This week, I agreed with some Democrats and some Republicans.
On the National stage, AOC made some international political assessments that I couldn’t disagree with, at all.
In Wyoming, the Dems took a picture within the chamber, of money changing hands on the floor.
That same week, 13 “Republicans” voted against HB 9, the “Grooming of Children – Offenses and Amendments.”
Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, did not comment on Elon Musk’s social media post of “Wow” with a screenshot of that roll call vote. Instead, he commented, “I don’t need to use time in a budget session on bills that are being used as political props instead of solving problems.”
Upon my further research, I learned that proponents pushing for the bill included law enforcement. The executive director of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police said the proposed law helps tighten the definition of grooming behavior and sexual offenses while setting specific punishments based on the age of the perpetrator and the child.
Yin and the Republicans who voted with him appear to have a difference of opinion with me. I don’t think protecting children before they become physical victims of a crime is a political prop. In fact, that assessment feels completely illogical.
If we hold tight to our tribal mentality, it will destroy us. We see that now. This week, politics plunged head first into a pool with no water; into a camp of power struggle and disregard for common sense.
While our ideas and policy considerations may bind us together, we are free individuals. Whenever the media or political agendas try to put us in tightly closed boxes, we must resist the temptation to confuse loyalty of cause with respect for process and tradition.
The Wyoming that we all want to help is very different than it once was. I thoroughly enjoyed the recent piece by Zakary Sonntag about the wild politicking days at the Hitching Post, lovingly called Wyoming’s Wildest Political Hotel.
The tales I have heard regarding the wild times at the Hitching Post are not in short supply. A different time of drinking fountains, bipartisan comradery and talking to one another that we seem to have forgotten how to do.
It was a coveted reminder that we hold our fate, and we can choose to change our tone at any time. Our conduct, good and bad reflects on us. Sometimes those around us make poor decisions and we suffer the consequence of guilt by association. Sometimes we need to look in the mirror and have the courage to do better and admit when we’ve fallen short. But only if we adopt this do-or-die tribal mentality, will we suffer consequence bigger than anyone has really considered.
And before you’re so quick to point the finger and exclaim villain, decrying the dark forces; remember, you are the dark force too. Or at least, you can be. The question is only, how much?
Paul talks about this a lot. When we take up our cross daily, it means we crucify ourselves to this world. We lay down our temptations for ego, pride, and greed. These things blind us. We are the sin. That is what repent means.
That doesn’t mean that because you belong to a group of people with the same beliefs as others, that we must adopt tribal behavior and temperament, no more than it means we must tolerate it. Every bad act does not automatically impugn bad will, no more than it necessarily means a good motive. Most of human behavior is just that – people being human.
Too much important work depends on this Legislature’s ability to act with precision. In my opinion, the lives of innocent babies and the ability of a working class to survive depend on it.
Lacking discernment has ruined more politicians than could be counted. The only way to have that, is to pray for it. Act like it. Trust God and do the right thing. Don’t be sucked down the rabbit hole of political games.
Disrespect and distrust between our branches of government, a failure by some to win well and others to lose well, and the broken traditions of our institutions has led us toward a place in which the chamber doesn’t feel sacred anymore.
That is no one person’s fault. It is the product of history, years in the making. Some lack discernment, others lack optics. We all could stand to act with more respect toward one another. Respect for our process, our system, and our fellow human. We’ve become so jaded, an already unpleasant world of politics feels unbearable.
Be like Paul. I know I’m trying. Crucify yourself.
Cassie Craven is a University of Wyoming College of Law graduate who practices law and lives in Wyoming. She can be reached at: longhornwritingllc@gmail.com
