by Pamela Powers Hannley
Progressive activist and humorist Jim Hightower was in Tucson recently to stump for Congressman Raul Grijalva.
Hightower and Grijalva spoke and mingled at an intimate gathering at former City Councilwoman Nina Trasoff's house before heading to The Loft for a more formal event. (See the video below, after the jump.)
Grijalva is one of the most liberal members in the US House of Representatives, a co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, and one of the Congressional candidates being backed by Progressive Democrats of America (PDA). Grijalva-- who has been an outspoken proponent of the People's Budget (as opposed to the corporatists' budget), immigration reform, universal healthcare, and protecting the environment-- is facing two primary opponents, both backed by Rosemont Mine. (This is reminiscent of the recent Tucson mayoral race. Republican Mayoral Candidate for the 1% Rick Grinnell was bankrolled by Rosemont Mine also. Luckily, Mayor Jonathan Rothschild-- pro-water and anti-mine candidate-- beat him handily.) Hightower, who is known for his newsletter The Hightower Lowdown and witty commentary on KXCI, is a member of the PDA board and a strong supporter of the new progressive movement in the US.
As always, Hightower was a delight. Here are a few gems from his presentation at The Loft.
Hightower on Congress: The water won't clear up until we get the hogs out of the creek.
Hightower on Democrats: Some dems are weaker than Canadian hot sauce.
Hightower (who hails from Austin, Texas) on Rick Perry: Rick Perry put the "guber" in gubernatorial.
Hightower on the 99%: It's not charity we want. It's economic and social justice.
Hightower on corporate money and PACs: It's not Raul Grijalva they're after -- it's you.
Video footage and more photos after the jump.
