My Latest Newsletter Articles

Chuck Grassley on the importance of the 'Full Grassley'
Iowa's senior U.S. Senator, Chuck Grassley, explains why it is important for presidential candidates to traverse the state.
The Smooth Talking False Gospel
The prosperity gospel reduces sin to mistakes that can be overcome by instruction and is no gospel at all.
Pastors and political endorsements
While pastors should have the right to endorse political candidates, but doing so isn't particularly wise.
The proliferation of antisemitism is a symptom
Bari Weiss correctly points out that the rise of antisemitism is a symptom of a dying civilization.
Haley's illegitimate solution to a legitimate problem
Nikki Haley is right that online bots and incivility are problems, but wrong to think the federal government has a role in fixing it.
It's time to unify against Trump
It's time for Republican candidates whose names are not Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley to bow out of the race to defeat Trump.
Dysfunction Junction
House Republicans inability to elect a Speaker is getting embarrassing and they consider their fourth nominee in three weeks.
Partisan political prayers are gross.
Partisan prayers like the one given by Pastor Joshua Graber during a recent Trump rally are divisive and reinforce poor theology.
The lack of moral clarity over Israel is clarifying.
Antisemitism in the United States has been festering for years and it is now on full display following the Hamas attack on Israel.
How to handle agenda-driven journalists
Canadian politician Pierre Poilievre provides a model on dealing with loaded questions that other politicians should follow.
Rejecting Christian Nationalism isn't rejecting Christ
Christians living lives dedicated to Christ will make a far greater impact in our world than dedicating a state to Christ in law.
Gaetz didn't do House Conservatives any favors
By ousting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Matt Gaetz not only sabotaged the House Freedom Caucus, but may put Republicans' slim majority at risk.

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About Shane

Shane is an Iowa native, a follower of Jesus, a husband to Cheryl, and a father of three grown children.  Shane and his family live in the Des Moines, IA area having moved back in 2002 after living in Illinois, Florida, Ohio, and Indiana.

Shane is the founder and President of 4:15 Communications, a social media and communications consulting and management firm, specializing in social media account creation, social media strategy audits, blog creation and management, social media account management, online written content for websites, blog content, public relations, and press release distribution.

Shane has 20 years of working in non-profit organizations, and ten years of experience with public relations, community networking, social media marketing, and blogging. He is also an experienced public speaker and trainer.

Shane also founded in 2006 Caffeinated Thoughts, a multi-contributor site that provides “stimulating Christian & conservative commentary” on culture, current events, faith, and politics where he writes on a daily basis and serves as editor-in-chief. He also launched in 2020 The Iowa Torch, a news site focused on Iowa politics. Shane has also contributed to The Des Moines Register, POLITICO, The Hill, Daily Caller, and Fox News. Campaigns & Elections Magazine has recognized Shane as one of the top political influencers in Iowa.

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