Columbus, Kentucky is a quaint town set on the banks of the Mississippi river that has a surplus of charm, natural beauty and a strong sense of community. I’m from Columbus, as are my parents, and my parent’s parents, and their parents before them. For generations the family atmosphere, kind neighbors, open landscape and a sense of home has kept my family in Columbus through thick, and more importantly, through thin.
Almost two weeks ago I sent an e-mail to 10 family members and friends in Columbus, pop. 229. I asked them to vote in a contest sponsored by Eventful.com in which the winning town would receive a visit by presidential candidate John Edwards. At the time Los Angeles—with a population of four million—was leading the vote. Now, our small town, which is nearly an hour’s drive to the nearest McDonald’s, is ahead in the vote thanks to the friends and friends of friends in Hickman County and Kentucky.
Far too often small towns like Columbus are ignored during discussion around presidential or national politics. In turn, the needs of citizens in rural America aren’t considered when it comes time for our elected representatives to make important legislative decisions that affect the lives of urban, suburban and rural folk.
Read More