Eastern Oregonians are fed up with the direction of the state. We went to find out why

The "Greater Idaho" movement has been gaining steam throughout eastern Oregon in recent years - and while the goal of that movement is far from likely to happen, there are grievances fueling it that warrant attention. The Story's Pat Dooris headed out east to ask residents why they want to leave.
Read more: www.kgw.com/article/news/loca...
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[@Killswitch1411]

This is the kind of reporting I like to see from the news.

[@marshallvannice]

Agreed... It didn't make my mind go numb n want to space out.

[@judithhennessy6093]

Exactly.

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

This area is Mormon controlled and that's what this is all about

[@dancoughlin3331]

Good. They can help pay for trying Chad and Lori. It's overv$3 million and they haven't even been tried yet. Enjoy living among the survivalist and paying sales tax too. Once you leave you can never return.

[@metaglypto]

@@TheHypnotstCollector Bullshit

[@scottschaeffer8920]

Reminds me of Chicago, and the rest of us who live in Illinois.

[@lovly2cu725]

STUFF GOING ON FOR A SPLIT THERE & CALI

[@uisblackcat]

“The rest of us in Illinois.” I tell you, even downstaters aren’t unified.

[@mattschrader5047]

Private property ownership will soon only be possible for the ruling class. "You will own nothing, and you will be happy." That was the platform for the 2022 World economic form. Not a joke or a conspiracy theory man. Look it up! They are saying this stuff out loud now, due to the success of the coordinated lockdowns. They know most will comply. That's all they need.

[@stuckgrenadepin.225]

Same thing in every leftist run state. L.A./Bay Area controls california. SEATAC controls Washington. NYC controls NY. Denver controls colorado. I have been saying for years that every state needs its own electoral college. Each county should have a say in how the state is run.

[@xephael3485]

You mean the rest of you who live in Chicago

[@kurtgandenberger6139]

i had a discussion with an urban friend from new york in 1976 as i remember and we were discussing regional differences in the world. i said "the biggest difference is between people from cities and people from rural areas." he thought that was preposterous. i stand by that opinion now more than ever.

[@PCSPounder]

It’s certainly true in Russia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Europe… Yeah, pretty much everyone.

[@bargdaffy1535]

That is because People in the Cities outnumber the People in the Rural places 1,000:1. The rural folks don't understand Majority Rules. The are Uneducated and Ignorant of what America really is.

[@iworkout6912]

People who live in upstate NY want to also divorce them selves from New York City and its suburbs. NYC dominates the states government and impose many laws on mostly rural upstate. Their are other states in similar situations. I'm sure most of Illinois would love to separate from Chicago also. We could end up with 57 states, as Obama mentioned.

[@bargdaffy1535]

@@iworkout6912 Oh, and then who will control the Hudson River, why don't they just move to Canada, Canada loves the Irish assholes.

[@fredschnerbert1238]

That's only because factories and high paid manufacturing is no longer in the cities. *When So Cal had a high % of citizens working for defense contractors, we had Gov.* *Ronnie Reagan, CA voted twice for him for POTUS* Post BRAC, not so much..... *BRAC was reduction of US military bases, MANY in CA....*

[@katebarker8410]

This news segment was well done! Bravo! I think it’s important to hear from the Eastern side of my home state. My family has always had a lot of ties to the land in Eastern Oregon. It is beautiful, and in some places desolate. I have lived in the Willamette Valley my whole life, it is a different culture. I just wonder why they cannot become Eastern Oregon, like the woman in the video mentioned. I feel like that makes a lot more sense. I sometimes grow frustrated with everything in the Western side of Oregon, being seen as Portland. This state has a lot of wounds, but I’ll always stick around. It’s my home. ❤️

[@Christina-71]

Some of the worst wounds have been to our forests. All because the politicians wouldn't and still won't listen to the experts that warned them over 30 years ago that our forests would become a ticking time bomb managing them the way they decided to. They shut down most of the logging and devastated the economies of most rural counties in the PNW, not wanting them to continue to log. That has cost us all dearly! All that old growth timber that's just been used to fuel the forest fires. They continue to mismanage our forests while actually being the cause of some of the largest forest fires we've seen. Meanwhile they want to point to climate change as the cause but they're causing some of the worst pollution I've ever seen! I'm also tired of choking on smoke, while that smoke is also choking out the sun in NE OR! We didn't have this when I was a kid in the 70s and 80s.

[@tomlincoln3889]

Same issues in Washington. Moved to Eastern Washington 12 years ago to get away from the crazy world of Seattle, Tacoma. Our local politicians have been trying to break away from the west side for years. Way back folks had looked into joining Eastern Oregon and Washington into one State.

[@fattone166]

Careful what you wish for...

[@matthewbeasley7765]

@@fattone166 I look at the only downside is that rural Western Oregon would become even more dominated. Otherwise I look at it as a net positive thing. Why do you say "careful what you wish for."

[@matthewbeasley7765]

Throw in California from Redding North and Western Oregon south of Cottage Grove and now you're really talking.

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

Within 20 years, the liberals would just relocate to your new state in great numbers, have friends come before elections and take over.

[@jeremytine]

DC needs to be a state first

[@SharonWoosley]

I don't understand. This problem is not unique to Oregon. In Washington, Seattle and Tacoma are the large populated areas. In California, San Francisco and Los Angeles have a greater population than the rest of the state. And it seems that much of the state of New York is rural, while New York City gets most of the national attention. Many states, if not most, have one or two areas that dominate legislation and voter response. So, if Eastern Oregon is allowed to secede and become Idaho...how does Boise not become the problem?

[@advancetotabletop5328]

Fwiw, Northern California talked about separating from Southern California.

[@Blautx]

They would only further dilute the power of their vote and in the meantime give more power to those cities in the federal level...so whatever ya wanna do. But yes, we live in different places because we have different JOBS 😅 All American and all depend on each other

[@redavni1]

Boise is already a problem because of all the Californian refugees moving there. Thankfully enough of the Californians are conscious of the problems they are leaving so the balance has not tipped yet. The new counties would actually help dilute the effect of Californians.

[@MyrddinWyllt420]

Rural fascists will cry no matter who stops them.

[@herpderp969]

Some people are struggling with the idea of a representative democracy, it seems

[@karafisher9546]

I was born an Oregonian and was raised on horse and cattle ranches in the Willamette Valley and then over in Central Oregon. I left my home state years ago because of how extreme and divisive the state had become and I don't plan to ever go back because of the tone-deafness and elitism of the western part of that state. I truly do feel for those folks in the eastern part who have just as much of a right to be heard. Thank you for this story.

[@raymondready7496]

I left Rogue Valley after 40+ yrs. Drug crazed dump now. Only took 15 or so years. From best place in the world into what it is now.

[@justin-rl9bk]

It’s not just in the eastern parts. I’m from small town on the far west side and we all feel the same.

[@KatrinaRainwater]

I did too I moved to Idaho then to Montana

[@dht084]

Is it really about farming or way of life? Isn't it bigger than that? Oregon government has been taken over by radicals who are being sponsored by global elites, just like CA.

[@giuseppe4909]

Eastern Oregonians aren’t the only ones fed up. I live on the coast, and I too am fed up.

[@troywest7045]

So move.

[@WorldOfWonder66]

I'm so glad you did this report. Come on over to Central and Southern Oregon also. I think it's wonderful for Oregon to see what most of Oregon is really about

[@jimhere1]

yeah rednecks and racists

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

This is a Mormon job. By Mormons for Mormons. Part of the Nation of Deseret

[@dancoughlin3331]

In always amused by the State of Jefferson folks who want to secede from Califpenis and Oregon. I say let them go. What are they going to use for a tax base? And since most of the taxes come from the large populations in Portland, LA and SF, do they think those taxpayers are going to give them all the expensive equipment used to plow the snow? Who will pay for svhools, road, police, fire suppression and infrastructure? These folks are already dependent on the rest of us. Just like the Bundy bozos who took over Malheur, all on some form of government assistance while the rest of us work to provide for our families.

