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October 23, 2010 04:30 AM UTC

Hickenlooper: Rural Colorado is "backward".

  • 157 Comments
  • by: cologeek

(Unfortunately I think this is the story of the day for the Gov race – promoted by DavidThi808)

He also manages to equate those who live there with the murderers of Matthew Shepard:

At the 2:00 minute mark you get this quote:

Hickenlooper: I think a couple things, I mean, you know, the tragic death of Matthew Shepard occurred in Wyoming. Colorado and Wyoming are very similar. We have some of the same, you know, backwards thinking in the kind of rural Western areas you see in, you know, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico.

Is this really what Denver’s mayor thinks of those of us who live in the rest of the state?  Now that this has gotten out he is of course backpedaling.  But don’t worry mayor,  we hicks get what Denver’s Hick really thinks of us.

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157 thoughts on “Hickenlooper: Rural Colorado is “backward”.”

        1. that the only people who should count live in urban areas, and that everyone else should be happy to be dumped on?

          I should have made this point in the original post, but Hick said this back when everyone thought that Bill Ritter would run for a second term. (And I have to wonder what Ritter thinks about his decision to drop out now?)  Hick made this statement as red meat to throw out to the sophisticated bigots who believe that the only parts of Colorado that matter are the Denver area, Boulder, and their favorite ski resort.

          1. When you get worked up, you seem to forget how to think critically.

            The ideal is in the middle. Cities and rural regions both contribute greatly to America’s strength, and both have very serious issues that keep us from realizing our full potential. That’s the truth.

            But I do get tired of the myth of everything wonderful with America being rooted in the country, as though cities were NOT the engines that drive America, and as if kids weren’t fleeing small towns for cities as soon as they got their diplomas. Again, look at where you live – planning on moving to Del Norte or Kit Carson anytime soon?

            Much of what makes America great does come from our rural heritage, but much of what keeps us from advancing shares those same roots. And anyone who thinks speaking frankly about that is some kind of attack, or red meat, is guilty of pro-rural chauvanism.

            You’ve probably forgotten how a Republican in West Virginia’s campaign was caught when their ad agency put a call out for “hicks” to appear in an ad for the guy, right? But it’s okay for ‘pubs to do this, isn’t it?

            1. is someone who, due to birth, education, social standing, ect., believes that anyone who doesn’t have those same credentials are “lesser”.  Anyone who is “lesser” should not bother having any opinions because they are not “sophisticated” enough to have anything intelligent to say.  

              Just another way of saying “Elite”, but more descriptive.  You can find this sort in both major parties and probably all the thirds as well.

        1. spews out homophobic bullshit with every radio broadcast. You can find homophobes anywhere. The backwardness starts with the need for an imaginary invisible person in the sky.  

      3. depends on what the meaning of “killing” is.

        Every day, in so many ways, bigots in Colorado try to kill homosexuals, a little bit at a time, a little, little bit at a time. Drip, drip, drip. As a group, all homosexuals are no different from alcoholics. Drip. Don’t hate the sinner; hate the sin. Drip. It’s ok with me, but don’t put on your public displays. Drip. I’m fine with you, but not in the shower. Drip. Just don’t talk about it. Drip. Gays will ruin the morale and fighting ability of the military. Drip. Replying with “hate” crimes when that wasn’t even brought up? Drip. Oh, mercy me, which “backwards” people are killing homosexuals in Colorado? We’re all so innocent. Drip. Drip. Drip.

        1. 5 days ago a book was published by a group of women who worked with SNCC in voter registration and all other areas related to racism and that terrorism. A friend got a copy on day 1 and sent it to me. It arrived yesterday and I spent much of the night with it.

          Larry, Pam, Arvadonian and others are precisely correct. All of these issues related to LGBT have got to be addressed. Pressure must continue to be applied. Voters must choose carefully those candidates that will be most likely to be responsive.

          Larry, the drip, drip, drip telling really works. There is more than a diary there.

  4. If there is anyone on Pols who thinks they live in or near a town that’s more the opposite of Denver than my good ol’ Lamar, I’d love to see them try to prove it.

