Guest Columnists
Points of view on Wyoming issues from Wyoming people.
Letter To The Editor: Trump Won -- Now Let Him Govern
Dear editor: Republicans’ rush to judgment on President Trump’s cabinet nominees is astonishing, irresponsible and hypocritical, but typical of a party that can never rally behind its leadership and govern with collective focus and clear purpose.
CSD StaffNovember 16, 2024
Guest Column: Matt Gaetz Should Not Be Confirmed
Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "The question is not whether Gaetz is guilty of any of the charges swirling around him. The question is whether the president and the American people deserve a better, untainted, qualified candidate for United States Attorney General."
CSD StaffNovember 15, 2024
Marta Mossburg: Let’s Hope Trump Scraps The Electronic Cattle Tag Rule
Marta Mossburg writes, “Knowing exactly how many cattle ranchers own means the ability to tax cows based on their greenhouse gas emissions as has been enacted in Denmark, to start in 2030. It could also mean forced slaughter, for example.”
CSD StaffNovember 14, 2024
Guest Column: Why Donald Trump Won And Why Kamala Harris Lost
Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes: The Harris campaign was built on two platforms – dislike of Trump and abortion. Trump on the other hand, addressed the issues people cared about: the economy, inflation and the border.
CSD StaffNovember 11, 2024
Guest Column: How Much Federal Land Is Too Much?
Rep. Harriet Hageman writes, "Although there are certain individuals who seem hell-bent on selling this invaluable property (Kelly Parcel) to the National Park Service for $100 million dollars, it is obvious by every metric that its value is significantly higher. It is also apparent that the NPS itself believes this parcel is worth substantially more than $100 million."
CSD StaffNovember 06, 2024
Ray Hunkins: Why I’m Voting For Donald J. Trump
Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "For the most part, we know what the Trump policies will be in a second term because we know what they were in his first term. I can’t think of any policy of the first Trump administration with which I disagreed."
CSD StaffOctober 31, 2024
Guest Column: Maybe The Kelly Walsh Band's Performance Was Just A Show
Guest columnist Susan Stubson writes, "Let’s lower the temperature here and consider for a moment that perhaps Kelly Walsh was not trying to communicate any message other than musical and visual excellence."
CSD StaffOctober 30, 2024
Letter To The Editor: Maybe It's Time To Retire Some Counties
Dear editor: Doug Gerard’s letter of reluctant agreement with Tom Lubnau’s editorial opinion on Weston County’s insistence on having a State Senator is both funny and interesting.
CSD StaffOctober 24, 2024
Guest Column: Clarity On Cheyenne Schools
As Chairman of the Select Committee for School Facilities, it is my responsibility to provide a factual perspective on the recent comments circulating on social media regarding the Legislative branch's involvement in the contentious issue concerning Cheyenne’s Most Cost Effective Remedy study.
CSD StaffOctober 09, 2024
Guest Column: Exposing the Hypocrisy of ‘Environmental Justice’
Sen. Cynthia Lummis writes, "One of the more extreme, left-wing ideas you may have heard of is “environmental justice.” Contrary to its name, this buzzword is yet another effort by the Biden-Harris administration to block traditional energy and infrastructure projects."
CSD StaffOctober 09, 2024
Guest Column: Wyoming vs. the Fed -- Why Custodia Bank’s Fight Matters for All Americans
State Rep. Daniel Singh writes, "Custodia’s fight is about more than one bank; it’s a fight for fairness and autonomy. This issue gives lawmakers a chance to unite, cross partisan lines, and defend Wyoming’s interests in an increasingly centralized financial world."
CSD StaffOctober 08, 2024
Ray Hunkins: Thank You For A Civil And Informative Debate
Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "It is possible to disagree, even disagree vehemently, and in the process be respectful and courteous. J.D. Vance and Tim Walz proved that at the vice presidential debate."
CSD StaffOctober 03, 2024
Guest Column: Wyoming’s Jackpot: Unlocking Our Resources With Permitting Reform
Rep. Jared Olsen writes, "By a stroke of luck, within the borders of Wyoming lie vast resources our nation needs – coal, oil, natural gas, lithium, uranium, helium, bentonite, trona, rare earth minerals, strong winds, a piercing sun and more."
