When I open my browser to see what developments are occurring around the world, often, when news  concerning our national Congress appears, there is an unfortunate anxiety about the conduct of our  elected officials.

From temper tantrums to fire alarms, it appears our Congress is more concerned about  theatrics than results for the American people. Filled with career politicians, literal actors, and people  dead-set on diminishing the institution by showing up in gym shorts, the word “dysfunctional” comes to  mind. Watching the House of Representatives scramble has been unsettling to say the least. 

Contrast this with one of the latest issues facing the state of Wyoming, the Bureau of Land  Management’s controversial Rock Springs Resource Management Plan. The federal government is  attempting to take advantage of Wyoming’s small population by enacting plans that would directly  impact the lives of everyday Wyomingites. In the most recent Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural  Resources committee meeting, we heard that many people showed up to protest these plans. Elected  officials told us about the outrage of the crowd and the exclusion of public comment. The true colors of  this mission were revealed. This plan does not exist to serve the people, but to push an agenda at the  people’s expense.  

Through this nonsense, the true colors of the Legislature have also been revealed — despite conflicts in  political ideology, we can agree to fight for the people. In this meeting, I saw people from all sides of the  ideological spectrum working together. Everyone denounced the plans, from Freedom Caucus member  John Winter to Senate Minority Whip Mike Gierau. It was refreshing to come together for a common  goal, not just the Legislature, but also the governor’s office. 

I left that day feeling inspired. It was clear from every committee member that this wasn’t petty politics.  There was no mud-slinging, no backbiting, or secret conversations. We had to work together to fight for  the people of Wyoming. We were unified. My hope is that we can take this unity and foster it. To me, everyone serving has a deep love for their community and their state. Even if we fiercely disagree on an  issue, each of us can discern the common ground we have with each other.  

I believe that despite the chaos existing in our system, we have things easy compared to other countries.  Sweden has a Legislature with more than seven parties. India has six national parties, countless regional  parties, and even a Communist Party. As chaotic as all that sounds, nations like these are capable of  exceptional and creative policies that the world envies. I point to how Sweden handled the COVID-19  outbreak as an example of how multiple parties can work together to make policy that best serves the  people. 

There is nothing new under the sun. One of my favorite authors is Seneca, a Roman philosopher and  playwright. He was a Stoic, which is very different from another philosophy of the time, Epicureanism.  He had this to say about a thinker whom he disagreed with; “And I shall continue to heap quotations  from Epicurus upon you, so that all persons who swear by the words of another and put a value upon  the speaker and not upon the thing spoken, may understand that the best ideas are common property.” (Letters from a Stoic, Letter 12, On Old Age).

The best ideas are common property. If we claim to work for the common good of the people, we must search for and refine the best ideas. We can only achieve this through a willingness to listen to each  other, honestly defend our ideas, and stand firm to our genuine convictions. Unity is not a passive trait; it requires humility, patience, and dedication. Before the session started, Speaker of the House Albert  Sommers said, “At no time in my life have I seen our state so divided. We must pull back from the  abyss.” I could not agree more. There are ample opportunities for people to find things we can agree on.  I, for one, am happy to work with anyone if it means creating a better society for the people of  Wyoming. I know I am not alone. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers...” 

(Rep. Daniel Singh represents Wyoming House District 6.)