You don’t know your true character until you are tested under adversity.
Pressure has not defeated us. It has defined us.
Like David, God has taken what was meant to stop us and increased it to give us a new superpower. To reach destiny, one must have more grit than the obstacles.
Sometimes, sheer resilience alone can be used to shatter steel walls. We aren’t dealing with glass ceilings anymore.
These are steel walls meant to trap and define us, completely separating us from truth for fear of cold isolation.
I am always inspired when the youth of America stand up. That’s hard to do for an adult, let alone a kid.
When I was a kid, I dreamed of being brave but really just wanted to look like everyone else and fit in. God knew I needed that as fuel for my fire. A desire to stand up, with an internal monologue that told me to be silent.
Kylie Wall stood up and said no.
We stand with you, Kylie.
Kylie didn’t do anything controversial. She was inspired by slain activist Charlie Kirk to stand up and do something. “‘We want to get people interested in American values and conservative values," she said.
Her high school group intends to work on the "political polarization" issues and do what Kirk did, reach across the political divide. She said the new group has already contacted the Democratic club on campus and is looking at doing events with them that are "productive and respectful" and expose people to new ideas.
“Ultimately the best arguments win out when you are willing to have those sorts of conversations,” Kylie said.
What a rebel. What an absolute outlaw.
She sought the approval of the almighty government and was met with, “We have to be careful about this,” from school leadership.
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Education, Megan Degenfelder not only stood alongside Kylie, she took immediate action:
“The Constitution does not stop at the schoolhouse doors,” Degenfelder said.
Mic drop.
The superintendent outlined the steps she took to contact the school administration and the student. She expressed the importance of administrators and teachers who do not try to silence students, but instead encourage debate and dialogue.
She wants accountability and answers, saying, "To administrators who would stifle student speech or treat one club differently from another: this is your wake-up call.”
This statement dispels stereotypes or discrimination, and is based in the freedom of expression we all hold.
These recent events allowed me to reflect on Wyoming politics. Right now, there are two kinds of politicians. Some are adhering to fundamental truth and protection of common sense and individual constitutional rights.
While others, lose their cool, bang on tables, intimidate and parrot about how it’s “always been done.” They vote correctly when everyone is looking and pressuring, yet ignore the Constitution when it is more convenient for election numbers.
There are some who stand up and others who just don’t. Who knows if it is the money or the clout, perhaps even fear of losing a few friends or having an uncomfortable cocktail party conversation. They are obsessed with time and place. They particularly can’t stand women of influence with a voice who challenge the status quo.
There are those who have spent their entire lives protecting and working for the system to work toward a position of status. There are others who want to deconstruct the system’s flaws and failures for those who deserve the most protection – women and children.
Wyoming politics are heating up as more individuals consider a governor’s bid.
My hope is that all the conservative gladiators can team up to protect the values we hold close. There are some who say “ride for the brand” as a catchy talking point, and then there are those who are out there living it. Sacrificing and facing great scrutiny and cost to stand up for what is right and to speak for the voiceless.
Thank you Kylie, we stand with you. Don’t stop. Just keep going.
Cowboy State Daily columnist Cassie Craven is a University of Wyoming College of Law graduate who practices law in Wyoming.
She can be reached at: ccraven.law@gmail.com
