Island Richards

As a native son of the great state of Wyoming, I find myself amused and angered at the comments made by Washington Post columnist David Broder concerning the state I call home. His assertion that Wyoming has “a governor and congressional delegation notable only for their anonymity,” is obviously the conclusion of a typical Washington liberal who confuses hard work and dedication with taking credit for the same. It’s clear that he has no concept of the humble nature of Wyoming’s citizens, nor that of the important role that Wyoming’s delegation has traditionally played, and now currently plays, in the “Big Picture” of our nation’s political scene.

I wonder, when was the last time that Mr. Broder was able to step away from his ill-guided critique of Wyoming’s role in Washington long enough to actually pay attention to what our elected representatives were doing there? Does he even know that our very own Senator Mike Enzi has logged more floor time, and thus more gavel time, since he has been there, than any other member of the United States Senate? Does he know that very same senator has written, promoted, and passed legislation that has changed our country for the better, and he has done so in just three years of holding that office? Does Mr. Broder know that Senator Craig Thomas and his representatives have consistently solved the problems that Wyoming residents have had with Social Security, Medicaid, and the VA? Does he know that Senator Thomas has worked diligently and successfully to thwart Secretary Babbitt’s war on the west? Does he know that the honorable Barbara Cubin is a prominent and successful member of the United States House of Representatives, and regardless of the fact that she is one voice in several hundred, she always manages to make sure her voice, and that of Wyoming’s, is heard in Washington?

As for Wyoming’s own state leaders, when did Mr. Broder become such an expert? I’m sure he knows that Wyoming, under Governor Geringer’s leadership, has taken a proactive role in finding a solution to Wyoming’s dependence on extractive revenue. The credit for the creation of the Wyoming Business Council belongs to him, and through it, his legacy will last long into Mr. Broder’s retirement.

Furthermore, who is this Mr. Broder to comment in any way on the selection of leaders by the citizens of Wyoming? I am offended that this person, who obviously knows less than squat about our state, dares to question the value and integrity of the voters who chose our elected leaders.

All of which brings us to my own question: Why?

Why has Mr. Broder taken such a bold and intrusive approach into the politics of Wyoming? Who pulls his strings? Could it be that he is simply a mouthpiece for Wyoming’s minority party, trying to stir things up a little in hopes of grabbing a few seats in next year’s election? Or is he just a pawn in the battle to institute a state income tax when the people of Wyoming have already spoken out so vehemently against it? Maybe he’s a closet tree hugger who is trying to deride our delegations efforts to preserve the autonomy of our fine state. Does he find fault with our battle to keep the Department of Interior and the rest of the federal governments greedy little fingers out of the interests of Wyoming?

I suppose it’s possible that he would use the power that comes with writing for a prestigious paper like the Washington Post to further the causes of an outspoken minority out here in the middle of nowhere. Truthfully though, I don’t thinks his words are based on anything so secretive or so sincere. In fact, I don’t think they are based on anything quite so noble as promoting the whiny beliefs of a dying minority. No, I think they are simply the petty diatribe of someone who desperately needed a sound bite, and mistakenly chose Wyoming as the place to grasp for it.

Peace,

Wisdom