The wind is our neighbor. Wind was here
first. We deal with it. – Number 14 on the list of fundamental
values.
When
you talk about Wyoming people or think about our wonderful state, are there
specific universal truths and fundamental values that come to mind?
Are
they unique to our state and to our people here? I always thought so.
It
makes sense to talk about our truths and values in a column at the beginning of
a new year.
My
quest to identify them started when I ran for state office back in 2002. It seemed like a good idea then if I could
identify them. This quest became a much bigger task than I thought it would be.
For example, it might be argued that many
people of our state really live within spheres of influence in neighbor metro
areas such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Billings, Idaho Falls and Rapid City.
With
all that distraction, what is it that ties us all together besides rooting for
our football team? I might suggest some unique truths and values.
Do folks living on our state’s borders
who find themselves traveling to Denver or Billings for just about everything,
well, do they feel the same kinship with someone from Casper or Lander or
Buffalo or Douglas?
In my search I came to the conclusion
that yes, these truths and values do matter.
And they are conclusive. Wyoming people understand these concepts. Here
are my lists of truths and values:
Wyoming Universal truths
1.
Wyoming’s economy will be based on
commodity values of minerals for decades to come and thus will be vulnerable to
the ups and downs of worldwide prices for energy.
2.
Wyoming’s future is intertwined with the
desires of the people running the federal government since the people of the
United States through federal agencies administer about half of the state’s
land mass.
3.
Because of low population, long distance
and some degree of isolation, Wyoming’s people have unique character traits. We
celebrate the individuality of our people.
4.
In Wyoming, people dream. They dream big. Hope and entrepreneurship is
alive. The power of an idea is important.
5.
Often we are alone, but we are not
lonely.
6.
The idea of equality is celebrated in
Wyoming although occasionally not practiced enough or at all.
7.
Wyoming`s people have always lived off
its land its wild animals, forests, agriculture, minerals and scenery.
Since Territorial days we have exported our products and invited tourists to
enjoy our unique blessings.
8.
Despite being town dwellers or California
imports, we will always be the Cowboy State.
Wyoming Fundamental Values
1.
The concept that small is good means more
here.
2.
We celebrate clean air, clean water and a
clean environment.
3.
As an entrepreneurial people, we believe
in being persistent. We believe that anything worth doing is worth doing over
and over with the goal that if we keep on trying, we will get it right.
4.
Our government is one of the most open in
the United States. Our elected officials are among the most accessible. We
celebrate that.
5.
Equality in opportunity and the power of
the individual are celebrated in Wyoming.
6.
Wyoming people believe in being polite.
We help out the needy. We wave at people we don’t know.
7.
Wyoming people appreciate good health.
8.
Water is perhaps our most valuable
resource. Its value is never over-rated.
9.
In a place often described as a small
city with extremely long streets – well, we appreciate our good roads.
10.
We cherish our pioneers and our veterans.
We thank them for what they have done for our state.
11.
Hope for the future is alive in Wyoming.
We call it a child.
12.
No place in the lower 48 states has the
wildlife that Wyoming has – we celebrate the diversity of our animals and
plants.
13.
Wyoming people appreciate seasons. And dawns and sunsets. Big storms and
lightning-quick changes in the weather.
14.
The wind is our neighbor. Wind was here
first. We deal with it.
15.
We have learned that the way to deal with
power is to share it, not hoard it.
16.
We do not drive by a stranded traveler on
our back roads.
17.
Truth and trust are fundamental in our
society. My word is my bond. You can trust my handshake.
18.
All else being equal, we must be fair.
19.
We are a God-fearing people. We celebrate
our religious beliefs.
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