Many years ago, while debating the in chambers of the Wyoming House of Representatives, Lloyd Larsen made the comment that "politics is a full-contact sport." This was in response to a question of process that I had raised.
You see, I detest the political gamesmanship that I had witnessed. I'm not talking about using the rules to one's advantage, being a skilled orator, or becoming well-versed in parliamentary procedure.
Nor am I referring to the art of relationship building and developing working coalitions. Those who develop such skills are rightfully more successful.
However, there is a point in which the ethical boundaries get more blurry, and this is the space where a lot of "games" get played. While arguably not quite to the standard of "quid pro quo" (because that, of course, is illegal in the Wyoming Legislature), back scratching and back-room deals are par for the course.
For those who play in that sandbox, there is an unspoken expectation that to get along and be "successful," you must go along. That has been the culture of Wyoming politics for a long time. It's shameful and dehumanizing.
I admit that I'm more of an idealogue, and I tend to ruffle the feathers of my opponents and my friends. In that I believe the people's representatives publicly should give an up or down vote on the issues of substance--irrespective of personalities, how your vote looks to your peers, or how your support/non-support might advantage you when your bill or amendment comes before the body.
Surrendering your voice to buy the favor of your peers, like Democrats and Republicans often do in Congress, not only is a display of weakness, it's a betrayal to the people you supposedly represent.
Anyone can follow the crowd, but that's not leadership and doesn't require critical thinking. It's allowing someone else to do your thinking for you. Just because your peers are sons of Belial doesn't mean you have to be.
Unfortunately, people are petty enough to play games. Scratch someone's back, and they'll be more inclined to scratch yours.
At least that's the unspoken expectation. Argue against someone's sacred cow, and they'll vote against anything you bring just to spite you.
When Steve Harshman was speaker of the house, I remember him sharing a story about how he couldn't get any bills through the upper chamber for a number of years because he opposed a senator in leadership on some other issue.
The lesson from the speaker: speaking the truth will cost you, so here's how to play the game if you want to win.
Instead of speaking the truth, even it that offends your friends, people become conditioned to behave in a way that is politically advantageous. Vote for the governor's pet project, and you'll be rewarded down the line.
Vote against him or the budget, and the county you represent will be punished. You'll get rewarded for being a coward…. That's dehumanizing.
Games aren't just played in the halls of our most precious institutions. Games are broadcast in full view of the public during political campaigns. Nothing has been quite as egregious as what President Trump has endured.
Often, the public is even encouraged to go from being a spectator to a participant. It is not uncommon for campaigns, the media, or special interest groups (i.e. lobbyists) to put out questionable information which is then parroted by others as if it's truth.
Often, it's not quite the truth, but it also isn't really a lie. It's intentionally vague or blurry. The effect is increased tribalism and vilification of one's perceived enemies. It comes at the expense of the public in many different ways.
In my capacity as a husband, father, Pastor, and Chairman of the Campbell County Republican Party, it is my desire to not only raise the level of discourse so that truth can be fully known and examined but also to push people toward the higher virtues unique only the human Image-bearers of God.
On other occasions, I have stated that society's exaltation of base and animalistic things, like sex, is dehumanizing.
Speaking anything less than the truth is also dehumanizing. Consuming the garbage of politics leaves society malnourished and erodes trust in our public institutions.
It is only when we embrace and prioritize higher virtues that we can live in a truly human way and advance society. These include faith, hope, love, truth, justice, wisdom, courage, and temperance.
It depends on each of us to raise the bar and treat each other in a truly human way. To the political candidates, endeavor to speak the truth with clarity and respect, no matter who it offends.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. The public deserves someone who will be honest with them. They also deserve someone who will hear them out.
Even if you're unpersuaded, it costs nothing to listen, and those who feel heard might be your most ardent supporters. Be sure that the games you play aren't dehumanizing.
Defrauding the public for your advantage at their expense is the worst kind of representation. How we treat our political rivals says something about you as a person and your love for humanity. We're all Americans, and love is the fulfilling of the law.
To the public, practice wisdom. If something sounds questionable, then it probably is.
It is your responsibility to examine the claims of others and not to parrot everything you hear. If you haven't figured it out, the media and politicians will only give you a laundered version of the truth.
God didn't give you the media to do your thinking. He gave you a brain. Use it. Talk to candidates yourself, but be respectful in how you do so.
Most would love the opportunity to converse with you, and those who won't engage in a one-on-one conversation don't deserve your support to represent you as your servant.
Some of the best conversations I've had are with those who think much differently than I, even if I wasn't quite persuaded.
When the public practices good judgment, it signals to our elected and civil servants that we demand more of them. Demand that they SERVE YOU with honor. Rebuke sharply any servant who thinks they are your master.
Finally, I urge us all to summon the courage to stand alone and also to be humble. Stand on the truth of your convictions, whether that upsets your opponents or your friends.
And remember, just because you may not agree with the ideas of others doesn't mean you have to hate them as if they are your enemies. The battle of ideas is fierce enough as it is, so let's be mindful of how we treat each other in the Cowboy state.
Put to shame ugly and dehumanizing behavior by living according to the virtues of our higher human calling.
Scott Clem served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2015 to 2021.