    I’ve been here since 1980, so I’m getting close to being considered a real resident. If I hadn’t grown to love it, I’d have left LONG ago. But even though I love it, I can absolutely without equivocation GUARANTEE you that there are some damned backwards thoughts thunk around here from time to time.

    What I’m thinking now, though, is that your thoughts aren’t really as straight-forward as you’d like us to believe. Seriously, you DID get what Hick was really saying, right? Right?

    Yeah, I figured.

      1. But you’re, what, about an hour from Grand Junction, give or take?

        Lamar, with it’s slightly less than 9000 people, is the biggest town for a two hour drive in any direction. That’s an area about the size of the state of Pennsylvania!

        You probably have a much greater chance of getting snowed in during the winter months, I’ll give you that. And some folks might think your scenery is nicer….

          2. Although I think, if you start in the middle of Pennsylvania, it’s maybe two hours to the borders. But Naturita (which is near Norwood) is a long drive to Grand Junction, at least if you stick to hwy 141. From Norwood, you can go over the Dallas Divide and come up from Ridgway but it’s still not a short drive.

          3. I was looking at the map where your zip code pointed and figured it as the crow flies. With mountain roads I imagine it does take a lot longer.

            As for the Pennsylvania thing…actually I have driven across it once, but that was a long time ago.  

            In the interest of scientific accuracy (very important to braggin’ rights), the area I was referring to relates to the 2 hour drive in any direction. If you figure 2 hours to equal 120 miles (distance to Pueblo or Garden City), you are postulating a box that’s 240 miles to a side. The math makes that box equal 57,600 square miles, which would put Lamar in the center of a region that would be the 26th state in size, IF it were a state. It’s actually BIGGER than Pennsylvania, falling in between Iowa and Illinois!

            1. and besides – topographically, there’s not a whole hell of a lot going on in the Lamar area – as opposed to far western Colorado, where I can’t necessarily drive 120 miles in 2 hours, b/c I might actually have to make a turn here ‘n there… 😉

              But, if I’m sitting at my permanent home north of Norwood (as opposed to my temporary exile here in Ft. Lauderdale), I’ve got a lot of ‘east’ to me (Lake City), a lot of north (Whitewater), a hell of a lot of south (Dolores), and even MORE west (Monticello, Utah) before I get to anywhere with any kind of population.

              Still, you can have yer braggin’ rights if you want ’em, I don’t mind….   🙂  

                    3. If there is anyone on Pols who thinks they live in or near a town that’s more the opposite of Denver than my good ol’ Lamar, I’d love to see them try to prove it.  

                      With a population of under 500, I think it’s a wee bit more rural than the big city of Lamar.

                      Even Montrose is a 90-minute drive away….

                      Now can we please get back to sports?

                    8. you’re such a gloomy gus Ari that you take a perfectly harmless back ‘n forth about rurla colorado and turn it into a negative discussion…..get a grip.

                    9. I sure wasn’t taking it that seriously.

                      Now, do you want this to be finished? I can’t let comments like that go by. If you want it done, then be done. Don’t keep stringing it out.

                    10. Now, do you want this to be finished? I can’t let comments like that go by.

                      Meet me out back, behind the website…..How silly can you get?

                      You really can’t give it up can you? And it’s soooo earthshatteringly important.

    2. compared to my native Phillips County.  The town nearest our farm had about 100 residents.  But while rural Colorado is “backward” in some areas, such as its attitudes toward gays, there is also a real sense of community amog rural folks.  As to hate crimes against gays, that’s sort of a city thing.  You need the anonymity to beat people up.

      Try that shit in rural Colorado and there is no place to hide.  It’s worth noting that Shepard’s killers were found with light-speed.  Rural folks might use disrespectful language toward gays from time to time…like “pansy” to choose a slur not entirely at random…But they wouldn’t tolerate the kind of organized attacks that some urban gangs put up.

      1. There’s a LOT more variety in the people and attitudes in any given small town than we get credit for. But it’s very nearly a constant (required in the personality if you’re going to stick and stay in a small town) that if you’re a neighborly person, a solid citizen who does your bit and doesn’t bug other people, then you belong and the other folks will have your back if you ever need help.

