I am writing in response to the article “Washington lawmaker faces blowback over biblical text” (PDN, Nov. 4).
In it, Rep. Matt Shea of Spokane Valley is accused of being a racist, a white nationalist and being a dangerous, destructive man.
I have personally known Matt since grade school, growing up as neighbors.
He is a conservative Christian who holds Biblical values and I can say without a doubt, that he is neither a racist, a white nationalist or a dangerous man.
I want readers to hear the other side and not be sucked in to this obvious attempt by his opponents to discredit his character.
Matt stated on his Facebook page Nov. 2, “I have consistently and unequivocally condemned racism, anti-Semitism, and white nationalism and do so again here and now.
“Not only are these antithetical to my political beliefs, they are in deep opposition to my faith in Jesus Christ and His love.
“The attempt to suggest that notes on a series of Biblical sermons many years ago are a manifesto calling for mass murder is a ridiculous smear designed, both in timing and in tone, as a desperate effort to derail my service to this community and this country.
“I am heartened that the people I serve know me and my steadfast belief in the worth and dignity of every human being.”
I was very happy to hear that Matt was re-elected as state representative.
Heather Cowan,
Sequim