The Center of the American West takes as its mission the creation of forums for the respectful exchange of ideas and perspectives in the pursuit of solutions to the region's difficulties. We at the Center believe that an understanding of the historical origins of the West's problems, an emphasis on the common interests of all parties, and a dose of good humor are essential to constructive public discussion.
David Skaggs and Scott McInnis forged a close and enduring friendship in the Colorado House of Representatives, where they served together from 1987-1983. They carried that camaraderie forward when they went on to serve together in the U.S. House of Representatives. On May 21st, they joined us virtually for an afternoon of discussion about their…
Phil Deloria is a social, cultural and political historian of the relations among American Indian peoples and the United States. Author of Playing Indian, and Indians in Unexpected Places. “Creativity seems to me to require the purposeful, intentional creation of conditions under which you can pose problems, and feel some uncertain confidence that the universe,…
“Working together, Fred and I were able to pass one of the most important pieces of health care legislation in decades. If there’s one thing the two of us understand, it’s that to get anything done in Washington, you have to be willing to put aside your political differences and work across the aisle to…