        Just one example — when we had the hellacious blizzard (actually two in a row) in 2007, people who could shovel or plow or get out with snow-capable vehicles helped clear the roads and feed trapped stock. They didn’t stop to consider their neighbor’s choice of political party or church or anything like that, they just did what they could.

    1. What it really does is cause some Maes supporters to careen off Norton holdouts who were wavering on a Buck vote, instead writing in J.J. Ament’s name in the AG’s race and voting against all the numbers and in favor of all the judges (in a judo-like opposite move designed to throw off the liberals) to get back at him. And durn it if that won’t show Maes!

  6. This diary is a typical take the comment out of context right wing bullshit. Hick was speaking directly to the tragedy surrounding the brutal murder of Matthew Shepherd. He was simply speaking the truth about the similarity between the communities of Western Colorado, Wyoming, etc.

    The way I took this comment was that this tragedy could have easily happened in Colorado. Hate knows no specific State, it’s a mindset that cologeek, bjwilson83 and other conservatives like them seem proud of. The only reason you should be offended by his comment is if you identify with that mindset and don’t like being called out on it.

    Just the way I see it.

    Pretty sad attempt to make something outta nothing.

    1. Emerald, your twisted statement is beneath a person of your intellect:

      The only reason you should be offended by his comment is if you identify with that mindset and don’t like being called out on it.

      How about props to Ken Buck and the Weld County jury that recognized the need for equal protection for gays?  

      “His own statements in the jail call betray the way he values Angie’s life, the way he thought of her as less than, less than us because of who she was,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Robb Miller told jurors.

      “Everyone deserves equal protection under the law and no one deserves to die like this,” Miller said.

      http://www.365gay.com/news/ang…

      1. You’re agreeing with Hick?

        Bad things do happen to gays in rural areas?

        In both cases, the perps were caught, tried, and convicted, right?

        Remember that billboard that was up in GJ recently? How enlightened was that?

    2. Don’t worry folks, the Knight in emerald shining armor is here to tell us what is important and what is not important. Anything that a liberal says no matter how bad is not important. Anything Buck or other republicans say is offensive and outrageous. Thanks buddy what would we “backwards” thinkers do without your comments.  

      2. No2Dems – you seem to be the only one who likes to tell everyone what is and isn’t “the truth”. You are the quickest one to screech about what is important or not.

        In short: You’re an asshole who adds nothing to any conversation other than screeching like a howler monkey. You have 0 ability to discuss anything on an intellectual level. You’re superb at throwing out talking points and hot button words though. All heat and no light.

        Luckily there are Republicans (colawman) on this site willing to use their brains, critical thinking skills, and reason to pose serious questions and have intelligent debates.

        You’re just a waste of time. But thanks for playing. Carry on with your howler monkey screeching now.

    3. And of course Hick would relate it to Matthew Shepherd… he was at an event for the Matthew Shepherd Foundation.

      I guess instead of ‘backwards’, he could have said ‘homophobes’.  Would that sound better?  There are homophobes in Colorado and in surrounding states.  Really no surprise there.  And I suspect that only homophobes would take offense at the term ‘backwards’ because they know they are wrong but don’t want to admit it so they come on ColoPols and screech!

  7. Hick reveals what he really thinks about many of the people he seeks to lead.  He believes that Colorado needs re-education and that the rural communities of the state are nothing but gay hating sheet wearers.

    It also reveals an insight into why he didn’t reveal there were roving gangs of minorities attacking whites walking home in the wee hours in LoDo.  He wanted to cover up the fact that it wasn’t safe for whites to be out in downtown late at night.  How’s that for backward thinking?

    1. He wanted to cover up the fact that it wasn’t safe for whites to be out in downtown late at night.  How’s that for backward thinking?

      Where do you live?  Care to tell us rural voters more about how we feel?  

      2. Are you suggesting that it was a good idea to keep the public completely unaware of the fact that roving gangs of racists were attacking people in LoDo that were guilty of nothing more than staying at a local watering hole until closing time?