[@DRHOLEEFOOK]

Most of Oregon is an absolute dump thanks to your governor Kate Brown. Only a very small part of it is even worth the money they paid for it.

[@jeremytine]

If you were "most" of Oregon, you would have more votes😂

[@jamestobler8473]

NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO.THERE YOU ARE!😊

[@Muddjones]

A poet

[@lovly2cu725]

SAID RICK DEES

[@dixietenbroeck8717]

As a native Oregonian of >70 years, I've known since childhood that *it's **_ONLY_** the current borders that HAVE **_PROTECTED_** the State of Oregon FROM BECOMING AN ABUSED, CONTAMINATED, & WASTED LAND - **_JUST LIKE IDAHO!_* I grew up as a hunter, born into a hunting family, and it is the dreadful "Me! Me! Me!" attitudes (such as are displayed here, & by another hunter, no less 😖 ) that could completely destroy the beauty that IS Oregon, if allowed to take hold. Such short-sightedness as is displayed here, it just brings me to tears! This week I haven't enough time to post more, but I'm SO GLAD that folks who DO HAVE FORESIGHT are keeping Oregon intact, and beautiful, too!

[@BasementPepperoni]

Really? Considering the amount of human waste, garbage, crime, and open drug use in places like Portland, I beg to differ.

[@slickdick1807]

he's talking about the majority of Oregon, not portland. Stupid@@BasementPepperoni

[@4loops43]

It’s a rural/urban split, it’s also happening in Canada

[@gishjalmr5628]

I've lived in small towns and large cities. Life is different obviously in each place but I think it's gone beyond population size and is probably more an ideological issue now. I really don't see it getting better. When one group is consistently able to outvote another, eventually the larger group decides it's not in their interest to even consider the smaller group. There are probably no easy solutions, but as it stands I don't see people outside of Portland getting any concessions that will be satisfactory.

[@Jeralddoerr]

It's a matter of population not consideration. It's funny every one blames the West... They don't think about us. Let's be real. When a vote is placed do you the people in the East "consider" the people in the West? This will not change if Idaho were to take East Oregon. Let's look at it for what it is. These people what to live in a conservative Republican state without moving. If there's a problem in their County the mayor and other state leaders need to do their job as the people in the West can't just fix it for them.

[@OK-pi6fq]

Then move to a state that stands by their politics. There’s more to a state than politics. If that’s what guides you it’s an option for you in a handful of states. I am an Oregonian, and my vote is as valuable here as yours. You wanting to take part of my state because you don’t like that you’re outvoted is too bad. Split up each state by population then. You can have your 25% of each state. I’ll get the liberal addition of land from Idaho then. It’s not one way. The people of each state have spoken, and you’re just upset that you live in a liberal dominant state. Classic conservative to try to circumvent the vote. I’m not giving up my state. That’s just as much my right to that land as you. Even if you presently live there.

[@leighlucas7653]

This is happening in Colorado as well.

[@stevenhenry5267]

As it should be.

[@rockstarofredondo]

California too.

[@tman8939]

@@stevenhenry5267 what do you mean as it should be?

[@XxxXxx-br7eq]

​@@tman8939 remember anyone who isn't way has been brainwashed to think that white supremacy rules the day and letting everything burn is the only way to fight the evil white supremacy monster. Which is obviously complete BS and pretty much the opposite from the truth but it's what many believe

[@sedg03]

Mormon #DEZNAT agenda, to reform the u.s. into new regions. We have a bunch of terrorists who in last 5, 6 years have flooded in from Mesa county (grnd junction) into the NE Colorado judicial district and have usurped its power. D.A. was so bold as to run for RE.election on fb, w the use of a mormon bible, book of micah quote.... about Taking a shred of land, Making a new mormon kingdom, With a mormon king, And he *shall punish everyone not mormon. That was a blatant attack on our political system, to convert our nation into a mormon based Gov't, thereby erasing the line between church and state. They go on missions to 3rd world countries? To *learn TERRORIST TACTICS, bring those home to perpetrate terrorism on our country and its ppl. Mormons have few affairs, except for the older male pedophiles (n that's acceptable, sexually to grab up the young women) but mormons carry a minimum of a 30% illegal opiod addiction. And the 30% opioid addicts? Bring behind them the cartels and the MC gangs, all involved in illegal drugs. That's why we see Biden n Pelosi making nice w Mexico.... See? Ginny? Wife of scotus justice thomas, imho, her newest cult is #DEZNAT . She bragged publically, " they're going to make clarence 'KING of kings'." A reference to mormon religion having mormon kings & queens, etc.. It's a given. The Dems now are supporting the overthrow of America to convert to a mormon fabric to a new country. #DEZNAT . Remove the mormons from D.A. offices, LEO, cnty S O, and Parole & Probation, Jails, n Prisons. Same deal NOW in NE Colorado? As Moscow, Idaho, where the 4 yng kids were slaughtered in a mormon ritual killing for not being wholesome enough. Mormon Danite killers, cartel trained, Nlood Atonement ceremony w blood let to bleed into the ground, so a soul can get one notch closer to their mormon gods. Not christians... See? Why? Because the mormons have one very powerful bargaining chip? And congress wanted n needed it. Mormons in their homes have a years worth of food n supplies. In temples, 10 years worth of food for every mormon. I was urged to pls understand... mormons grocery shop at the mormon food banks for pennies on the dollar... While america's middle class is crushed by Biden's NEO.LIB program to destroy the middle class for good. So... what? Why? Because all our pres' have seen our system of govt has failed. But what to do? It took 9.11 dumped on bush n bush2 n cheney1 came up w a slow long coup to overthrow our country. The mormons have the food for a small core group to be fed thru the disaster. Congress, wh, scotus all 3 branches of our American govt to be shut down w riots like jan6 all over... for safety congress to saratoga,Wyoming, brush creek ranch, where ivanka held 1 of 8 pre.wedding parties n hses rent for $20 thousand - per note. W livestock, and greenhouses already uo n running for years now... congress was supposed to live quietly under liz cheney's hawk wing a homeland security providing protection. Jan6 showed congress there was no where theyd be safe from the wrath of American ppl. And even if congress's olan to use riots n martial law n mormy constitutional sheriffs - to seize our guns? Jan6 showed congress they'd never be safe, even if they grabbed our guns. Trumo was not the one promoting a coup? He struck at congress, for their promoting a coup. The geological disaster coming our way like a freight train? Is casually referred to as global warming, climate change, soft words to label a massive destruction of the physical world. There's not enough food to feed ppl. Ppl are going to die bad deaths of suffering n pain, starving. W no Gov't help. It's too massive. NY few yrs back was begging feds for sand bags as it was sinking... Wash d c is sinking... Theres a national fail rate for septics of 50%. Due to rising water table levels. They're talking when it hits? Canada's bay of funday flooding down thru michigan n minnesota, washing out the bottom of Lake Michigan and form9ng a massive river w Mississippi, that divides us. Chicago, Toledo, Detroit, New Orleans? All destroyed. It'll make Katrina look like nothing.... Wake up America. Idaho is mormon hell on earth. . Look at how those 4 kids were slaughtered. It is your fate, if you dont stomp on the #DEZNAT movement now. Wake up. Vote OUT every orev elected politico. Voting a straight blue or red ticket is communism. This started Rep and they developed a concious. Now Dems have joined in. It's your life and your kids n grandkids lives at stake. Pedophile n non.christian n starvation to.punish the non.mormons. That is your fate if you dont take action. Now Dem

[@dmsentra]

The part of this that upsets me is I'm on the wrong side of the line for this fix. I've lived in the valley around 55 years and am sick of the crap they pull.

[@nicholasthompson7690]

so complain

[@dmsentra]

@@nicholasthompson7690 Complaining does little, I've gone far beyond that.

