Reader: Rather than reveling in ignorant tribalism, I'm proud that I chose Colorado

Your altitude problem is my attitude problem, Bree Davies told non-natives yesterday. And not only are non-natives the only people who like John Denver, she said, they also are responsible for Denver's traffic, gentrification, the popularity of days-long dubstep shows at Red Rocks (and the sickening popularity of any band...

By Patricia Calhoun

December 5, 2012

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Your altitude problem is my attitude problem, Bree Davies told non-natives yesterday. And not only are non-natives the only people who like John Denver, she said, they also are responsible for Denver's traffic, gentrification, the popularity of days-long dubstep shows at Red Rocks (and the sickening popularity of any band qualified as "hippie shit" that books and sells out several dates in a row at that venue) and the influx of cruiser bike riders.

Bree's tongue was firmly in cheek -- but some people didn't appreciate the joke. See also: - From a Colorado native to a transplant: Your attitude problem is my altitude problem - John Denver: Five things you may not know - The John Denver musical A Moment in Time is crap -- but it's our crap

Says phatherphoton:

I'm sure glad that my identity is not based on decisions my parents made before I existed. Rather than reveling in ignorant tribalism, I take pride in the fact that I, as an adult, CHOSE Colorado to be my home. The first 3 blissful years, which were over 21 years ago, were spent living at 10,200', so I certainly have no altitude problem! Back then I had a license plate holder that said: "California by birth, Colorado by choice.

Are you a native? If not, when did you move here -- and why? Most important, do you like John Denver? Post your answers below, or join the conversation already under way here.

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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