John Andrews Talks About Backbone
Colorado USA
Backbone
Colorado USA, doesn't appear on any map. It's a place
you find within. I call it my hometown of the heart.
Try picturing a little settlement in a high mountain
valley near the Continental Divide, its main street
headed by a courthouse square that is the seat of
government for the (also imaginary) Feline County.
That's Backbone.
The name?
Well, I dreamed it up years ago, after my losing race
for governor. It signifies on several levels. Our
magnificent Colorado mountains are America's geographic
backbone. Our often neglected Declaration of Independence
and Constitution are its historic backbone. And the
conservatism of my grand old Republican Party is (or
ought to be) its political backbone in the new century.
Backbone,
finally, as a way of thinking and acting, is a place
where more Americans need to locate themselves more
often, if we don't want this country to go over the
cliff. I myself try to be there as faithfully as I
can, day by day. The results aren't always so great,
but I sure keep at it. That cliff really concerns
me. I hope it concerns you.
So welcome
to Backbone Colorado USA. The elevation is 7920, half
a mile higher than smoggy Denver, and half again as
good a place to call home. Population's about 411,
give or take.
Backbone
folks believe in loving the land, loving our heritage,
loving our Maker, and loving our neighbor. Folks here
draw a line between right and wrong. The staple crop
hereabouts is gumption.
This is
not one of those spineless places where some people
seem content to live. It's a town that stands tall
for faith, family, and freedom. We're glad you came
today, and please come back often, maybe come to stay.
There's plenty of room. You're going to like it here.