[@sowireless]

Like what? Have you bothered to get involved in politics, to fix the situation? Or do you just spend your time crying on KZbin? You might be surprised how few people actually participate in politics, and surprisingly, it does make a difference. I get sick of all this they, them, and I'm oppressed nonsense, typically coming from the right.

[@dmsentra]

@Bobsyouruncle I spent a bunch of time on recall work, not that it's any of your damned business. I get sick of all you dem's holy than thou attitude too. So why are you here complaining about the right if you're so tired of people complaining on YT. Look within, hypocrite.

[@sowireless]

@@dmsentra Good for you, you got involved. And I'm not holier than you, and I don't have an attitude. Best lose that chip that you're dragging around; it'll likely give you an ulcer. If you really don't care for Oregon, the obvious solution is to sell your valuable Oregon real estate and use it to finance a nice little place in Idaho-- which you seem to love. I left Idaho a long time ago, and I don't want to go back.

[@ronstoner1823]

Speaking as an eastern Oregonian, I support the greater Idaho movement 1000%! If I could sign a paper that divorced us from the other side of Oregon tomorrow, I would GLEEFULLY sign it RIGHT NOW!!!!

[@thetrapper8230]

Lots of us in SW Oregon want to join also. This came up in a barber shop in Coos county last week and it was 6 out of 8 wanted to join Idaho. Mostly state employees want to stay part of Oregon. I know, very small sample size but it shows almost everyone here is thinking about it too

[@paulsmallriver6066]

How would you pay for and sustain services?

[@OGMann]

Same way they do now.

[@MS-uj5ui]

Why? Why can’t we just make that small metro area their own state?? Oregon needs to be Oregon.

[@roberthilbert9635]

Move Idaho your moron. You mental retardation

[@adamhering6618]

Don't feel so bad they are not talking care of us "city folk" either.

[@shootshellz]

Why should they?

[@pipermillwright4595]

You city folks keep electing the democrats enacting the policies causing the problems.

[@sigridbuck5032]

THEY TAKE CARE OF THUGS AND THEIVES

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@shootshellz - Why shouldn't they? Are they lesser than the rubes?

[@LuckyClovers]

This is the line production dreams are made of. Bravo

[@desertsoldier41]

The problems are exactly why the founders created the electoral college. Maybe this needs to be done in Oregon at the state level.

[@matthewbeasley7765]

This is precluded by the 14th amendment. Many states, including Oregon, had two senators from each county, regardless of population. The 14th amendment made that unconstitutional as it does not create equal representation. It does make sense in some ways, as the US Senate does tend to be more aware of the rights of the minority, in the form of the less populated states.

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@matthewbeasley7765 - Yep. Same argument can be made by the more populated states that their influence is undercut by the less populated rural states. The senators from WY and ND can basically nullify the senators from CA and NY in the senate...which, is one reason the SCOTUS is so lopsided and corrupt.

[@rockstarofredondo]

@@matthewbeasley7765 how has the 14th made representation more equal and how do they benefit the “minority” rural populations over the rest?

[@dmsentra]

That makes no difference when laws are voted down more than once, and the govt pushes them through anyway.

[@matthewbeasley7765]

@@rockstarofredondo That's an odd way of stating a question. Clearly, it hasn't. That wasn't the intent of the 14th amendment and certainly can be considered one of the downsides. Overall, the 14th amendment is a huge boon to American citizens. Prior to the enactment, the bill of rights only applied to actions taken by the federal government by citizens. The respective states could walk all over the rights of citizens without it. Overall, it is a huge benefit to the political minority. Just consider Oregon Measure 114: Presently there isn't a federal injunction, but undoubtedly it eventually will be struck down under Bruen. Without the 14th amendment, measure 114 would be considered an internal issue in Oregon.

[@toothpastehombre]

Would have been good to see a tax revenue breakdown. How they gonna pay for this new Idahoregon?

[@weirdshibainu]

Mining, ranching.

[@Muddjones]

Idagone already left move now be happy and free like me haha less taxes more freedom and beautiful land with no trash

[@sowireless]

Oh they're going to have those hard rock conservatives in Northern Idaho pay for it. Shoot, they'll find themselves back on dirt roads in a few years, with the power being down for months. But they will have their Christian theocracy, and make sure that no brown people are going to be around. The bottom line on all this stuff is it's cultural, and it ain't a very nice cultural. That's why they don't want to talk about it, because basically their ideas are unacceptable.

[@WIILIAMHOWELL]

A 99 page study shows Idaho would benefit from the border change and western Oregon would benefit financially as well.

[@sowireless]

@@WIILIAMHOWELL I've got a 199 page report that shows that Eastern Oregon will descend into the third world levels of poverty experienced by most Idahoans. Seriously, traveling back to Idaho a couple years ago, Northern Idaho specifically, I was struck by three things, first I'd forgotten that everybody waved at everybody else in the rural areas as you drove by them, secondly, it was hard to get out of the grocery store because everybody wanted to chat you up, and thirdly, how poor all the working-class people appeared to be compared to their peers over in Southern Oregon where I live. Nice people but they look like they've been beaten like a rented mule.

[@thefisherking78]

Interesting journalism. It's hard to balance such diverse interests, but I hope they find a way to meet the needs of everyone.

[@WildPrimal23]

This video is wonderful. If city folks watch this to understand what really is going out in the rural areas that would really help to solve this entire situation

[@ObsessivePrick]

They don't give a fuc

[@jesseostone386]

I beg to differ, somewhat. City folks might watch and develop a better understanding, but it’s the politicians that will never be convinced.

[@iVitaliy1]

Thank you for this kgw good reporting

[@lovly2cu725]

THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON IN OREGON FOR OVER A YEAR

[@cjcorallo5775]

Most states have this problem

[@xephael3485]

Nuke the cities

[@maximusmiles8435]

To politicians, it's a political game. To the rest of us, it's how we are able to live our lives. Even with absolute power, to be a good steward of the people. You have to care about them. I honestly think they could care less.

[@debbieforhim7800]

Sadly, I agree because in the end that liberal side disdains the values of the rural people.

[@leslovesliberty1776]

Thank you KGW for this kind of coverage on regular hardworking Oregonians, what a RARITY!! 🙏👍🇺🇲

[@shawnbellon1135]

A lot of us on the western side of the state are pretty fed up as well. I might consider moving to the eastern part of the state if this comes about.

[@sowireless]

Bring the warm clothes with you. 🥶 Might want to bring a little water too. 🌧️

[@toneyeye]

You have that choice open to you now. Move to Idaho and get the real Idaho culture instead of the halfway Eastern Oregon compromise.

[@antisocialite927]

They want to be somewhere that aligns with their values. What's wrong with that?

[@DrthGrth]

Nothing. It's a free country. They can move.

[@antisocialite927]

@@DrthGrth yeah. Move the border

[@sedg03]

Chicago? Des Moines? Detroit? Etc... sit on some very rich farm land. It's on sched to destroy those cities[n ppl] to farm food.

[@virginiamoss7045]

What's wrong is that they fail to respect the values of city folk who have their values due to the demands of city life. Both sides need to respect each other's values for being valid for the place they are in. And acreage of dirt does not determine power; individual persons determine power and no single person should have more power that another single person. Majority rules are fair. I suspect that Oregon simply has poor government all around, perhaps because of poor leadership quality.

[@shirleysear7168]

They can just move.

[@gregmarkel2836]

I live in eastern Oregon and I fully support the move to Idaho

[@troywest7045]

So move.

[@mikeguthrie5432]

I, as a resident of Oracle Arizona, say "You go Greater Idahoans"! I totally understand their pain. With such a scattered population, they can't compete with all the "progressive, liberal, socialist folks" who reside in the big cities and towns on the coastal part of Oregon. I hope they can prevail and settle this issue in their favor.

[@OK-pi6fq]

But they can move to Idaho, and make a large conservative state all they want, and then they can be happy they have political power. That’s how it works. Plenty of space in Montana.

[@tristanbutcher8211]

This is a cringe comment

[@troywest7045]

If only it was a free Country, so they could move! Idiots!

