David Hill

The individual pieces of a party platform are referred to as planks. Much like a physical platform made of wood planks, political platform planks should be carefully constructed to make sure that the platform meets its planned function and design. If a plank of a physical platform has rotted or does not fit the design, that plank should be replaced or repaired. To the extent that metaphorical platforms are used in politics, they are invaluable tools used to unify and inform others about a party’s stance on complex fundamental topics, such as life, property rights, family values, religious freedom, education, taxes, etc. But political platforms should likewise be carefully constructed and constantly examined for necessary repairs and conformity with their intended designs.

Following an April 5, 2023 Op-Ed in a Cody newspaper in which I expressed concern over the hardline political positions taken by some members of our community with respect to party platforms, responses ranged from agreement and support to strong disagreement (perhaps an understatement). I would note that the title of my previous, unsolicited Op-Ed as drafted was “RINO: What’s in a Name?” as a commentary on the all-in or all-out positions taken by some; however, as an editorial choice beyond my consideration or control, the title was changed to “Think Outside the Party Line.” Further, I feel it is necessary to explicitly state that I do not believe the Wyoming GOP is the party of Orwell’s “1984,” as some have mischaracterized that Op-Ed. What I do object to is the employment of loyalty pledges and the ostracization of those who do not sign them. 

A common question by those who disagree with the premise of my prior article is, “If you don’t believe the party platform is correct in its entirety, with which planks do you disagree?” The answer, unfortunately, is more nuanced than some absolutists would like. This is because it is not an absolute disagreement, but rather a difference of degrees. A difference that, to some, may appear to be frivolous or solely based on minute details; however, when we attempt to express our foundational principles, virtues, and truths, especially across a large population, the minutiae of the platform planks matter. 

These differences develop from portions of certain platform planks which either appear overly broad or ambiguous and should be further defined in order to be given any real weight or effect, or which are too narrow or restrictive to allow conservatives, who likely agree with the intent of a plank, to be able to adopt the plank in its entirety. Unfortunately, these simultaneous ambiguities and restrictions result in disagreements in the interpretation of the platform planks and their consideration in the creation and application of the law, and are consequently cause for discord within the Republican Party. It therefore appears necessary to dive into the Wyoming party platform as well as the Park County Republican platform in order to better understand and more-fully develop them.  

To be clear, it is not my intention to disparage or air any grievances with the Republican Party, as I agree with what I understand to be the virtues and foundational principles of the Republican Party to which I belong, nor do I set out to condemn any member of the party for pursuing what they believe to be virtuous or correct. Instead, I intend to offer recommendations and support on how the party can avoid absolutism or tribalism, improve its position in the state and nationally, and make necessary adjustments to its platform in order to better represent its members.

But where should we begin when taking an in-depth look at an entire party platform? As Lewis Carroll wrote, “Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” So, as we journey down the rabbit hole, it appears that the preamble is the best place to start. 

The preamble of the Wyoming Republican Party platform states, “WE believe there are Timeless Truths that will always inform and direct our party and our country regardless of current events and circumstances, changing strategies, goals, and leadership. These Truths, put into action, maintain, protect, and defend our unalienable rights to Life, Liberty, Property and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The Park County preamble is substantially similar, except it omits “Property” from its list of unalienable rights. Therefore, the planks of the platform should be based on, and should not exceed, what can be identified as “Timeless Truths.” 

These planks, while applying to current events, should not be so responsive or specific to current events as to require amendments. Further, the planks of the party platform should not be directed at any particular individual or circumstance. Instead, the planks should provide basic guidance while specific strategic, political, or other actions should be guided by similarly specific initiatives, referendums, and resolutions. 

For example, although I agree with the intent of the Wyoming Republican Party’s plank number 10 which states, “No medical procedure, modality, or treatment should every [sic] be mandated under any circumstances,” that plank was not included as part of the 2020 platform and was only added in 2022. I contend that this plank, while generally correct, requires revision, clarification, and would be best expressed as a party resolution rather than a plank due to its clear responsiveness to the extreme governmental overreach of vaccine mandates we experienced during the hysteria of COVID-19.

While I agree with the preamble to the Wyoming Republican Party platform, we need to pay attention to the limits expressed in the preamble when considering the successive platform planks. We must look at every plank through a critical lens and ask ourselves, “Is this plank the result of a Timeless Truth that was true 10, 50, or 100-plus years ago and do we expect it to be part of the platform 100 years from now, or is this a response to current events?” If the former is true in its entirety, that plank can and should certainly be a part of the platform; however, if the latter is true, let us review the plank and make necessary changes, modify that plank to a resolution instead, or remove it entirely so Republicans and other members of our community can look toward the platform for direction with confidence. 

Although I know there are some who will strongly disagree with me, I look forward to the conversations and disagreements we will have while we engage in respectful discourse for the purpose of improving our community, our state, and our country. And while the next county and state conventions are still months away, do not wait until then to start reviewing the platforms for yourself. It will certainly take all of our voices and involvement to make this timeless process a success.