Politics is messy. Political beliefs can cause a lot of heightened emotions. 

This is evident during this current congress: politicians are verbally arguing and even challenging others to physical fights. On November 14, 2023, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R) challenged a hearing witness to a fight. On May 16, 2024, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) hurled verbal insults at each other during a committee meeting. On April 18, 2024, Republicans screamed at each other on the House floor and Rep. Van Orden yelled insults at Rep. Gaetz. What kind of atmosphere is this?

Politics should not be this hard. Shawn will promote an atmosphere of loving your neighbor… not fighting them. Politics should not include hate: it should be cordial debate.

Loving your neighbor is a principle that has been around for thousands of years. It is a cornerstone of many faiths. Jesus taught it. Mr. Rogers taught it. It is the principle I am campaigning on.

If we focus on the central issue of loving our neighbors, other issues will soon follow. Yes, abortion, balancing the budget, education, the second amendment, and all the other issues that politicians are fighting about are important. IF we focus on loving our neighbor, these values will naturally follow. 

Limiting Campaign Season

Federal politicians spend too much time fundraising and not enough time doing their job. I support a constitutional amendment to limit the federal political campaign season. 

The Bible drives my political ethics. Here are some versus that I find influential. 

James 1:27 says that pure religion is to care for widows and orphans (the needy) within society.

Matthew 25:31-46 says to feed the hungry, clothes the needy, to visit the imprisoned, and to be inviting to others. Are our current politicians doing this?

Joshua 20 commands that society set up cities of refuge and safety. I know that sanctuary cities have a lot of political buzz; however, the concept is based on biblical principles. If we are going to display the Ten Commandments, this needs to be part of the conversation as it is also part of the Torah. 

Genesis 23:4, Leviticus 19:34, Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 10:19, Deuteronomy 27:19, First Chronicles 16:19-22, Zechariah 7:9-10, and Colossians 3:11 all discuss how we should view immigrants, refugees, resident aliens, and the border issue. If you read these versus, you will understand my view.

Random information: Did you know that in Mark 12:17 the local political/religious leaders asked Jesus his view on federal taxes? There had been previous political revolts due to federal taxes and independence from the federal government (Rome), so the leaders were likely hoping that Jesus' answers would start a riot and he would get in trouble; however, Jesus said to pay the taxes

My family has lived in Minnesota for several generations. I can relate to many aspects of Minnesotan life. 

Farming

I grew up on a hobby farm. Some family members have been farmers and ranchers. This can be difficult as my uncle experienced in 2005 when he lost his cattle herd to bovine tuberculosis. My great-grandfather lost his dairy farm in the great depression.  I realize the impact having negative experiences farming and ranching can have. 

Manufacturing

Some family members have worked in manufacturing at Marvin Windows, Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Caterpillar. I grew up depending on the income of manufacturing work and know the importance of having good manufacturing jobs in Minnesota. 

Community Organizations

Some family members have worked for community organizations. For instance, my mother volunteered at the Warroad Public Library for throughout my childhood. I grew up in the library and know the importance of having healthy books for children and families. I have also worked at my college library during my undergraduate studies.

Conservation, Recreation, and Scouting

Growing up on Lake of the Woods and having children in scouting (read story below). I understand the importance of fishing, natural resource management, and wildlife conservation for Minnesota. Minnesota is a beautiful place and we should all be able to enjoy it. 

Veteran Affairs

My family system has also been impacted be PTSD after military service. I realize the impact military services can have on families and find taking care of veterans very important. 

Affordable Housing for Seniors and Families

Affordable housing is essential for seniors and families. Having adequate housing, a good paying job, and a retirement is essential to the American dream. 

Ethics

As a therapist, I have to abide by mandated ethical codes. (Yes, Minnesota law has mandated ethical codes.) Police, medical doctors, therapists, social workers, nurses, teachers, etc. all have licenses and ethical regulations they have to follow. I believe that elected and appointed political officials should also have oversight and ethical codes they have to follow.