State of the Rockies Project
Report Shows Rockies States are Neglected in National Politics
By Bryan Hurlbutt, 4-17-06
The Rocky Mountain region's distinctive features -- its vast open space, large proportion of federal lands, aridity, small population coupled with rapid population growth, abundance of natural amenities and natural resources, and popularity to vacationers -- create a unique set of challenges for the region, which are often ignored in national politics. The rest of the nation is able to take advantage of the region as it takes gold, timber, and vacation homes while leaving behind toxic landscapes, devastated forests, and cold-bed communities. A new report in the 2006 Colorado College State of the Rockies Report Card, "A Common Western Voice," urges that the region develop a strong voice in regional issues and suggests that hosting an early, blocked Western states presidential primary may be just the tool for doing so.But is the Rockies Region really treated this poorly? Can the region work together to articulate a common voice? Is a blocked presidential primary enough to make the voice heard, and is it even a realistic possibility? (Click here for the "A Common
Western Voice" section of the Report Card (PDF)). Share your thoughts!
Editor's note: Bryan Hurlbutt is a co-author of the State of the Rockies Report Card. We'll be releasing sections of the report in the coming weeks for discussion here on New West. [End of article]
While it's anecdotal, more and more, I think we are seeing a distinct Western voice emerging.
Our perspective has been altered in the last decade -- from identifying with our home towns and states, to identifying with our region.
There are lots of layers as to why this is happening, but I think organizations like HCN, Headwaters News and of course (not be self-congratulatory or anything) New West are proof that the voice is building and is becoming more and more vibrant each day.