Life is Hard, But it’s Harder if You’re Stupid – Let’s Not Be

Thoughts from Dale Steenbergen –

Life is already hard in the 21st century. Politics are nothing less than pandemonium at the national level and sometimes at the state level too.

There is no doubt that low tax states like Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and almost every state in the middle of the country are big-time recipients of the people’s capital exodus from the coastal states.

While the influx of workers and money is appreciated, it also comes with a price. The folks who fully embraced “big city living” who are now moving in and are driven toward “let us show you how to do it” are definitely on the cutting edge of a special kind of stupid.

We see it every day in politics and business, those who believe that somehow their stint in California or Florida gave them a pearl of innate wisdom to deliver us “country bumpkins” in the center of this nation. This is where we get stupid. If where you came from gave you all this information to be on the cusp of revered intelligence, why didn’t you stay there? It is simple; we have a lot more to offer in Cheyenne and Laramie County specifically than in many other places.

Why is this such a great place to live, work, and do business? I’d say it is because our community has stuck to its guns. We value honesty, respect neighbors, treat folks with respect, and honor our culture. We are certainly not perfect, nor have we ever been, but I would argue that here and around this nation, communities that have held tight to their community values are the envy of many. I am not espousing tickets back to California for some of these yahoos, but I would say if we abandon what is best about ourselves to embrace rhetoric from these folks, well, that is a special kind of stupid – so let’s not be!

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1907 and is more than 1,000 members strong. Using guiding core competencies, the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce demonstrates leadership by advocating for business at all levels of government and promoting our community to make the region a better place to live, work, and do business. The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce is also active in the Wyoming Business & Industry Federation, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Visit cheyennechamber.org for more information.