Guest Columnists
Points of view on Wyoming issues from Wyoming people.
![Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Brain-Boner-3.9.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Politicians Should Put More Trust in the People of Wyoming
Wyoming State Sen. Brian Boner writes, "The drama of the ongoing conflict between the Freedom and Wyoming Caucuses fills headlines and, while certainly entertaining, continues to do damage to the Wyoming Legislature."
CSD StaffJuly 25, 2024
![Wyoming Mining Association Director Travis Deti weighs in](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Travis-Deti-2.29.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Strengthening National Security, Growing Wyoming’s Economy
Guest columnist Travis Deti writes, "Wyoming has the energy resources America and the world need. The Wyoming uranium industry has weathered some very difficult years. But thanks to the work of our Wyoming leadership in Washington, the tide is beginning to turn."
CSD StaffJuly 21, 2024
![Steinmetz 3 11 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/steinmetz-3-11-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Freedom Is Not Free
State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz writes, "I grew up hearing stories about my Great Uncles John, Harold and Ed who fought against Hitler and the Nazis in World War II to defend us from the scourge of communism."
CSD StaffJuly 03, 2024
![Reagan watt 7 3 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/reagan-watt-7-3-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
William Perry Pendley: Ansel Adams, Wyoming, and Ronald Reagan
William Perry Pendley writes, "President Reagan and Wyoming's own James Watt set a record, yet unbroken, for issuing federal oil and gas leases. By 2019, their efforts yielded American energy independence." Photographer Ansel Adams was not a fan.
William Perry PendleyJuly 03, 2024
![Jt larson carbon 6 27 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/jt-larson-carbon-6-27-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: I've Seen A Key Part Of Wyoming's All-Of-The-Above Energy Strategy
State Rep. J.T. Larson writes, "Wyoming has the key ingredients to grow durable energy businesses that will pay family-sustaining wages for decades. Our state has invested in carbon capture and sequestration from the beginning."
CSD StaffJune 27, 2024
![Vic miller 6 22 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/vic-miller-6-22-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Innovation and Integrity -- The Future of Our City's Governance
Vic Miller writes, "Our campaign is not a "stunt" or a "circus," but a serious, forward-thinking approach to civic leadership. Vic Miller is the legal candidate for mayor, fully compliant with Wyoming law."
CSD StaffJune 23, 2024
![Sam western headshot 6 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/sam-western-headshot-6-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: When Dealing With Feds, Wyoming Should Recall The Serenity Prayer
Guest columnist Samuel Western writes, "Maybe Wyoming should start listening to markets rather than tilting at windmills. Let’s stop throwing money at studies and policies that prop up struggling industries."
CSD StaffJune 16, 2024
![Rep. Jeanette Ward, R-Casper.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jeanette-Ward-1.10.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Why I Support Parental Rights In Education
Guest columnist Rep. Jeanette Ward writes, "Building trust and a partnership between parents and schools is a good thing, and it requires protecting the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their kids."
CSD StaffJune 14, 2024
![Ray hunkins headshot cropped](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/ray-hunkins-headshot-cropped.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Deemphasizing DEI At UW Was the Right Decision
Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "The decision to eliminate the Office of DEI at the University of Wyoming is welcome news to many university supporters, myself included. The considerable money spent on DEI and its bureaucracy can now be spent on academic programs, UW’s core mission."
CSD StaffJune 11, 2024
![Tomi strock](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/tomi-strock.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Compare My Record To My Opponent's
Rep. Tomi Strock writes, "This race has been described as a 'rematch' of the 2022 race in which I defeated former Rep. Clausen. For the sake of the voters, I’m grateful for this rematch, as my record, like my opponent’s, is available for close inspection."
CSD StaffJune 10, 2024
![Winters 8 26 22](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/winters-8-26-22.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Thank You, School Board, For Working With Parents
Guest columnist Nathan Winters writes, "Recently, an op-ed by Joan Barron claimed that there is broad disagreement with a proposed new book policy for school libraries in LCSD#1. Nothing could be further from the truth."
CSD StaffJune 07, 2024
![Rep. Jeanette Ward, R-Casper](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jeanette-Ward-1.18.23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Why The Trump Verdict Is Bogus
Rep. Jeanette Ward writes, "After President Trump was convicted on 34 bogus felony counts last week, elitists in the press and in academia seemed confused by the reaction of us ordinary people to this miscarriage of justice."
