Antidote to Wyoming Freedom Caucus control is more participation

I’m not your typical go-to guy when people need a pep talk, especially about Wyoming politics. As a progressive Democrat, I’m usually looking for one myself.

It’s difficult to stay upbeat when everyone you vote for loses and many of the more reasonable Republicans who are your second choice are also rejected.

But I’ve tried to adjust my attitude about the far-right Freedom Caucus taking control of the House today for what I hope will be the first and last time. That’s possible, if the rest of us commit to work hard and hold this group accountable for a weak, disingenuous agenda that focuses on national controversies instead of real Wyoming problems.

I get emails from readers trying to cope with a state political climate that, in the words of one new Wyoming resident, makes them feel “despondent.”

“What can I do?” she asked. “I don’t feel like I know how to have an impact. I can’t even seem to bring up left-leaning thoughts without chaos.”

I know the feeling. I have liberal friends who’ve given up trying to connect with others in person or on social media because of the immediate backlash they receive when the subject turns to politics. 

I tell them to ignore the obvious online trolls because it’s a losing proposition. They’re always in attack mode, so resist the urge to spend time defending your position because they’re not actually open to new information and different perspectives.

Instead, focus on battles where your voice does matter, using technology and other resources to reassure those who feel despondent and apathetic, that change is possible. Let people know why they should reject hard-line conservative legislators’ proposals that are the opposite of what most people believe “freedom” stands for.

The Freedom Caucus favors legislation that often takes away local control and local decision-making, like telling doctors what procedures they can do, or dictating to local governments who can legally carry concealed weapons at their meetings. 

These are fundamental principles that traditional conservatives have long cherished. The caucus has started to brand them “Liz Cheney Republicans,” which is meant to be an insult, but aptly describes politicians in both parties who protect those principles.

The Freedom Caucus can no longer just throw rhetorical bombs at opponents, like it did to gain a majority. Now it must actually govern, which requires compromise, not something it has ever preached.

If you want to shake things up and rattle Freedom Caucus members by publicly challenging them, attend legislative committee meetings and testify about bills that will harm Wyoming and its citizens. I’ve seen firsthand how that can help change public opinion if enough people do it.

People used to have to travel to Cheyenne to testify to committees in person, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, people anywhere can sign up to speak online in a public forum.

Legislators don’t respond to form letters. But personal communication through email, regular mail and phone calls add up and send a message. If you visit the Capitol, go to the Senate and House lobbies and send notes to lawmakers. They will generally talk if they have time, especially when they know you’re a voter in their district.

Don’t discount the importance of writing letters to the editor or guest op-eds. Research issues so you will accurately make your points.

Will you change how a Freedom Caucus member votes? Not likely, because its leaders tell them what to think and how to vote. But you can help influence a legislator who is on the fence about an issue who may be a swing vote on a Freedom Caucus bill. 

Remember that the governor has the final say whether a bill becomes law, unless both chambers override a veto. The Freedom Caucus has a majority, but not enough votes for the two-thirds necessary to override without help from other members.

Right off the bat, the caucus made the mistake of telling Republicans they’ve ridiculed for years that now it’s time for party unity. That’s laughable. 

Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams (R-Cody), the new Freedom Caucus chair, contradicted the call for unity at a press conference in the Capitol rotunda last week by pointedly reminding everyone there’s a new sheriff in town.

“For far too long, the people in charge of this building have ignored the everyday man and woman throughout the state,” Rodriguez-Williams said. “They’ve laughed at our very real concerns. They’ve grown government to an unrecognizable monster. And they’ve lied to us on the campaign trail.

“I can tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that those days are over,” she added. 

Rodriguez-Williams might as well have said, “Work with us or be crushed.” 

The Freedom Caucus proudly proclaims it has a mandate from the people of Wyoming. But that’s hyperbole.

Because Wyoming has fewer Democratic registered voters and candidates, most House races were decided in the GOP primary. A record low of only about a quarter of eligible voters cast primary ballots in August, so while the caucus got more people to the polls, only a small number of voters in contested Republican races decided who won.

Opponents should stress that many bills the Freedom Caucus and Senate allies sponsor will harm Wyomingites who don’t believe religious zealots should write the laws.

Rep. Jeremy Haroldson (R-Wheatland), a pastor and new House speaker pro tempore, said at the news conference that this state was founded on “godly principles” the Freedom Caucus will use to govern.

But who determines what “godly principles” are, and who decides if theirs will prevail above all others? Many Freedom Caucus members are Christian fundamentalists, but they can’t simply declare state government will align with their beliefs.

I believe intolerance of other religions and nonreligious individuals is the greatest threat to the Freedom Caucus’ ability to retain power. The idea that adherence to the morals of the “right” Christian church is the basis of our state’s laws is antithetical to the principle that church and state must be separated to protect the freedom of both.

Haroldson listed several caucus priorities, including banning gun-free zones, creating “universal school choice” so millions more of public dollars will be spent on private and religious schools, and policing women’s restrooms to keep out transgender women.

If the Freedom Caucus gets its way, voters won’t be able to use ballot drop boxes that have been proven to be safe and secure. Schools won’t be required to employ certified teachers. 

The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization won’t be able to mandate any COVID-19 mask or vaccine requirements for Wyoming residents. 

New House Speaker Chip Neiman (R-Hulett) said Freedom Caucus candidates went door-to-door talking to people. “These were the things that were the most important and pressing issues to them,” he told reporters.

Really? People don’t want better access to health care and affordable housing? They don’t want to protect public school funds or live in a Wyoming with enough economic opportunities that their children won’t flee to other states?

Don’t stop telling voters about the Freedom Caucus’ plans. In 2026, bring as many like-minded people to the polls as you can.

“I think apathy is a bigger threat to democracy than anger,” Tim Heaphy, lead investigator of the U.S. House select committee on the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, warns in a new book, “Harbinger.”

Being mad or afraid won’t help. Let’s work together to change what’s coming down Wyoming’s pike while we still can.