My Latest Newsletter Articles

That wasn't a debate, it was a food fight
During the second Republican presidential debate the hosts and the candidates did Republican voters a disservice.
Do I earn more than I'm paid?
President Biden's comment that UAW workers earned more than they are paid is simply wrong.
Not a great news cycle for Biden
I can’t help but think these stories will be overlooked by most journalists and they will focus instead on former President Donald Trump.
Measuring satisfaction with K-12 education
No one is satisfied with K-12 education from a national perspective, but locally that is a different story.
MAGA's Morality Problem
When a voting base dismisses the importance of private virtue, we shouldn't be surprised when their leaders lack it.
Can we please stop talking about impeaching presidents?
Impeachment has become a political cudgel to wield against presidents the party controlling Congress does not like, and that needs to stop.
Never Forget
With an entire generation born after 9/11/01, we must work to keep the memory of that fateful day alive.
The problem with executive action
Former Vice President Mike Pence recently unveiled a "Day One Executive Action Plan" highlighting a problem we've had for decades.
Belated thoughts on the first Republican presidential debate
I think Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis were helped the most by the first Republican presidential debate.
When support for a candidate turns cultish
If you believe Trump to tell the truth more than your friends, family, and pastor, you have a problem.
News bought and paid for?
Can one trust a news outlet receiving a direct payment from a candidate, campaign, or a candidate's super PAC for unbiased coverage?
What form will 'accountability' in a DeSantis administration take?
After seeing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in person for the first time I have questions about a couple things he said during his speech in Adel, Iowa.

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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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