Dark money threatens democracy
Recent examples of dark money entering local politics are incredibly concerning.
The Wyoming way is to take accountability for what we do and what we say. Regardless of party or platform, anonymous political speech is often destructive.
The politically motivated and largely anonymous campaigning by Honor Wyoming against local elected officials is cowardly and mischievous. Recent reporting has shown that the individuals involved are unwilling to take accountability for their actions. Hardworking elected officials have been branded as “fence-sitters” and “clowns.”
Attacking democratically elected lawmakers with dark money and no transparency over funders or identities stirs up unwarranted mistrust toward reasonable humans doing important work in a representative government.
Name calling is perfectly on brand with the ironically named dark money politics that do not honor Wyoming. Evidence points to significant out-of-state contributions funding a six-figure campaign against elected officials. And if these self-identified folks knew anything about Wyoming, they’d know that clowns are the toughest people at the rodeo. It turns out that their toughness and grit is what’s required to withstand the disheartening attacks of the nameless.
The best way to actually honor Wyoming is to engage in the political process, speaking civilly with the people we elect to lead all levels of government. When we disagree about what’s happening, it’s important to talk with friends, family and neighbors to find a solution. Not put a hateful or disrespectful post on social media, a bullying note on someone’s windshield or front door, or a mean-spirited video on YouTube. Community requires a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of finding common attitudes, interests and goals.
The need is more intense than ever for state and federal lawmakers to ban dark money influence into elections. Whether it’s foreign or domestic interference or campaigning, anonymous funding of political speech should never be protected under the Constitution.
Social media and digital platforms have exacerbated the ability of people to avoid taking responsibility for their speech. For decades, News&Guide standards have required any letter to the editor or Guest Shot to be signed, and our editors verify the author’s identity and intent prior to publication. The same goes for ads including political speech, which must identify the individuals or group behind their content. Anonymity creates distrust.
So, we’re hopeful that the senators and representatives of Wyoming and the United States can recognize this critical oversight in policy, and remedy dark money and anonymous speech once and for all. The survival of democracy depends on updated laws to meet our shared needs for the future.
Here in Wyoming we take pride in looking our neighbors in the eye. Until new groups like Honor Wyoming can do the same, and be transparent about their funding and leadership, they have no place in the Equality State.
By the editorial board: Johanna Love, Cindy Harger, Adam Meyer and Kevin Olson.
Advertisements funded by Honor Wyoming, like this one criticizing the Jackson Town Council and perceived threats to the Teton County Fairgrounds, have popped up on social media such as Facebook and Instagram.
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