of just speaking. North Dakota has brought so much growth and happiness to my life. And It’s because of this and all these lessons that have pushed me to want to write this and send this out to my fellow North Dakotans.

With the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade I have come across many negative comments, many hurtful ones, many disagreements among people who have opposing views. While I understand this is to be expected when opposing political views clash, I am saddened to see our country only further fall apart and divide. Some of you may not think it is and that is okay, I truly am happy you are living in a country you feel proud of, and I mean this with all my heart. However, I have 3 young children and I am devastated to know that they were born into a country that I feel is in turmoil and highly divided. I didn’t come from the best childhood, I was abused, and I often felt silenced and unheard, perhaps because I never spoke up. I always had wished I had a parent to advocate for me and because of this I am going to advocate for my children. I am going to speak up and hope I’m heard. I don’t want my children to be raised with hatred and division surrounding them. I know I cannot change the world but I’m hoping I can change or impact our state or even just accept the community of Minot (where my kids will be raised at). I am hoping that I can reach out to enough people and find a way to organize a gathering where all of us residents of North Dakota can unite together despite our different views or political party identifications. I am hoping that I can show my children that love and kindness can triumph hatred. That in the face of adversity people can still find compassion and support for one another. At the end of the day, we are all humans and our differences and that includes ideas, is what makes the world so great!

I know that we are one of those states who is going to outlaw abortions (except for in cases of rape or incest or medical danger for the mother) and for some people that is seen as unfair and a violation of a women’s right, while others think it is protection of a human being and seeing all lives as worthy. Well, here is where I stand, this is a political issue and now there is nothing we can do but accept what is and find a way to get through this united instead of dividing more. I have a 4-month-old baby girl and this letter is me fighting for her right now, I’m fighting for her to hopefully find herself in a community united so if she should ever find herself pregnant at 16 (I pray this does not happen, however teenagers do not always listen to their parents advice so it’s always a real possibility) she feels like she can reach out for support and not have to worry about hearing hateful remarks that make her feel shame or embarrassment or like she is a terrible person. Even if that means she’s feeling or thinking things like: “I don’t want to be a mom right now” “This was a mistake, why wasn’t I more careful” “I’m terrified” “I’m only 16” “I don’t want this baby.” This type of acceptance and love is not only what I want for her, but I want for all of our children to be able to have as they grow up. This support needs to start now, every woman needs it, especially those who feel like their rights are being taken away and they have no choice once pregnant but to carry that baby to term. Lets help them, maybe we can do fundraising to help alleviate some of the costs of having a baby, maybe we can support them by going to their doctor appointments, referring them to some social service programs. Maybe some parent classes. Maybe they need transportation, maybe we can help here and there. If you’re a parent with kids, even if they are adults now, we all know the struggles that exist. Its terrifying and every day is often a challenge. However, it really does take an army to raise a child and its much easier if you have a community that you know is not going to use your opinions and feelings against you. That is not going to make you feel any less just because you identify differently on political issues.

I feel like I may have repeated myself, I was very nervous writing this because I am putting myself out there and letting go of all fear that people will reject my words and think I sound ridiculous trying to unite two opposing view points because political history has taught us that isn’t something that happens. I just want to change the world for my children and future grandchildren. I want it to be better. The only way I know how to do this is to speak up and try to break this cycle of dislike, hatred and judgements.

If anyone is interested in meeting or talking, perhaps trying to organize a community thing to try to unite people or find any way to make the world at least a little bit better for our children (and hey even ourselves) I created an email for this purpose. Candicebethechange2022@gmail.com Please feel free to reach out. I am hoping to hear back from you and if not, I fully understand and I wish nothing but happiness for you all.