        If “backward thinking” is the discriminating attack on a group or individual provoked by hatred of that group as Hick seems to think, then the organized gang beatings of white men in LoDo define that as well as any action in the state of Colorado this year.

        Please, explain how I am wrong.

            1. The word of a pathetic GOP plant who’s main job seems to be clicking “recommend” on poorly written hard right diaries doesn’t mean much, so put up or shut up about that.

          2. the cops believed the hispanics that were attacked were light skinned and mistaken for whites in the dark.  I’ll fully admit I may be off on that point, but either way it doesn’t make the racist motivation of the attacks any different.

            It was groups of Americans of African descent attacking anyone that didn’t look like them and seemed like a good target that likely wouldn’t be able to fight back.

              1. You’re clearly among the camp that fancifully believes that it’s impossible for non-whites to be racist.

                Newsflash, any race is capable of having people within it that hate folks of another race for no reason other than the racial difference.  Prime example:  King Samir Shabazz and the Philly NBP Party.

                Hick prevented the public from knowing about the organized attacks against whites in LoDo.  The fact that you are unaware of the situation speaks to his success at hiding it.

                1. If you just know for a fact that this cover up is taking place, then give us a link to the news story covering this.

                  If you can’t do that, then live with the perception that you’re a liar.

    2. How are you? I am fine.

      Minorities? I am a minority (anglo) in my neighborhood of Denver. And the only “gangs” that “rove” in my neighborhood are some anglo kids, who cause a lot of consternation among us older folks. Oooooo. Not safe for “whites”. You really got to me JLD. Gotta go get them “minorities”.

      Anybody called you a scaredycat racist pig lately, JLD? Ok. Consider it done.

      1. http://www.chatmag.com/index.p…

        Despite the massive nature of the group coordinating the assaults, hate crimes were not used in prosecution.  Police and prosecutors admit the racial motivation but didn’t use powerful tools to escalate the potential punishment of the over 30 people arrested.

        Hick just can’t have it both ways and neither can you.

      1. A news article dealing with the racially motivated crimes that discusses Hick’s refusal to let the public know about the attacks.

        http://www.thedenverchannel.co…

        Notice I didn’t reference a “right-wing” website for the coverage.  this particular article indeed mentions Hick’s decision not to inform the public of the danger and highlights the attacks that were racially motivated.

        Hate swings both ways but apparently you and Hick refuse to accept that.

        1. You can’t be serious.

          Denver talk-radio host Dan Caplis and callers were criticizing Mayor John Hickenlooper and police for failing to publicize the attacks sooner, accusing officials of a “cover-up” that put downtown visitors — unaware of the racially motivated attacks — in jeopardy.

          THAT’S your source? Dan CAPLIS????

          Give me a motherfucking break.

          2. http://www.5280.com/blogs/2009…

            Asking why the public wasn’t warned.  Bottom line, Hick didn’t believe the racially motivated attacks merited telling the public it wasn’t safe.

            Contrasted with his statements above, it is clear that he has a problem when it comes to identifying what hate and violence look like.  Hick thinks it’s exclusively a product of “backwards” hicks and refuses to see the racial hatred in his own backyard.

            1. For the reasons listed in all my responses.

              I’d ask you how you could live with yourself for shamelessly trying to spread such a lie, but I’ve been around for a while and know that you worthless little twerps are willing to do anything for your campaigns.

              1. http://completecolorado.com/ma…

                As this article shows, he can’t get his story straight and publically offered different timelines about when he knew of the attacks.  His communications director then said he’d be been briefed in early Sept but police records indicate he wasn’t briefed until Dec.  Bottom line, he can’t get his story straight because he told so many lies about the attacks he can’t remember what his last one was.

                1. Pathetic.

                  This is the problem with you guys. You fumbled what might have been a decent criticism of Hickenlooper by going all conspiracy theory on it, and playing dog-whistle politics by focusing on a racial incident when DPD has plenty of problems they could have picked on.

                  It’s always the same with the right.

  8. Puts Hick gaffe on front page. I have been too critical of Coloradopols and willingly admit I was too quick in posting critical comments about the editors of Coloradopols.

