You might see us talk about “western strategy” or “western values” from time to time (or all the time, if you head over to Western Democrat.) You might ask, what are these western values? Wearing boots? Bolo ties? Nachos? Well, nachos are great, but so is this roundup from Governor Richardson’s inaugural address Monday:
We’ve stayed true to our Western values -
* our belief in hard work and self-reliance,
* our respect for our land and water,
* our bonds of family and community,
* and our insistence on responsibility.And we’ve always remembered that our diverse heritage is our common strength.
I like that a lot. And showing that he means that last part, the Gov was sworn in by the governor of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, the first time a tribal leader has sworn in the governor. (My ancestors include Pueblos from New Mexico, so that made me smile.)