Dear Editor,
In this crucial election year, journalists hold a responsibility as significant as a sheriff in a lawless town. Cowboy State Daily's recent House District 32 race coverage between Rep. Ken Clouston and George Dunlap was misleading.
The article, while mentioning House Bill HB0044 and its connection to tobacco cessation for minors, failed to provide the complete picture. HB0044 also had provisions preventing the government from administering vaccinations and other medical treatments to children without parental consent. Leaving out such significant information is deceptive and does a disservice to voters.
Rep. Clouston voted to allow the government to continue administering injections at school without informing parents in some circumstances. In the post-COVID world, such information is vital. The omission of the vaccination provisions from HB0044's coverage could mislead voters, potentially influencing their decisions. Voters deserve the whole truth to make informed decisions.
We all make mistakes, but it's crucial to acknowledge them. As Wyoming faces economic challenges, journalists must strive for the utmost accuracy.
As for Rep. Clouston, his voting record speaks for itself. He votes closely aligned with the Wyoming Caucus, a group known for supporting extensive spending. His votes on HB0044 and his support for school choice only if it was income-limited, denying the school choice opportunity to thousands of Wyoming children, speak volumes. Taken together this indicates that Rep. Clouston is more aligned with liberal policies than conservative ones.
It is imperative that our media presents an honest and complete picture.
Yours truly,
Douglas Gerard
Gillette Wyoming