    Respectfully,

    Colawman (of rural Colorado)

  9. In a sense, its not the Republicans or the Democrats that worry me, its the voters. Especially what is being referred to as the “low information” voter. That’s a polite way to say stupid, don’t you think?

    It’s clear to me that in races across the country, rich individuals, rich companies, and/or foreign money can flood the airwaves with disinformation (another polite term) and convince voters without any grasp of economics, foreign affairs, the environmental sciences, etc., to vote against something instead of for something.

    What has history taught us? I know the readers on this blog know the anser to that simple question.

    THIS election may be a squeaker to retain sanity in government, but the trend is disturbing, even alarming.

    1. We need to learn to sell our candidates and policies in the most effective manner, not in the way we think people should approach politics. We have to effectively market to a populace that selects McDonalds as their #1 restaurant choice.

    2. Last election, the voters wanted change.  That was good for Democrats.  This election, voters still want change.  That’s not good for Democrats.

      But it’s part of the normal ebb and flow of politics.  Low-information voters play a part in every election.  To sway them, you have to reach them.

    3. getting all analytical and stuff. This is about backwardness. Low information voters. That’s too highfalootin’. Just call them backwards. They are. You don’t tell ’em, I will. And what’s that “history” stuff you’re talking about. That sounds pretty elite to me. And the readers of this blog? Who knows? But some of the writers are just plain backwards. Or TeaPublicans. Same thing.

      1. Your writings appear backward to some of the writers on Coloradopols.  I doubt that concerns you since they are rural or supportive of the Tea Party or conservative ideals. Same thing.

        1. Not that I don’t care to be taken seriously. (And with great offense, what do you mean by “appear backwards”? followed by two and a half dozen exclamation marks. Oh, the insult. Another two-three dozen exclamation points.) However, I hope my sarcasm and irreverence touches nerves. And you haven’t seen, evidently, all my writings. Good thing, probably.

          I will, gently, challenge your use of the word “rural”. I’m currently “urban”. But there are wonderful people all over this state (“Turn right at the Highway # sign and go straight about a quarter of a mile ’til you see the big blue horse barn on your right, then about a mile to the next T-stop and go right again until the road turns to gravel, then ….”) who don’t support TeaPublican wackos or even Newt Gingrich neo-fascist ideals. Just as there are, in the heart of Denver, solid, caring grandmothers who, without adequate schooling skills, unfortunately have taken on the daily, day-long care of their progeny’s progeny, and feel frustration that they, in spite of their religious piety and faith in the “system” are being left farther and farther behind. In their “urban” pain, they, too, are “backward” in their fingerpointing at the current state of our Union.

          Now, colawman, for these examples I chose people actually in my life, old friends and “in-laws”. That, I admit, is a pretty backward way of saying things. If people on this blog look at me as backward, whatevah!

          My point: rural and urban are equally subject to backwardness. Hickenlooper meant it as a general comment on some thought, by some people, in some parts, of some states — even out West here. Even Colorado. (Another three-four dozen exclamation marks of horror.) He’s absolutely, fucking right. And good on him for pointing it out.

          Righties don’t like it? Well then look forward. That’s the only way we’ve got left.

  10. Hickenlooper was not smearing rural Colorado.  He was saying:  1) what led to Matthew Shepard’s death was “backwards thinking,” and 2) that backwards thinking is not unique to Wyoming.  It doesn’t follow from these claims that all of rural Colorado is guilty of backwards thinking.

    Let’s not smear the mayor, if we can help it.

      1. But I think the headline is completely misleading–he’s saying we see the same type of thinking we see in those areas (like Laramie) in other states across the region too.  

        1. I believe rural and western were in the direct quote. Let’s look shall we!

          Hickenlooper: I think a couple things, I mean, you know, the tragic death of Matthew Shepard occurred in Wyoming. Colorado and Wyoming are very similar. We have some of the same, you know, backwards thinking in the kind of rural Western areas you see in, you know, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico.

          Yep there it is. Hooked on phonics worked for me! I love how liberals attempt to twist reality at every chance they get.  