[@dfirth224]

Non-coastal California has similar sentiments. Coastal California votes blue while inland areas tend to vote red.

[@johnwolf2829]

The difference is, Sacramento would KILL to retain control over the entire state.

[@jeremytine]

It's just the tired old city vs rural debate. I don't like that Wyoming has the same power in senate as CA with a population 70-80 times it's size.

[@johnwolf2829]

@@jeremytine Oh, you don't LIKE that? It's how the Senate was designed! Open a book once in a while. In Congress that state has a grand total of ONE in the house, out of -- no , I'm gonna make you look that one up. :D And here's one for you Leftists (can't call you Liberal anymore) why can't you just LEAVE US ALONE ? Why do you have this pathological urge to finger-bang the hell out of everyone else's lives that you can get power over? What makes you think that your filthy cities full of violent crime and tent-cities set the right example of how everyone must be forced to live, eh?

[@rockstarofredondo]

@@johnwolf2829 not would, do.

[@rockstarofredondo]

@@jeremytine then move to an actual democrat country. There are plenty to choose from. This is a constitutional republic, purposefully designed to make sure the always more numerous city populations couldn’t steamroll the rural minority.

[@davidinghram2494]

I`ve never heard talk of it, but my state of Kansas is the same way. We have a little over a hundred counties, and about 97 of them vote differently than the other five do. Those 5 or 6 just happen to have fairly large colleges, or they have the jobs where the students go after graduation. The lives and the viewpoints of those few counties are about as opposite of the other ninety some, as could possibly be. Basically conservative versus socialist. The last time we had this problem was in the early 1860`s, and you know how that went. Almost every state in the union has this same problem which has been caused by politicians, educators, and the media.

[@johnengland8619]

There are more people in LA county than the entire state of Kansas. So yeah well populated urban areas in kansas are going to have a greater numbers of voters

[@plantgirl146]

100% agree with everything said here... I'll take "old school" any day of the week. I grew up in Portland & glad I escaped decades ago.

[@williamparks2203]

We are in a similar situation out here in Maryland. The primarily conservative Eastern Shore and Western Maryland are completely superseded by five counties. There was a recent push a few years ago where Western Maryland wants to leave Maryland and form our own state and frankly, I'm getting pushed more and more to that side everyday. I love my state, we have such a unique culture here, but I feel like our state legislature wants to essentially push anyone that disagrees with them out of the state.

[@adotintheshark4848]

The situation in your state is not unique. The cure would be for each and every state to have it's own electoral college so that every resident can be properly represented.

[@uncleloof]

Garrett County might as well be part of PA, or WV.

[@hueyg206]

@@adotintheshark4848absolutely not. One person one vote.

[@Jeralddoerr]

​@@adotintheshark4848 Why do you people keep pedaling this stuff? The rules don't work for you so let's change them? At the end of the day people vote not land!

[@sawittwo]

Lol

[@robertensign8786]

As a proud resident of Shasta County California in FarNorCal….. I stand with all of eastern Oregon. For too long , Northern Ca and eastern Oregon have been hushed and brushed under the rug.

[@richwc1]

I feel for you. Worked a summer in Mccloud. Beautiful area. Probably understand our eastern Oregon issues better then anyone.

[@bradkoehler5814]

I'm in Central Cal. 40+ years here in Visalia. I can't believe how much everything has changed.

[@sanseiryu]

Majority rules, isn't that what Right wingers want? I live in Los Angeles, 4 million people. LA county has 10 million people and you think your county should have a bigger say in elections than yours? Instead they just want to scream about stolen elections. You're a resident of a county that is fine with a county fair asking the police department to hunt down a 4H 9 year old girl and her goat, take away the goat so that the goat could be slaughtered in order to make her learn a 'lesson' all because the girl who raised the goat, changed her mind and wanted to keep the goat. This despite the mom asking and getting permission from the state official who won the auction for the goat that the mom would repay his bid and reimburse the fairground their fees. The city council voted 3-2 showing off their MAGA 'stolen election' conspiracy' colors by canceling Dominion voting machines and implementing a hand count for elections despite the cost to hire and certify 1500 temporary hand counters and the cost to find another voting machine company to replace Dominion which may be in the millions of dollars. Right wingers don't want to patch up shit. If you don't like California or eastern Oregon just fucking move out and go to Idaho. Lots of White Supremacists' living in Coeur d' Alene. I grew up in Klamath Falls in the 60s. Had a great childhood. Spent a national guard deployment in Boise back in the 80s. Was impressed with the city. Great college town scene. I can see the attraction. What people like you hate is that your kids can't stand rural living. Young teens don't want to be farmers. Send detectives to hunt down a family, in order to teach the girl a lesson? Take away a 9 year olds goat because she is obviously a hardcore criminal like those in Portland. Keep telling yourself that you deserve more than you have. Taxes collected in the big cities is what funds rural unpopulated counties like yours.

[@rumpstatefiasco]

NEWSFLASH: The policies of Western Oregon aren’t working for Western Oregon either!

[@RyanRuark]

Heaven forbid we actually agree on something, then there wouldn’t be any news to report, would there?

[@bob_frazier]

Well, you have a point there.

[@KidCorporate]

That's the joke. Wall them off and the problem WILL take care of itself.

[@troywest7045]

So vote or move, whining doesn't help.

[@rumpstatefiasco]

@@troywest7045 It’s called SPEAKING UP.

[@tomleonard5277]

This is a good example of why I have felt for many years there should be a state version of the Electorial College. Even rural areas of California are much more conservative than most of Americans would believe but their population has no effect on state policies. I’m originally from E Tn and, yes, we also designate which section of the state we’re from when asked because east, middle, and west Tn are so different in our cultures. Fortunately Nashville and Memphis don’t have domination over the rest of us…yet.

[@hueyg206]

You want an electoral college because you can’t win fair elections. What a surprise

[@Jeralddoerr]

It doesn't make since.. you believe 5 people in a 10 mile radius should have the same amount of power of 50 people in a 5 mile radius?

[@Jeralddoerr]

I lived in California all my life... It doesn't matter Conservatives are EVERYWHERE in the city. The reason you will see more Democratic voters in the city is because it's the city! You learn you have to live with all types of racies of people and grow an understanding of different cultures besides yours.. all conservatives in my family don't have a clue or care... That's why they end up as hatfull Republicans.

[@gw1652]

@@Jeralddoerr The point would be to give the 5 people within the 10 miles and the 50 people within the 5 self determination rather than the 50 people imposing policies on the 5.

[@scottowensbyable]

​@Jerald Right now, the five people have zero representation. They have no one. Then it makes sense for them to be added to Idaho.

[@mrwillmendezjcom]

Really great reporting 👊🏼 I don't blame them. New sub. Please keep it up.🫀🙏

[@Raised-Right]

We feel the same way in southern Illinois. Chicago rules over the whole state. We have FFA in our small schools down here too. Live a completely different lifestyle that chitcago and the suburbs that are 5 hours away

[@arlitabeard7693]

Thank you for good reporting on my home state I'm trying to move home I'm a Portland/Tigard woman who wants to move to Pendleton Oregon would love to live in Portland but it's to crazy there

[@mixedupmenopausaladhd3999]

What’s wrong with Tigard?

[@jackreisewitz6632]

Ever here of punctuation?? They used to teach it in school. Perhaps you weren't listening??

[@thartwig26]

@@mixedupmenopausaladhd3999 crime is increasing in Tigard according to people I know who still live there. I saw the change in that direction too before I got out. It also is getting too crowded.

[@calvinburr1248]

Just like the Brexit issue in the UK...people think they see a solution to all their problems on the horizon. But, it is a mirage, and it won't fix things as they believe. Instead, it will surely create a whole new set of problems they have to suffer with for many people in both states. That is how it always works when people with problems look for scapegoats to blame instead of themselves or the inevitable changes that they must adapt to. Losers blame....winners adapt.

[@sevenveils1027]

As an American from Oregon living in England, I totally agree! 👍🏼

[@Biggiiful]

Brexit wasn't the problem, so much that Brexit never really happened.