CSD StaffJune 05, 2024
![Rep. Jon Conrad, R-Mountain View](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jon-Conrad-9.7.23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Cutting Red Tape to Grow Wyoming’s Trona Industry
Rep. Jon Conrad writes, "The potential of trona mining and development to create jobs and strengthen Wyoming’s economy, however, is being squandered as projects continue to get stuck in the regulatory quagmire that is our nation’s federal permitting process."
CSD StaffJune 03, 2024
![Smile 5 31 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/smile-5-31-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Daily Smile: Friday, May 31, 2024
Ain't got no time for the slow feed dog bowl....
CSD StaffMay 31, 2024
![Hageman guest columns 9 15 23](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/hageman-guest-columns-9-15-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Another Rocky Mountain Rate Hike – Here We Go Again!
Rep. Harriet Hageman writes, "Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Rocky Mountain Power wants to raise your electric bill by double digit … yet again. This is not the first rate increase that RMP has proposed, and it will not be the last."
CSD StaffMay 27, 2024
![Mix Collage 23 May 2024 04 06 PM 2214](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/MixCollage-23-May-2024-04-06-PM-2214.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Saturday Morning Dance Party: Earth, Wind & Fire -- Let's Groove
Earth, Wind & Fire -- Let's Groove
CSD StaffMay 25, 2024
![Winter 5 20 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/winter-5-20-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Wolf Issue Will Be Addressed In Legislature With Wyoming Values In Mind
Rep. John Winter writes, "I have received barrage of hateful and nasty phone calls and emails from all across this country. As a result, I thought I should try to clarify a few things and put this issue into perspective."
CSD StaffMay 20, 2024
![Gerard](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/gerard.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: What And How Matters Not The Who
Guest columnist Doug Gerard writes, "Tom Lubnau's recent screed against anonymity in politics is at odds with American history, and his focus on anonymous legislator-rating websites is misplaced."
CSD StaffMay 14, 2024
![Barrasso Hageman 5 13 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Barrasso-Hageman-5-13-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Defending Wyoming’s Access to our Public Lands
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman write, "The BLM’s Rock Springs Resource Management Plan is essentially a land lockdown, turning thousands of acres of federal land in Wyoming from multiple-use into non-use."
CSD StaffMay 13, 2024
![Sunrise 5 6 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/sunrise-5-6-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Your Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, May 6, 2024
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Adam Ashmore in Hartville, Wyoming.
CSD StaffMay 06, 2024
![Hageman and Barrasso 5 3 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Hageman-and-Barrasso-5.3.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Harriet Hageman: I'm Endorsing Sen. John Barrasso For Re-Election And Here's Why
In a guest column for Cowboy State Daily, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman writes, “I am happy to join President Trump in endorsing my friend and working partner in Congress, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, for re-election in November."
CSD StaffMay 05, 2024
![Clay travis 5 3 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/clay-travis-5-3-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Opinion: These Are The Dumbest Campus Protests Of All Time
Radio host Clay Travis says, "If Hamas actually had a state, most of the people protesting in support of them would have no human rights there. This may be the dumbest American campus protest of all time."
CSD StaffMay 02, 2024
![Idiots 5 1 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/idiots-5-1-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: The Campus Protests Are A Cluster**** And I Couldn't Be Happier
Guest columnist Tom Bentley writes, "These campus protests are a cluster**** decades in the making, and I couldn’t be happier. They're just the appetizer though. The main course will come at the Democrat convention. Load up on popcorn, that’s gonna be fun."
CSD StaffMay 02, 2024
![Hornok 8 3 23](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/hornok-8-3-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: The Good Ship Wyoming Deserves Better Captains
Guest columnist Rep. Ben Hornok writes, "Any spending strategy for Wyoming should not be based on how big a tantrum 'capable Republican' politicians can throw in the checkout lane of the supermarket when they are trying to get what they want."
CSD StaffApril 30, 2024
![Jonathan lange](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/jonathan-lange.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Jonathan Lange: IVF, Abortion And The Will Of The People
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "President Trump’s long-anticipated statement on abortion was released earlier this month. After a brief spin cycle, it has largely fallen from the headlines. Nevertheless, we should not let the month end without some comment."
