I am not a politician. I have never worked in politics, and I am certainly not a professional political writer. I’m just a guy from Michigan who pays attention.
I work the land. I hunt. I shoot guns. I raise chickens, take care of my family, run businesses, and believe people should take responsibility for themselves whenever they can.
I believe part of my job is supporting my badass wife and the company she has built. I believe in doing my share around the house, taking care of my family, and protecting them with everything I have. God help anyone who tries to harm them.
I want to teach my sons to be dangerous men—not reckless, cruel, or looking for a fight, but strong and capable men who care deeply, love fiercely, help others, and choose kindness.
I want to teach my daughters to live as if the glass ceiling does not exist. They can become anything they want, and they are already more badass than most men will ever be.
I have daughters, sons, and grandsons. What I say I believe matters, but what they see me do matters more. I want them to see someone who does not look away when something is wrong—someone who tells the truth, speaks up, and tries to do the right thing even when staying quiet would be easier.
I believe in using our words. I believe in writing letters, having honest conversations, and standing up for what matters without becoming cruel or violent ourselves. We can disagree, push back, and demand better while still being good to our families, our neighbors, and our communities.
I also believe life is meant to be lived. Work hard. Have fun. Go outside. Love people the best way you know how. Help when you can. Try to leave the people around you a little better than you found them.
None of us gets it right every day. But we can get up, try again, and do the best we can every damn day.
None of those things seem contradictory to me.