[@mitchyoung93]

Yes sometimes they adapt by changing their political arrangements

[@SveninColorado]

4th generation Colorado native....There are conservative, rural Colorado folks who live in counties bordering Wyoming who are voicing the same concerns. I stand with them.

[@ronaldbrouhard1247]

As a former Greshamite, I'm SO glad we're in North Idaho.

[@troywest7045]

So are all the people who currently live in Gresham.

[@everlastinglife5978]

Im from Minnesota but have been paying attention to the divide in Oregon for probably 10 years, and I get them, I understand. It's the same thing in MN and everywhere else. One group of people, who don't care about you, makes all the rules and choices regardless of how it affects you.

[@curtisowen3233]

Yeah... I think everyone feels that way.

[@rockstarofredondo]

Happening in CA too.

[@clayelliott39]

I hear what your saying Peter@Peter Angles

[@Rochelle937]

Absolutely true. Not only do they not care about you, but they look down on you and think they are superior.

[@skykeg4978]

To see what s happening in Portland is more than enough reason for the good people of central & eastern Oregon to join Idaho.

[@thirdpig45]

I live in rural Northern Michigan, and it's the same here. The population centers are very blue and have the votes to favor the cities. Those of us in rural counties are paying (literally) for the cities. Good luck to you all in Eastern Oregon!

[@Hassingerjeff]

I can't speak for Michigan but in Oregon rural counties use more than tax dollars than they bring in

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@Hassingerjeff Correct. The per-person cost to bring civilization (paved roads, emergency services, education, electricity, internet, law enforcement, healthcare) to a place is a lot higher in sparse rural areas than dense urban areas. This notion of rural Oregon counties joining Idaho, if realized, would result in a decline of standards for those places.

[@toneyeye]

You statement about paying for cities is probably why officials do not take your side seriously. You start with a falsehood that does not make any sense. Your life is being subsidized by the cities. It was always the case and the imbalance will get worse as more people move to the cities and the rural areas empty out more. Face the facts first and your city neighbors will gladly consider your legitimate grievances (if you have any).

[@mikeglenn3333]

Broke down in John day years ago. Quite a lot of helpful folk in that area

[@johnkennethmccloskey]

Rural Oregonians should be proud, recognizing how blessed they are. This does not negate the fact that they have to abide by Oregon law and Oregon politics. If they can't handle this FACT, MOVE to Idaho!!!

[@EmilyChandlerj]

Really thoughtful piece. I would love to see a follow up that goes deeper into the tax changes, etc that are the core reasons for the quality of life being compromised for Eastern Oregonians. We have grandparents who have remained in Joseph Oregon and most of my relatives live in Western Oregon (Portland, Beaverton, Oregon City) now going on four generations. Depending on the field my relatives work in, some have been drawn to Vancouver WA or Bend OR and have stayed. I have heard these sentiments of dissatisfaction from our Bend relatives every time we visit and I think my relatives in Wallowa county would agree but they don't discuss it with us as much. I think it would be helpful to understand it at a more detailed level in order for the state to act more collectively, which I would like for the future.

[@sowireless]

You know nothing personal but that's pretty darn vague. What exactly are they bitching about? You have probably heard it again and again. So don't be shy, hold forth and tell us what it is they don't like.

[@spencers4121]

It was one business owner complaining about taxes, and capital gains taxes. All these huge vast differences, and 2 of the 3 is taxes.

[@sowireless]

@@spencers4121 It's true, if you want to live in Oregon, and you make substantial amounts of money, you may end up paying a little bit more in taxes. I've been paying six figures between the state and the feds for years now. But I'm not going to move to some dystopian low tax state, just to skip out on a few points of income tax. I love Oregon--and I'm never leaving. And frankly, the tax rates aren't that different. I suppose I could have lived in Washington, and put up with a 6.5% sales tax, instead of our zero, all of my life here, not just the part of my life where I make the big money. I'll bet you it all evens out, and I like Oregon, not really into Washington, although there are plenty of pretty places there, and scads of people on the west side. Or I could have stayed in Idaho, and paid 6% income tax, on top of a 6% sales tax. Ouch! No, give me Oregon, and those that don't like Oregon, well there's plenty other places to live if you really don't like it.

[@tharais]

@@spencers4121 Well, that's been the source of some pretty serious conflict before. Taxation without representation and all. Tea in Boston Harbor maybe?

[@PCSPounder]

@@sowireless I grew up in Portland, but I have a travel habit. So I’ve been around. Nine years ago, I was tracing more of my travels on an atlas I’ve kept since 2000, and determined that I had driven 85% of Oregon state highway miles at that point. Couldn’t help but decide to drive the rest. The cute part is where I discovered, in mapping out what remained, that the state got dragged into maintaining some farm and forest roads that rural counties were maintaining otherwise. It’s well known that the urban areas (both nationwide and in Oregon) subsidize rural areas. Problem is, media and “leaders” in these rural areas try to sell the opposite. Not to mention people on message boards who think Oregon should engage in California-style water projects so farmers east of the Cascades can grow more crops (not worth the expense, nor the skulduggery that accompanies the California projects). Meanwhile, a reminder. Oregon’s income tax is large. But there’s no sales tax and property taxes are initiative-limited, so the total tax burden is below the median in these United States.

[@JamesTyreeII]

There’s a book called the 11 nations that talks about how the left coast is the whole part of the land area from San Francisco to British Columbia. Canada west of the cascades in the east of the cascades is the interior West, which is a distinct and holy separate cultural country.

[@DowntoEarthThinkingcom]

I-5 corridor from Mexico to Canada are all totaly lost

[@tomstiel7576]

and now compared to this,,,suddenly my problems seem miniscule,,,my heart goes out to you people

[@spuwho]

I would like to hear from Western Oregonians on why they think Eastern Oregon should stay with them.

[@wholesome122]

Exactly. They have no other reason than being tyrants.

[@mattsavage]

Idaho has a lower minimum wage, lower wages in general than Oregon, many rural eastern oregonians are at the poverty level earning minimum wage already. Idaho is increasing its sales tax to provide a tax credit for property taxes, from 6% to 7.85% thats just weird money shuffling... Oregon doesn't have a sales tax. Western Oregon has a larger, wealthier population base to supplement the low population, low income counties in Eastern Oregon, but Idaho doesn't have that same population base to support an large influx of infrastructure and population from Eastern Oregon. More Californians are moving to Idaho than they are Oregon.

[@joshhanson9321]

I'd like to see interviews of other Eastern Oregonians outside of John Day.

[@johnwolf2829]

@@kathrynann7755 Medford too.

[@USCG.Brennan]

I lived on the East side and I totally agree.....the West runs things THEIR way and doesn't give a darn about the repercussions of the laws they make that affect the WHOLE state.

[@johnking6252]

Excellent point. But then there's always be careful of what you wish for.

[@USCG.Brennan]

@@johnking6252 True in some cases, but liberals are running this great State into the ground....then what will be left to save??

[@joshhanson9321]

I imagine there is a lot of similar opinions from other towns too, but this video is summing up all of Eastern Oregon from the testimony of a few people in John Day.

[@rsvp6]

Its the same in Eastern WA

[@burningsporkdeath]

I'm a north Idaho resident and I support this 100%. Adding more rural counties to Idaho would help us fight the same battle that the rural areas of OR have lost.

[@charlescook232]

Oh good lots of comments from the Nazi gallery

[@Nate_o_eight]

​@@charlescook232 People living in cities shouldn't control land they know nothing about.

[@charlescook232]

@@Nate_o_eight unfortunately for you people in the city are more educated and know a lot more about the land than you do obviously just because you live close to some land doesn't make it yours it's Federal and it belongs to all of us. Please stop being so stupid

[@MS-uj5ui]

I’m in Eastern Oregon and no. We would never want to be any other state but Oregon.