CSD StaffApril 26, 2024
![Rep. Jeanette Ward, R-Casper.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jeanette-Ward-1.10.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Innocent Beings Should Never Be Tortured Or Killed -- Period
Rep. Jeanette Ward writes, "The abortion clinic in Casper brags that it performs surgical abortions up to 23 weeks gestation. At 15 weeks, unborn babies can feel pain. At 22 weeks, they can recognize the voice of their mother. An abortion committed at 23 weeks involves dismembering the baby..."
CSD StaffApril 11, 2024
![Chuck gray 4 11 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/chuck-gray-4-11-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Chuck Gray: Only Wyomingites Should Be Voting In Wyoming Elections
In a guest column, Secretary of State Chuck Gray writes, "We must protect ourselves from the insecurity of the invasion affecting all 50 states. I urge the governor to adopt these rules and help secure Wyoming’s elections."
CSD StaffApril 11, 2024
![Steff kessler column 4 9 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/steff-kessler-column-4-9-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Balancing Development and Conservation: Worth the Hard Work
Guest columnist Steff Kessler writes, "We can take pride and guidance in looking at how Wyoming has addressed these challenges in the past. But we also need to recognize when some things aren’t working and it’s time to come up with new ways of doing things."
CSD StaffApril 09, 2024
![Rodriguez williams 4 9 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/rodriguez-williams-4-9-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Abortion Is A Public Health Crisis - And The Chief Executive Enables It
Guest columnist Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams writes, House Bill 148 (Regulation of Surgical Abortions) passed both chambers overwhelmingly. The veto by the chief executive of Wyoming raises concerns about the need for Wyoming to return to our three branch system of government."
Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-WilliamsApril 09, 2024
![Jonathan lange](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/jonathan-lange.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Defending The Reputation Of Your Opponent Elevates Your Own
Guest columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Whether politicians are calling their constituents deplorables and knuckleheads, or constituents are defaming the reputations of elected officials, both should be ashamed of themselves."
CSD StaffApril 06, 2024
![Ray peterson 6 24 22 scaled](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/ray-peterson-6-24-22-scaled.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Somebody Has To Say It
Guest columnist Ray Peterson writes, "When I see a Facebook post from current legislators, calling out the traitors or turn coats that voted against the special session, my skin begins to crawl."
Ray PetersonApril 06, 2024
![Tomi strock](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/tomi-strock.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Fact vs. Fiction -- 2024 Budget Session
Guest columnist Rep. Tomi Strock writes, "I am writing this in order to filter the facts from the fiction spouted by liberal lawmakers and repeated by their allies in the press – one of the most frequently parroted fiction out there has to do with committee bills being killed."
CSD StaffApril 05, 2024
![Gordon 11 30 23](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/gordon-11-30-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: Wheatland Has The Funding to Address Failing Water Tank
In a guest column, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon writes, "Despite claims to the contrary, my line item veto of [the Wheatland water tower project] in the 2024 budget was not punitive, but rather a reflection of the adequate support the State has already provided..."
CSD StaffApril 04, 2024
![Energy stock](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/energy-stock.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Letter To The Editor: We All Benefit from Wyoming’s Diversified Energy Portfolio
Dear editor, "Our future depends on remaining competitive and keeping Wyoming open for business by not picking winners and losers regarding industries. All industries and innovation bring value to Wyoming, its communities and families."
CSD StaffApril 02, 2024
![The Fast Lane is the place to be in downtown Shoshone.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Fast-Lane-downtown-shoshoni-7.15.23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Letter To The Editor: Analyzing The So-Called 'Shoshoni Speed Trap'
Dear editor, "Instead of being known for milkshakes and malts, Shoshoni is now famous, or maybe infamous, for our 'speed trap.'"
CSD StaffApril 02, 2024
![Guest column haroldson knapp rodriquez williams](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/guest-column-haroldson-knapp-rodriquez-williams.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Guest Column: What a "Nay" Vote on the Special Session Means
Guest columnists Reps. Haroldson, Rodriguez-Williams and Knapp write, "A vote against the special session is a vote AGAINST property tax relief, AGAINST the Second Amendment, AGAINST protecting pre-born babies, FOR Biden’s 30x30 land grab, and FOR an all-powerful governor who operates in the absence of checks and balances."
CSD StaffApril 01, 2024