          1. We have some of the same

            You’re right and we’re all wrong; Matthew Shepard is the first, last, and only hate crime that will ever be committed.  Certainly in Colorado, where everyone thinks exactly the same about everything.

            Thanks for the input, but I know you’ll agree with me.  We all think the same!

        2. Art V sec 8 (b):  No contributor will willingly stifle debate by:

          1. Contributor refutes his previous comment without allowing enough time to have transpired preventing opportunities for other contributors to disagree with said contributors post.

          2. Knowingly disputing his own posted opinion making his original post irrelevant.

          Club posting his comment:

          Where does Hick mention ‘rural’ areas…this diary is BS

          Club answering himself:

          I see the word ‘rural’ in the quote

          Just Kidding!

  12. Damn, this pisses me off!  I guess it’s easy to forget, but just a few years ago a young man in Cortez was killed because he frequently dressed as a woman.  But I get it.  If you’re a Republican, just make a goddamn assertion, whether or not it’s true.  We do have people out here who will attack and kill gay men.  Ever notice how few gay men live on the Western Slope?  The gay community is heavily lesbian because men don’t feel safe.

    Before speaking so confidently, do some research.  Until you pull yourself up, don’t lecture the rest of us.

    1. Dumped in a bar ditch to die. Oh, that’s not rural enough. Or was that Rifle, Maryland? Or how about the kid in Montrose? Or was that Montrose, Virginia? Somewhere back East?

      Or how about the kids that don’t even show up on the radar screen?

      Oh, no. Coloradans aren’t backward. Coloradans don’t kill gay people. No2Everything isn’t backward? Point 1 for Hickenlooper.

    2. It was a Republican who chose to charge Hate Crime legislation against the killer.

      It was a rural Republican who obtained that conviction.

      That Republican was Ken Buck!

      How is that for research Dmindgo?

      1. I’m glad Buck prosecuted.  Good for him.  That adds to the fact that the diary is off-base.  Hate crimes happen in Colorado and the diary is claiming that we are all smeared because of what Hickenlooper said.  I don’t care what Hick said, and I’m glad Buck prosecuted to the full extent.

        1. Buck’s comments that have been bantered about concerned one sexual assault case. Should we ignore all the sexual assault cases his office successfully prosecuted?

          1. who are confronted by a knownothing DA with religiously slanted opinion? This case of one woman, even one, who is dismissed so ignorantly, has to cause pain to all of us who truly believe in “law and order” and preserve and “protect”.

            Doing to Buck? He’s running for office to impose his “beliefs” on my nation. I’ll do whatever I can legally do to stop him. So he’s prosecuted “good girl” cases? Well, good on him. Even “bad girls” (his supposition) are protected by our constitution and laws (at least in my country. Which country are you from?).

      2. There are some backwards thinkers in some parts of Denver, and some parts of Englewood, and some parts of Aurora, and some parts of Westminster, … and I talk to some of them every day. And love and pity them. I’m an urban elite, don’t you know?

        Don’t know where you’re from, No2Everything, but you’re talking more backwards every post.

  13. According to the diary, what Hick said was “We have some of the same, you know, backwards thinking in the kind of rural Western areas…”

    Some people in the sticks are hicks; he didn’t say all people in the sticks rural Western areas.

    IF cologeek doesn’t see the difference, and wants to try to points on the basis of not seeing the difference, well, then, s/he makes Hick’s point about hicks better than I, or Hick, could ever do. Thanks, cologeek.

    (Of course, there’s another way of measuring the extent of hickdom  mathematically: what percentage in a given county vote Republican? Yup, sure thing podner.)

    PS: Please scrape your cowboy boots before coming inside and check your six-shooter/M16A2 with the concierge. Thank you.  

        1. California used to be a great state: universal education through college, etc. No more, because of it’s disfunctional legislative structure. How about buying me a little cabin in western New Mexico or Belize? I’d consider your considerate suggestion.

  15. Yeah, Hick should have avoided putting it in just those words though we all know rural areas do seem to be, in general, higher on things like bible belt intolerance, xenophobia, etc.  But the real elitist attitude, and one which the public has unfortunately shown to be a pretty accurate view, is  the GOP’s let them eat cake elitism, that the little people are so stupid they can continually be talked into voting against their own interests by distracting them with fear mongering, scapegoating, guns, God and gay stuff.  