CSD StaffOctober 02, 2024
John Stossel: There Is No Bee Crisis
About 20 years ago, some honeybees died from “colony collapse disorder.” The media went into a buzz. But beekeepers rebuilt lost colonies and the disorder soon diminished. Now, there are 31% MORE bees in America. Since the media won’t report on that, I will:
CSD StaffSeptember 24, 2024
Guest Column: Wyoming Needs Protections To Ensure Only U.S. Citizens Can Vote
Secretary of State Chuck Gray writes, "We must call Gov. Gordon’s veto for what it is. Gordon’s veto is enabling Biden, Harris and the most radical leftists in America who are trying to help illegal immigrants vote in our elections."
CSD StaffSeptember 13, 2024
Guest Column: Another Federal Agency’s Overreach Requires Our Attention
Wyoming Business Alliance President Renny McKay writes, "One of the federal agencies that I’ve been watching lately that could really harm our state is a surprising one – the U.S. International Trade Commission."
CSD StaffSeptember 12, 2024
Guest Column: Proof Of Residency To Vote In Wyoming Is Only Common Sense
Rep. Tomi Strock writes, "Unfortunately, Gov. Gordon vetoed the proposed proof of residency rule [last session]. When the Legislature returns [next year], expect to see bills requiring that voters prove their residency and citizenship when registering to vote."
CSD StaffSeptember 12, 2024
Guest Column: Why Wyoming Is Losing Healthcare Workers
Rep. Jeanette Ward writes, "Today my daughter decided to leave the nursing program and instead study Health Science, in the hopes that the WY legislature will do its job and protect medical freedom in the next two years, after which time she can pursue a nursing degree at a 4-year college."
CSD StaffSeptember 06, 2024
Guest Column: A Loaf of Bread And A Dream
Guest columnist Cassie Craven writes, "The primary elections showed that Wyomites value big ideas more than big experience. Several newcomers, and unknowns, shook up races and evicted long-time establishment in the Wyoming Legislature."
CSD StaffAugust 23, 2024
Guest Column: Speaking Anything Less Than The Truth Is Dehumanizing
Former state Rep. Scott Clem writes, "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."
CSD StaffAugust 08, 2024
Guest Column: Governor Gordon Gets It Wrong Again
Sen. Cheri Steinmetz writes, "Is anyone else getting tired of Mark Gordon trying to tell us what to do? He appears to be on his latest power trip since he is declaring what the “facts” are and who we should vote for in 2024."
CSD StaffAugust 05, 2024
Guest Column: Supreme Court’s ‘Chevron’ Ruling Won’t Stop Government Overreach
Guest columnist Marta Mossburg writes, "Paul Larkin, a legal scholar at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., said he thinks members of Congress will continue to write vague laws because they have every incentive to do so."
CSD StaffAugust 02, 2024
Guest Column: America Must Get Facts On Trump Assassination Attempt So It Can't Happen Again
Rep. Harriet Hageman writes, "The American people deserve to know what went so wrong that a deranged shooter was able to fire on President Trump, whether the shooter was acting alone, and what is being done to ensure the safety and security of our political leaders."
CSD StaffAugust 02, 2024
Guest Column: Out-of-State Dark Money and Misconstrued Attacks -- Setting the Record Straight
Rep. Tom Walters writes, "I feel compelled to address recent attacks on my stance regarding women's sports. These attacks, fueled by out-of-state dark money, have grossly misconstrued my position on an issue of profound importance."
CSD StaffJuly 30, 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Daily Smile: Friday, May 31, 2024
Ain't got no time for the slow feed dog bowl....
CSD StaffMay 31, 2024
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
Saturday Morning Dance Party: Earth, Wind & Fire -- Let's Groove
Earth, Wind & Fire -- Let's Groove
CSD StaffMay 25, 2024
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
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
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
Your Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, May 6, 2024
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Adam Ashmore in Hartville, Wyoming.
CSD StaffMay 06, 2024
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
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
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
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