Jim Hightower types upstream

Texan Jim Hightower – down-home philosopher, columnist, commentator and author – will talk this evening in Sandpoint and Monday evening in Spokane about the rousing Americans featured in his new book.

Known for his aw-shucks delivery and white cowboy hat, Hightower is co-author of “Swim Against the Current: Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow.”

The new book centers on colorful nonconformists making positive changes in business, politics, farming, health care, religion and other aspects of American life.

Written with co-author Susan DeMarco, the book details how everyday folks “are doing precisely what the elites want us to believe can’t be done: change their lives and make a difference,” a press release said.

Included are characters like Lorraine Bieber, founder of the League of Pissed Off Voters; Martin Dunn, a property developer focusing on workforce housing; 89-year-old Doris “Granny D” Haddock, who walked across the country advocating for clean elections; and Chris Johnson, founder of a pharmacy for the uninsured.

Proceeds from his appearances will help fuel Sandpoint Community Radio and Spokane’s KYRS-Thin Air Community Radio.

Lupito Flores, KYRS station manager, said: “This will probably be our biggest fundraiser of the year.”

An “engaging, entertaining and funny” speaker who spins yarns in a Southern drawl, Hightower will also take questions from his audiences, Flores said.

The New York Times best-selling author also publishes his online “Hightower Lowdown” newsletter at www.jimhightower.com.

Books will be available for sale at both locations, and Hightower will sign autographs.