Listening First

Not long ago, I put a question out on social media: “What words do you want to hear more of in politics?”

The answers came from all over Wyoming — ranchers, small business owners, teachers, parents, young professionals. People with different jobs, different struggles, different political leanings… but surprisingly similar answers.

The Top Five Words

Here’s what rose to the top:

• Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Not pity. Not condescension. Real understanding.
• Respect – For one another, for our differences, and for the people we represent.
• Integrity – Keeping your word when it’s hard. Doing the right thing when no one’s looking.
• Truth – Not “your truth” or “my truth,” but the truth.
• Morals – The values that guide our decisions, even when they cost us something.

These weren’t the words of people looking for the perfect soundbite. These were the words of people tired of being ignored, mocked, or lied to by those in power.

Why This Matters

Empathy is the opposite of elitism. Respect is the antidote to division. Integrity is the foundation of trust. Truth is the bedrock of freedom. And morals? They’re what keep all the rest from drifting away.

If these are the words Wyoming wants, then these are the words our leaders should be living out — not just during campaign season, but every single day they’re in office.

Be Something Different

It’s easy to put nice words on a flyer. It’s harder to walk them out when the cameras are off, when your allies disagree with you, or when taking a stand might cost you politically.

But that’s what it means to Be Something Different — to let empathy, respect, integrity, truth, and morals guide every decision, whether it’s popular or not.

More Than a Political Talking Point

I didn’t ask this question so I could weave your answers into speeches. I asked because I believe these words matter. If they’re going to mean anything, they have to be more than a political talking point.

They have to be the standard we hold ourselves to — in every meeting, in every conversation, and in every policy decision.

Where We Go From Here

We can Give Freedom Back — because real freedom doesn’t need permission — but only if our leaders have the empathy to hear their people, the respect to value them, the integrity to act on their behalf, the truth to guide them, and the morals to keep them accountable.

Wyoming, let’s choose leaders who live these words — and let’s be a people who expect nothing less.