Civil discourse on display in Cody

I’ve strived throughout my journalism career to be something of an impartial observer, but of course I’m human.

I’m partial to Powell, to its schools, and to Wyoming in general, my family’s old cabin near Douglas and to fall mornings on the hunt for deer, elk and turkey.

I’m also partial to civil discourse, and I saw that recently when two Democratic lawmakers came to Cody to ask attendees what they are concerned about in the state and what they would like to see down the road.

I saw a very civil exchange between a local politician known for his conservative views and a Laramie state representative known for championing more liberal clauses. 

The Grizzly Room at the Cody Library included not just Democrats but some Republicans as well, none of whom shouted down the state representatives or made a fuss.

I appreciated seeing that.

State Reps. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, and Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, were a big part of keeping the event civil as well, making it a key theme when explaining the event and going so far as to quash a potential discussion on Secretary of State Chuck Gray, who a number of groups expressed frustration about. Provenza said the event wasn't about personal attacks. 

I’m very partial to politicians who seek to bridge ground with those they disagree with and who are open to speaking to all of their constituents, which is why I respected immensely our U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman’s goal of ensuring people in every county had a chance to hear from her at town halls, even after a number were rudely disrupted by hecklers who disagreed with her. 

I’ll note her event earlier this year in Cody was more civil than a number of others. 

In the wake of the horrific assasination of Charlie Kirk, who had dedicated much of his far-too-short life to debating with those who disagreed with him, of being willing to enter the lion’s den, what Yin and Provenza are doing should be respected. Here are two legislators from the two bluest (or at least less red) counties who are willing to come to a very red county and ask people for their views and share what they would like to see in Wyoming’s future. 

And yes, most people present appeared to be more moderate if not left leaning, but these two legislators still took a chance, and those in attendance who did disagree were quite civil in return. 

That’s the level of civil discourse I'm quite partial to.