An effort to shift the state’s border to the west is gathering popularity in eastern Oregon, where some residents are indignant about liberal policy moves by Democrats.
ONTARIO, Ore. - The Snake River has formed the border of Oregon and Idaho for more than a century and a half, slicing through fields of onions, sugar beets and wheat that roll out for miles through Treasure Valley.
These twin towns across an old border straddle a seam in the nation’s deepening political polarization, neighboring opposites living under starkly different laws. The river separates states that, perhaps more than in any other part of the nation, embrace the two parties’ most extreme positions on gun control, abortion rights, environmental regulation, drug legalization and other issues at the center of the American political debate.
A 13th county is scheduled to take up the question on the May 2024 ballot. The region accounts for less than 10 percent of Oregon’s population, but most of its territory. So, in late 2020, Wheatley, never before a political activist, volunteered to gather signatures to place a measure on the May 2021 ballot compelling Malheur County commissioners to study joining Idaho. It passed easily.
Four state senators represent the east - less than a fifth of the chamber’s total - and earlier this year they were part of a six-week walkout to protest the terms of abortion rights and gun-control legislation. It was the longest such boycott in state history.
Abortion remains legal in Oregon. In Idaho, the Republican legislature passed a law last year that bans abortion after six weeks except in cases of rape and incest. In addition, the legislature passed a first-of-its-kind “abortion trafficking” bill that punishes health-care providers with prison time for helping a minor secure the procedure out of state.
“She recognizes that it is a wake-up call for the whole state when people are frustrated enough about not being heard to consider joining another state,” the statement said. “This movement is a push for ideology over the real-world issues that we are facing,” said Wintrow, whose district includes the Idaho capital of Boise. “But any system that is out of balance, whether Republican or Democrat, is bad for our country.”In recent years, the city of Bend has become a dot of blue in the red sea of eastern Oregon, a city of roughly 100,000 people where big, groomed beards, bespoke tattoos and wine clubs abound.
He wonders if anyone in Portland understands that there are few viable electric tractors yet or sufficient charging stations in many parts of the east.“I don’t have a problem with green technology,” McCarter said. “But common sense says you replace diesel engines when you have stable options already in place. As of now, we don’t.”
“It affects our ranchers, our loggers, our local grocery store,” Gilson said. “It was pretty hard to swallow.” A former rancher, Long voted for the recent ballot measure. But he identifies strongly as an Oregonian, born and raised, and said, “I’m kind of in the middle on it, to be honest.”Connections across the riverOne daughter now lives in Idaho. One son lives in Eugene, on the western side of the Cascades. Another daughter is here in Ontario, on the Snake River border.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Outflanked by liberals, Oregon conservatives aim to become part of IdahoAn effort to shift the states border to the west is gathering popularity in eastern Oregon, where residents are irked at liberal policy moves by Democrats.
Baca lebih lajut »
Suspect in the slayings of 4 Idaho college students wants news cameras out of the courtroomAttorneys for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year want cameras banned from the courtroom.
Baca lebih lajut »
Bryan Kohberger, suspect in murders of 4 Idaho college students, wants cameras banned from the courtroomAttorneys for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year want cameras banned from his courtroom.
Baca lebih lajut »
Suspect in the slayings of 4 Idaho college students wants news cameras out of the courtroomAttorneys for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year want cameras banned from the courtroom, contending that news coverage of the criminal proceedings has violated a judge's orders and threatens his right to a fair trial.
Baca lebih lajut »
Fox Corporation Sued by NYC Pension Fund, Oregon Over 2020 Election CoverageSee multiple perspectives from The Epoch Times, Associated Press, and Forbes at AllSides.com.
Baca lebih lajut »
Idaho Murder Update: Victims' families plea for transparency in courtroomAttorneys on both sides have requested that cameras be banned or restricted in court. Families say that cameras are 'vitally important' for a fair trial.
Baca lebih lajut »