[Seattle-editorial] Jim Hightower receives Backbone Award

[Amy Morrison]

For Immediate Release

March 2, 2004

Contact: Bill Moyer, Project Director

Phone: (206) 463-4784

Email: bill at backbonecampaign.org

www.backbonecampaign.org




On February 20, 2004, Jim Hightower was awarded a Backbone Award for his
decades of work in shaping the progressive populist movement.


Bill Moyer, Project Director for the Backbone Campaign, presented Mr.
Hightower the award, saying, “For over 30 years you have helped to shape
the lexicon of modern progressive populism. Your words resonate because
you speak the truth about lies, you have prescriptions for change, and
you do it with humor and wit that break down barriers and empower
regular people.


“The Backbone Campaign has been focused on rewarding elected officials.
As a former elected official who represented the best in courageous
leadership and public service, and an early target of the Bush dynasty
and Karl Rove, you qualify under those criteria. But perhaps more
important is that your recent leadership has given people around the
country strength, confidence and the backbone to stand up for their
future.”


Mr. Hightower was elected twice as Texas Agriculture Commissioner on a
visionary platform siding with small farmers against corporate
agribusiness, defending farm workers and protecting consumers. Today he
perseveres in promoting his populist viewpoint with his monthly
newsletter, The Hightower Lowdown, and in radio commentaries, articles,
speeches and his recent book “Thieves in High Places.”


Created by the Backbone Campaign, www.backbonecampaign.org, the Backbone
Award seeks to recognize and honor courageous elected officials and
community leaders who take principled progressive stands at politically
lonely moments. The award is a gold-painted sculpture of a backbone,
similar in size to an Oscar. Hightower is the second recipient of the
award. 



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