    Since the Reagan era the GOP elite have been so successful we now have the biggest gap between the wealthiest and the average citizen in the entire western industrialized world, our once great middle class is shrinking along with real income and buying power, our students falling far behind, our far from government controlled healthcare system the only one in the civilized world that causes bankruptcy on a regular basis, even among those paying through the nose for insurance.

    The rich keep promising that if we give them even more they’ll give us great jobs, confident we won’t notice that they just keep exporting jobs and shutting down or slashing wages in whole formerly well paying job sectors, as long as they keep trotting out the shiny objects and keep Dems cowed by screaming tax and spend, class warfare and socialism at any who dare to try to do anything to restore our formerly magnificent middle class.

    So let’s all pay attention to a largely true but kind of offensive utterance out of Hick’s mouth and ignore the fact that the real elitists, whose party is the GOP, are so successfully turning us into helpless struggling serfs at their service and at their mercy.

    And, speaking of kind of offensive, before the H-men bring up a liberal double standard concerning the utterance out of Juan William’s mouth, I think it was a stupid thing to say but that NPR was even more stupid to fire him over it.  

    1. It’s absolutely true. Not PC, but true. There are areas of the state, probably every state, that have elements of backward thinking. Backwards: looking to the past, not accepting progress, refusing new thought, fear of the future, etc. I came from the heart of Colorado backwardness. I recognize it every time I visit brothers. My “liberal” back-home buddies are hesitant to speak out about it. I love Colorado. I’ve traveled, and this will always be my home, BUT: Some really, really good people in some parts of this state are backwards in their thinking, wary of change. Should be capitalized, with exclamation marks. Ok, here it is BACKWARDS!!! No bold-face, though. And no apologies.

      1. And Rs just love it when they can attack the Dems for being elitist so as to keep the little people distracted from who the real elitists are.  Still, I don’t expect Hick to lose over this and don’t believe the polls that have Tanc within a few points.  

        1. But I just can’t he’p myself.

          No way am I elite (Hell, I’m barely literate.) And no way the Koch brothers, Karl Rove and the “american” Chamber of Commerce are grassroots. But, BC, in this state we’ve got a lot of good people who are (rightfully) insecure and frustrated, who haven’t examined their own best interests, and in this state Hick can lose. We’ve done wrong before.

  16. If anyone, who has been to rural parts of the west or live there, can tell me truthfully that there are not “some backwards thinking” people then well honestly you are an idiot. Because there is and always will be. It is truly sad when a politician speaks the truth, finally, and those against them are willing to completely trounce on the real meaning of the quote.

    I find it pretty important that our politicians speak the truth. Evidently some on this board, and in this case those who are more conservative, think that the truth is something to be stepped on for political gain. Pathetic.

  17. I can see for the next week hearing how Hick didn’t mean to say all the people outside of Denver are bigots.  He in fact is sure many are not. Seems like a great way for him to close out the Governors race.  I really did not see how he could have lost this race.  Now I do.  

      1. Oh wait!  We have film of an interview of Ken Buck by Eden Lane.  You might recall Hick’s answers were during an interview with Ms. Lane.  Did Ken Buck disparage rural Coloradoans?  No.  Did Ken Buck disparage Gays?  No.  Thanks to Michael Sandoval of National Review (who broke the Hick’s elitist comment)for providing this interesting contrast between Hick the elitist and Buck the rural DA.

        http://www.nationalreview.com/…

            1. and look down on education. They glorify stupidity. The Republican party has been trying to get rid of and/or defund the public education system for years. Dumb people are easy to cow.  

  18. The non-Front Range Polsters many not like the fact that the urban areas control most of the votes, but they do.

    The number of Undecideds in rural areas that will now not vote for Hick is of no consequence.

    1. Magellan, in a poll that oversampled women, shows the race statistical tie.  If the race is indeed as close as Magellan found, then those small number of folks in rural Colorado that are offended by these comments may just be the difference.

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