[@charlescook232]

United we stand and divided we fall. Stop trying to divide us

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

When I decided to take advantage of the real estate boom in Florida and escape that state Oregon wasn't even on my list because of the west coast ... the same was true about Washington state. I ended up in West Virginia instead. Yeah it has problems like everyplace else but at least the people are reasonably sane.

[@neverhomepnw]

As a Portland resident I agree them. It is unfair and clearly Portland is dying.

[@sedg03]

Being killed.... not just "dying"... ;(

[@LilyGazou]

I went there to help a friend pack up and move out of state. Pretty shocking how much it has changed. I used to love visiting as a tourist.

[@sedg03]

@@LilyGazou Thank Homeland Security for that, it's their job.1st in? DHS promotes instability. 2nd in? Mormons. 3rd in? Mex drug cartels and MC Gangs- To supply mormons w opioids - their biggest weakness. California? Look at LAPD & LASO as examples. And 80% mormon idaho? Has begun 2nd sweep of their LDS #DEZNAT war? Sweep in from East to subsume 2/3rds of east Oregon to access farm lands and Columbia n Snake rivers in Oregon to do home n land grabs & *WATER grabs... Pressure on wealthy yuppies in Bend & Portland? To drive em out, arrest in court sealed cases to illegally seize properties and to steal in order to auction off cheaply to mormons to own the whole WEST coast w salmon n ocean fisheries, valuable crop n farm lands (think cali n avocados, onions etc... washington orchards, idaho forests for lumber. All ONLY for mormon LDS #DEZNAT overthrow of America. Fueled by mormons, enraged by their churches? Into rebelling for a coup. To "punish" n hurt Americans and destroy our nation. As bill clinton said? "Essy to think you can easily kick down the old barn [that is America?], but not so easy to build a new one." Think america. Step real careful there. No shootings, no riots. That wld only feed right into their LDS dirty hands.

[@sedg03]

@@LilyGazou see? That's EXACTLY what DHS n mormons n Congress wants you to see, think, and do. See a mess, think you have to move away from the horror, call in your ppl? Pack n blow town. The *food processing plants? *Dairies? Factories? Train crashes? *FOOD stores closing? Is exactly their war plan, terrorist tactics from 3rd world countries mormons n DHS are utilising to rip America apart. Think HARDER. Mormons NEED to be sent back to Utah. Homeland sec? Prolly time to disband it as it was 100% illegal to start. Gitmo? Obama was exactly right. Close it down. We need to step carefully n slowly back into the world spotlight. Drive drugs n cartels back into mexico, mormons back into Utah. On pain of death if no compliance... ;( Scotus leak slowed riots re ROE? Jan 6 stopped coup. We owe Trump an apology. We need to go straight votes? Exit A.I or else congress will put AI Clones into congress and run off to their new playground in wyoming... while climate disaster strikes? And congress + clones + u.s. are destroyed. C'mon guys! I need your help. To save our nation? We need to unite together. One nation under god. Indivisible w liberty and justice for all. Goal. Work. Acheive. United we stand. Divided we fall. Be strong. Be Anerican. Wily, wary, smart, ingenious, creative. Moral kind just democracy.

[@Practicaltactical366]

Thanks for using your platform to share these perspectives

[@nancyinoregon809]

It's great to see the eastern (in fact, rural) Oregonian point of view covered in a respectful way. I don't know if it's worse for a minority to be denigrated or just ignored. It's painful in either case. As a rural resident of western Oregon, I'm waiting for the day the government forces me to leave the state through regulation and taxation.

[@jm-bv1wh]

No need to wait - just move now if it's so bad.

[@denjhill]

I live north in Stevens County, Washington where we share the same concerns. The West side of the mountains is completely out of touch with us and our lifestyles. We have limited representation and feel like a bunch of gangsters are running our lives. The liberal governor is despised. I wish the Idaho movement extended this far north. I would support it.

[@Xix1326]

I lived in FL for 21 years. 6 yrs ago I got...concerned...with the direction the state was taking. So, I found a state more in line with my concerns, and I moved. I COULDN'T TAKE MY DIRT WITH ME!! If the "direction" of the state so concerns folks, they should move. But they can't take their dirt with them. Government should be about people, not dirt, and there's just more people in the bigger cities. That's the way civilization has evolved.

[@ProjectFairmont]

And it is also not true representational government. That’s why removing the federal election college would be a disaster. Simple majority rule by the coastal urban elite would ensue.

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@ProjectFairmont - LOL! The electoral college has outlived its purpose and should be discontinued...then, and only then, would you see true results in presidential elections.

[@Xix1326]

@@ProjectFairmont If you've ever been to a big city, you'd know that the residents are hardly "elite". Have a walk around Hell's Kitchen (which is where MSG is located) or the lower east side (remember Johnny Dangerously's mom? "This really sucks."). Wander around the Bronx for a little while, or Watts. You're listening to propaganda. If you want better representation, elect more effective reps.

[@andyroid5028]

I want to move TO FL. LOL

[@user-nk2ez9nq8w]

Good job KGW!

[@sandrawamsley3876]

The real problem with the rural-urban divide is urban wants to impose it's will and ignorance on the rest of the state. I grew up in a city and have watched it change over my lifetime and it's not good. Back then city people usually at least knew why agriculture was needed, now they don't seem to.

[@plucknpick6414]

The Left is so removed from reality it has to make up it's own point of reference. Grandpa retired to the McKenzie river....when the Leftists began to change the state (ignorance mostly) he moved to California! Pedophile protection, school indoctrination (not the three R's), Antifa, BLM Marxism is rampant. Oregonians who move here to Arkansas to work for Walmart or one of the other Big 50, are culturaly shocked!

[@WindRiderPNW]

We have the same issue in Washington. But it's mostly King County that decides what happens in Washington, and everyone else is stuck with their decisions.

[@m.peterson6149]

Not all of us are fed up.

[@TheRyno525]

Great! nobody will talk you into leaving.

[@lovly2cu725]

RED STATE?

[@danielcadwell9812]

Can't you see the decay?

[@marissadower-morgan3313]

Just move to Idaho and let us live free

[@Muddjones]

Idaho has freedom no bureaucratic bull shit no homelessness or drug zombies craping in the fountains and braking windows and steeling cars fun fun

[@bob_frazier]

No, thats absolutely not the solution for a fifth generation rancher. It is proof you don't understand the problem, not even a little.

[@jeezumcrow8655]

@@bob_frazierSell your land and buy a piece of land in ID to farm on. I moved being a 4th generation Vermonter. If you want it bad enough, YOU take personal responsibility and move. I mean do you SERIOUSLY think that state lines are realistically going to change and 2 state governments are going to allow the absorption of the minority of voters of one state? Work harder to get your Representatives elected if you want to see change in the OR state government. That’s how representative democracy works. Not some outlandish idea of reestablishing state borders.

[@virginiamoss7045]

@@jeezumcrow8655 Well said. Love it or leave it. Personal responsibility. If it's too hard to make a living in rural areas, do what you have to do to make a living in the cities where it's easier and more lucrative.

[@steveguse4481]

How about we go to war and see which side wins instead 🙂

[@dennisminnick6677]

Outstanding report! I live in the Idaho panhandle and moved here from a small town in the high Sierra’s (California side). When I moved here 20 years ago I considered myself a “political refugee “. This battle between city and country folk is dominated by the culture war and the divide has reached an point of no return.

[@babydriver8134]

Us too. Left CA in 03

[@christinebieloh5642]

Eastern Washington residents feel the same way about Western Washington and Olympia as Eastern Oregonians but nobody is asking about our story.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

It's not just eastern Oregon that's fed up with the direction of the state. I hear the same frustration here in Grants Pass Oregon.

[@mariahrossi3072]

I also live in Grants Pass and I am so frustrated.

[@matthewbeasley7765]

If Eastern Oregon manages to go, I would expect Jackson and Josephine counties to go too.

