David Hill

The more valuable something is, the harder people try to copy it. This has been well documented, especially in currency and the arts. Other terms for counterfeit include fake, forged, phony, or knockoff. For many, counterfeits may not be easy to spot, but once you get to know the real thing, it is almost impossible not to recognize the difference. 

Over the past five or so years, we have seen an influx of people moving to Wyoming because of its conservative reputation. In fact, since Ronald Reagan was in the White House, Wyoming has been viewed as a conservative powerhouse. 

For example, Wyoming has not elected a democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1970, the U.S. House since 1976 (depending on who you ask), and Wyoming’s last three democratic governors each took fairly conservative positions on both social and financial policy by today’s standards. 

It is no wonder then that when folks from around the country look to relocate in order to be surrounded by like-minded conservatives, they often consider Wyoming. 

But what is it that makes Wyoming so conservative besides consistently electing Republicans?

For some, Wyoming is conservative because it reminds them of a bygone era when the “Code of the West” was more than a catch phrase and people were good because they were raised right. These people view being conservative as synonymous with traditional Judeo-Christian ethics like honesty, integrity, courage, bravery, hard work, self-reliance, and independence. Often, these people yearn for a shared set of morals and values that were once common throughout society and are hoping to find a place where those values still exist. These people believe that Wyoming is conservative because it is moral.

For others, Wyoming’s conservative nature is encompassed in the idea that “the government that governs best is the government that governs least.” Wyoming’s small population, few laws, and low taxes are the evidence of their desired small government. For these folks, the government should be limited to its primary functions which are to ensure that the citizens are safe, their rights are upheld, and essential services are provided. Wyoming’s Constitution, which is considerably longer than the U.S. Constitution, is a reliable source for those wondering what rights are addressed or what essential services might mean. A common thread for many of these folks is that they like being left alone to make their own decisions without governmental interference. 

Finally, some come to Wyoming because many of its industries and economy are viewed as conservative or are affiliated with conservatives. These industries include oil, coal, gas, and other natural resources; cattle, livestock, and agriculture; and hunting, fishing, firearms, and outdoor recreation. These people associate Wyoming’s businesses and culture with being conservative.

For me, Wyoming’s unique brand of live-and-let-live conservatism is defined by the pillars of good people, limited government, and sustainable economic policies. 

But not all good things can remain the same and over the past few decades, Wyoming’s special brand of conservativism has begun to shift towards increased government and a more unpredictable financial outlook. For me, this shift has been the result of counterfeit conservative policies.

So, what are some examples of counterfeit conservative policies? 

Most notably counterfeit conservative policies are reflected in attempts to codify morality or penalize immorality. I have previously quoted President Ronald Reagan who stated that, “[Our goal] is to help revive America’s traditional values: faith, family, neighborhood, work and freedom. Government has no business enforcing these values but neither must it seek, as it did in the recent past, to suppress or replace them.” Despite the wise words of President Reagan, many laws still attempt to impose the morality of some onto others. This is done because those proposing the law are afraid that society is becoming decreasingly moral, and it is therefore necessary for the government to impose standards of morality.

 Another counterfeit conservative policy includes blending the concept of limited government and lower taxes with a push for no government and no taxes. For context, Wyoming has the third lowest tax burden per capita (about $5,200) and spends more than $18,000 per capita. The ability for Wyoming to do this is primarily propped up by its mineral industries, federal dollars, and long-term investments. Of the various taxes we pay, property taxes remain local to ensure that local governments and services are funded. Meanwhile, other taxes like taxes on sales and fuel are distributed to various state accounts. Understanding where taxes go, what they are used for, and what we get in return is important when considering targeted tax cuts.

Wyoming’s energy industry is essential to its economy. Wyoming can survive the booms and busts in the energy industry through conservative principles and strong investment strategies. Unfortunately, counterfeit conservative policies aim to tie the hands of the state by limiting its investments or withdrawing the principal from the state’s investment accounts. These withdrawals not only lower the amounts held by the state but limit the sustainable future earnings as a percentage of investment. 

In addition to lowering the state’s investment income, other counterfeit conservative policies aim to reduce or abolish tax revenues in the name of limited government and lowering taxes. While conservative principles certainly include support for targeted tax cuts and sustainable financial policies, the counterfeit conservative policies are often focused on gutting rather than cutting and lead to an unintended sequence of consequences including lower investment income for the state, a less stable financial outlook, reduced essential services, and ultimately a high probability for increased or new taxes. 

Unfortunately, as Wyoming’s financial standing becomes less sustainable, we can expect to see an increased reduction in the workforce and young people. This leads to pressure on many of our beloved industries to consider whether they should move somewhere else to operate, further compounding a downward economic trend. Businesses can only operate if they have the workforce and the business is sustainable.

Overall, counterfeit conservative policies in Wyoming over the past few years have resulted in laws enforcing morality and thus eliminating the need for personal accountability. These policies have also destabilized our state’s economic position and outlook putting us in a position of economic decline if not corrected.

If counterfeits are so harmful, why are they so appealing?

Counterfeits are appealing because they make us feel good. Just like counterfeit watches have no real worth, but help the wearer feel good about their appearance without the cost of the real thing, counterfeit conservative policies allow their supporters to feel good about making an immediate difference or fighting for what is perceived to be right while providing no real value to the state or its citizens. Counterfeiting is only focused on one thing: instant gratification.

Wyoming’s status as a conservative state where the people are good, the government minds its own business, and the economy is sustainable was built by many strong, principled conservatives who have come before us. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to promote true conservative values, not counterfeits. Ask yourself what is really important to you and what really matters, not just now, but in 10, 25 or 100 years.