[@TheRyno525]

Southern Oregon want's out also

[@echohunter4199]

Native Klamath County resident now living in San Antonio, TX (retired from the Army in 2009) and I’m stunned what’s happened to Oregon since 1984. I remember the Rajneesh cult, in the 80’s and what happened after their breakup, it impacted the State more than people know. Back in the 70’s I remember people (Oregonians) would stand on the side of Hwy 97 and any cars with California license plates coming into Oregon got a hand full of gravel thrown at them! Then Californians started fleeing their cities after “diversity” became too much for them and sold their inherited house and bought a cheaper home up here then started their crappy voting habits again. Thankfully, most liberals can’t handle the harsh winters on the High Desert and they swiftly move to the west side of the Cascades to live. In 1993-95 I was assigned as one of the Army Recruiters in Klamath Falls and I loved it! I had Klamath and Lake counties as my area which meant a lot of drive time, especially in Christmas Valley, lol. I count myself fortunate to have been raised in Klamath Falls and to watch people suffer because of stupid liberal agendas is beyond criminal to me. And yes, I own guns and won’t be giving up a damn thing. And who else recalls the “State of Jefferson” initiative? It was started because of similar issues with the State government of each side. So this Idaho Initiative may have some areas in Northern California that’re interested in joining.

[@fredschnerbert1238]

Actually, Real Estate spiked in CA in the 1970's, I know, I was living there. You didn't have to have an inherited Home to clear almost home value in profit. Also happened to move to Tacoma in late 1970's at the request of the US military...ha ha I never got rid of my CA state Drivers license BUT my Motorcycle DID have WA state license plates...

[@hamburgler227]

You sound nuts

[@echohunter4199]

@@fredschnerbert1238 sounds like you’re a common example of what baby boomers did back then. In my 26 years in the Army I’ve PCSed 9 times and I highly doubt you have a valid California DL since living there. Clearly not everyone had an inherited house they sold when moving to a place with less “diversity” and crazy taxes/cost of living. A few years ago california imposed a new fee for any new home construction of $20,000 to connect to any water main and that doesn’t include the cost of installing the pipe and valves. This “greater Idaho” plan is looking better by the day! Liberals have successfully ruined Portland and Spokane, not to mention every other city along I-5 but they just don’t like living in deserts, lol. But nothing I say will make any difference, the damage done is too deep, the country is doomed to implode thanks to liberalism and open borders so I hope you can speak Spanish, lol.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I feel the entire country is decided just like the East Oregon residents. City folks seem to have lost all common sense.

[@robdavidson4945]

Your story makes it sound like this is a new thing. We were angry at the Oregon State government back in the 70's and 80's when I moved out eventually back to Idaho. My family goes back to the mid 1800's in Oregon and Idaho. Reduction in Drug use penalty, anti business, anti Agriculture and anti firearm just barely scratch the surface. Talk to the Law Enforcement leadership to see the problems related to Marijuana legalization.

[@danielwright9418]

Perhapps you could expand on your thoughts regarding the problems of the legalization of marijuana.

[@shootshellz]

@@danielwright9418 How about driving while stoned? How old are you, twelve?

[@tetontom1]

Yep, I blame it on California take over. Logging and mining all shut down. Mills and a plywood plant sold to china in the late '70s.

[@notoriusbmt]

No mature trees left to harvest, wages and therefore corporate profits are better overseas. Also, cannabis statistics have vastly improved with legalization.

[@TisiphonesShadow]

@@danielwright9418 Substantial increases in DUI, overdoses, theft, etc.

[@johncharlton4069]

We have the same problems in rural Ontario Canada the GTA greater Toronto area controls the whole province and they keep giving them more political seats because that is where the greatest population is. They don't need more seats MP they need more front line workers maybe.I refer to it as the new Roam and we all know how that turned out.

[@thewhomphlew]

Lol what roam are you talking about? Some app?

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@thewhomphlew - Those damn "Roamans" are at it again!

[@Zalis116]

Isn't "giving more seats to more populated areas" how representative government is _supposed_ to work? Why should rural areas with stagnant or declining populations get unwarranted bonuses?

[@rockstarofredondo]

@@thewhomphlew *Rome

[@rockstarofredondo]

@@Zalis116 nope, the minority is not supposed to be steamrolled by the majority. That’s why this is a constitutional republic, not a “democracy” like the miseducated want to claim.

[@mvcharisma2968]

Nice to see some actually listening to those of us who hate city politics Edit: we have the same problem here in WA state, but the divorce will never happen since our governor needs all the tax money he can get his hands on for his pet projects

[@kevincrosby1760]

Look at WA SR12 between Pasco and Walla Walla. One of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the state. Multiple fatalities almost every year. Main commuter route for several large companies, leading to almost a thousand cars extra per day that the highway was not designed to handle. The route has not changed in over 100 years. The most dangerous section of the highway is finally being re-routed and made into the 4-lane that it SHOULD have been for 50 years now. The COUNTY is footing the majority of the bill to replace this section of a STATE highway. If this same highway was on the west side, it would be a 4-lane freeway with a bike paths, water stations, and a rest area or two, all paid for with state highway funds.

[@seanmcdirmid]

Tax money flows from Western Washington to Eastern Washington, so a divorce would be really good for us Western Washingtonians in terms of saving on taxes. I'm all for it! Let Spokane fund its own schools.

[@seanmcdirmid]

I'm not sure I want more of my taxes subsidizing Eastern Washington infrastructure, however. A lot of tax money from western washington already goes east to subsidize infrastructure over there. I guess we just have more money, so we pay more taxes that then get redistributed to the poorer eastern part of the state, but still.

[@kevincrosby1760]

@@seanmcdirmid Please either find a different source of information or review how WA tax revenue is budgeted and distributed.

[@syd9800]

@@kevincrosby1760 was going to say, you think you pay the same tax rate as west WA?!

[@johnswick4593]

Maybe you should come out to Eastern Washington and talk with the folks out here. The same sentiment is felt here about the West side ( Pierce, Snohomish, and King counties).

[@troywest7045]

Why? Washington isn't ever splitting up, only someone lacking any common sense would entertain the thought.

[@WorldOfWonder66]

We are 4 generation in Oregon and what we feel is Oregon hasn't changed but the city's have because of the people from our of state that have moved in and changed things. Including our government

[@JamesG1126]

4 generations or new ariival Trans in Portland. 1 vote.

[@sSuperpu]

Like locust

[@ffarmchicken]

Californians.

[@jeremytine]

Nah, you are just stuck in the past

[@richarddexter7641]

As is clear from the comments here, this problem isn't unique to Oregon; it's nationwide. Our country is being run by the big cities, primarily because 48 of our states use "winner takes all" for their Electoral College voting. In many voting cycles, it would be a much different outcome if our states selected our electors by Congressional district votes rather than "winner take all". Eventually, the rural areas are simply going to refuse to comply with the big city edicts, and our current cold Civil War could very likely become a hot American Revolution. I wonder how the big cities will fare when the food produced in the rural area suddenly fails to get to the big city market places.

[@irvin6846]

Ah yes let’s see how rural Americans fare without better medical center and we cut off the water they already take 70-90% of of

[@richarddexter7641]

@@irvin6846 You clearly have never heard of wells. Rural Americans have them everywhere. And as far as medical care is concerned. we can survive for a few weeks without doctors--how long do you think you can manage without food?

[@irvin6846]

@@richarddexter7641 idk you tell me seeing how Central Valley California makes the most food and votes liberal

[@richarddexter7641]

@@irvin6846 They still have to ship that food somewhere if they want to get paid. And the truckers aren't going to enter the big cities.

[@hamburgler227]

@@richarddexter7641stop being so petulant. The reason cities control the politics is bc there are more people there. One person one vote.

[@backcountyrpilot]

Independent-minded, self-sufficient people are naturally raised in remote areas. Cities attract and deliberately grow dependent people. This creates an unfair balance in nearly every state.

[@Lady.B0420]

Residents are very serious about this. Eastern Washington is trying to jump in this too.

[@edsmith2562]

Listen 2:00 to 2:15, this is exactly why the electorial college was developed for presidential elections.

[@rockstarofredondo]

Correct, but when the cities are being deliberately stacked, the overwhelm happens anyway.

[@kevinbergman8532]

Here's why: Oregon is now (recently) being entirely run by Portland, and the rest of Oregon (outside Portland) doesn't want it.

[@cowsagainstcapitalism347]

Actually most of Oregon is cool with it.

[@miasmia4968]

Wow, it's like a city with over 60% of the voting population and not spread out counties with far less people are determining the leadership and laws. Fucking crazy...

[@bob_frazier]

@@cowsagainstcapitalism347 That's a lie.

[@Ghost101]

@@cowsagainstcapitalism347 Cope.

[@Snarkapotamus]

Which area has more voters and humans to represent?

[@redwade7803]

We have the same exact problem here in Washington. I'd love to be apart of Idaho.

[@francinelarsen3303]

When a spouse goes nuts and no longer loves you, it's time to cut them loose! I totally understand.

[@gvjester]

Never thought of it in those terms but that IS quite accurate!!

[@thewebdiva5903]

Or you can pack your bags and leave. Expecting state borders to change at your whim is ridiculous. You need to vote with your feet. That’s why America is free!

[@jhhwild]

This will become more common if rural needs and concerns are ignored.

[@troywest7045]

What being laughed at? Yeah I suppose if any other ideas as stupid as this one! Imagine thinking this had a snowflake chance in hell of ever happening..

[@kayperkayful]

People vote…not county land!

[@kq2799]

Don't pop their bubble!

[@billbrent912]

Well done, Pat.

[@santaclause2875]

Taxation without Representation. It's happening all over the USA, and it's disgusting. Same thing here in central Oklahoma. All the OKC and Tulsa folks 'call the shots' so to speak, and the rural folks still pay lots of taxes with very little in return, except to abide by more and more liberal laws. And yes, Oklahoma is slowly but surely sliding down the slope of liberalism. Its' sickening.

[@pfv1247]

The citizens living in the District of Columbia have no voting representation but get all the taxation. WTH

[@jasonfuller1001]

I understand and can empathize with people you live in the rural areas. However, they need to be careful about what they wish for. A HUGE percentage of their county and city budgets are subsidized by the taxes collected from the urban areas. Roads, utilities, police, fire, schools, ect. would end up with serious budget issues.

[@gregwarner3753]

That is a major consideration. Someone should ask how much tax revenue is contributed by Eastern Oregon to the State budget compared with the Portland and Willamette Valley. Another thing to compare is population and economic growth rates.

[@troyhonda71]

And urban areas get their food from rural areas. Perhaps a slow down in production and delivery would help to get a point across.

[@WIILIAMHOWELL]

Yes a full consideration. Rural Oregonians are not afraid of "losing" revenue from the west side. All the more reason to cut the east loose.

[@rockstarofredondo]

The problem for your argument is, rural people don’t rely on those things like you do, so it’s not going to bother them as much as you wish it to.

[@kevincrosby1760]

@@gregwarner3753 In the case of rural Eastern Oregon, the amount of state tax money spent in most of the rural counties is actually LESS than the total tax revenue collected from those counties by the state. To add insult to injury, imagine needing to purchase a new piece of equipment for your farm to increase how much you can grow, but needing to figure out if the cost of the tax hike from adding the new tractor to your net worth will be offset by the increased yield from the fields after the profit from the increased yield is also taxed.

[@mastersr1956]

PA is the same, you look at the voting maps and nearly the entire state is red except for about 4 cities have more population than the entire rest of the state

[@chuckruckus3648]

NY as well. Georgia Virginia etc etc Cities are Dem trash

[@Snarkapotamus]

Pennsyltucky in the middle...

[@sanseiryu]

Majority rules is Democracy in action. But right wingers only like it when they win. GOP likes to say: let's throw out majority rules, so that the (minority), empty counties can overrule the majority(populated) counties. Oh wait, ethnic minorities, women, LBGTQ+ asking for equal representation, is too much right? How dare a minority ask for equal representation!

[@rockstarofredondo]

Almost all of the US is like this, even CA believe it or not. And don’t ever forget it is deliberate.

[@davem5333]

Illinois is the same way.

[@concerned1313]

I looked up this channel and am mildly surprised that this story and others run on this KZbin Channel.

[@MilePost106]

We have the same exact problem here in Minnesota. Greater Minnesota is red and the bigger cities are blue. The big city passes laws we out here don’t like or care for, we feel like we are on our own and have no voice.

[@brianrajala7671]

Yes, I was about to post similar thoughts. But, there are differences with the Oregon problem. And maybe the differences are not so extreme?

[@2012escapee1]

Same in Nevada. Las Vegas, aka Sin City, rules over rural Nevada. 2 million in Vegas, 1 million miners and ranchers in the rest of the state.

[@MNRick041]

I was going to say the same, I live in Scott County, right on the edge of the metro area. Scott County has stayed red but it is frustrating to see everything that has gone on since the left took total control of this state in the last election. If I could move I would.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@MNRick041 I live in BP and see the worst side of dem politics

[@micmic9410]

Help me out here. So we should abide by the minority vote of the state? Sounds like the electoral vote and why this country has the money issue we have. They don’t like it, they can go back to the country they came from. Conservative? They better be driving horse buggies. I’m pretty sure Western Europe will take you back and pay those taxes.

[@DZCamaro-kz2vd]

Why not take Washington and Oregon, from north to south, combine them and split them at the cascade mountains? We in Washington are also conservative and differ from the east side of our state. Basically, split Oregon an Washington the other direction. Instead of horizontal, make the state split vertical. That way, all the lefties can have WA & OR west of the Cascades and be one state and the sane people combine OR & WA east of the Cascades.

[@thewebdiva5903]

Thank God you’re not partisan!

[@troywest7045]

Listen cupcake, it doesn't matter how you feel! That land belongs to Washington State, you can pack up and move, but the State legislature isn't going to ever approve that moving the border, go kick rocks, kid.

[@DZCamaro-kz2vd]

@@troywest7045 "cupcake" ?.....so you lefties won't let others that are normal have an opinion! Stay on the west side

[@donadams8345]

I was born in Idaho and lived most of my life there. I now live in Bend. If eastern Oregon wants to become part of Idaho, let them. They'll find that they'll be much worse off. Oregon is a much better state, hands down. Just don't take me with them.

[@joebledsoe257]

Most of Shelby County TN desires to cede from the existing county and leave Memphis in it all by itself. Tired of being associated with the murder capital of the Country, yes the USA.

[@pappyodaniel4480]

Please come to Eastern California and do the same!

[@lovly2cu725]

THERE IS A GROUP TRYING TO SPLIT OFF FARMERS INTO "NEW CALIFORNIA"

[@gvjester]

Yep, east of the mountains, it sure changes!!

[@ttp7000]

“Poor people can’t move a few hours east to Idaho.” There, fixed your video title!

[@adamslaura768]

Here in southern Oregon we feel unheard and unrelated to Portland as well

[@sowireless]

No Laura, you feel unheard and unrelated to Portland. You don't speak for me. I'm not related to Portland either, it does sound a little screwy, but I'm very happy being an Oregonian, and living in Southern Oregon.

[@Zmungessssthefungus]

This is how it is in many states. The rural areas are ruled by the cities.

[@philbrady702]

I'm in Jackson County in Southern Oregon and am with this movement. Our government needs to listen to the people or move the border!!!

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

How about if we just kick anybody out of the state that was not born in the state. Population in Portland, Eugene and Salem would decrease greatly. Then we might get control of the government. Also make it so you have to have been born here to hold office. I live 25 miles west of Portland. The state don't listen to us either. it is only small special interest groups that get listened to. If it truly had been a majority vote, than a lot of the laws on the books wouldn't exist.

[@stoutdog56]

I don't doubt there are many in Eastern Washington and Northern California that feel the same way, My heart goes out to them for not being represented and being the kind of people I empathize with.