Greater Idaho: Why Idaho Wants To Take Over Oregon And Eventually Washington and California Too

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Oregon often feels like a progressive state, but once you get outside of Portland and Eugene, and especially beyond the Cascade Mountains, it gets very conservative. Because of this cultural difference, there's been a concerted effort to move the borders of Idaho to encompass many of Oregon's eastern counties. Here's why Idaho is angling to potentially take over many conservative counties in Oregon, Washington and even California.
Stock footage is acquired from www.storyblocks.com.

[@briansteen8853]

Idaho isn’t taking over Oregon, parts of Oregon are trying to join Idaho. This is a big difference.

[@hillbilly4895]

Bad government be like...

[@davidthompson7817]

Correct it was worded incorrectly because OREGON just had on their ballot to secede and “become“ greater Idaho on a joke…southern part & most of eastern Idaho the map that is showing on here is not correct either you must take a line all through Southern Oregon all the way to the coast because there’s a bunch of rednecks over there and they don’t want to be associated with Democrats. ‘Bless Their Heart… & Thank you,very little!

[@TheChuckfuc]

Couldn't imagine why

[@davidthompson7817]

@@TheChuckfuc Yeah because the rednecks are a bunch of thugs like to carry guns around which are contributing to our first in the world death rate by handguns lovely jackasses they are! So Andrew you must be one of these creeps too by your response…GFY!

[@markusgarvey]

This is all a continuance of the State of Jefferson movement that was started by the white supremacists like 40 years ago. Now it's being led by radical christian preachers and disgraced politicians are taking over political offices in idaho. Its called the American Redoubt.

[@jacobclark6156]

I've been paying attention to this for quite some time now since I'm a native Idahoan. This video sort of portrays that it is Idaho wanting to take over these areas, when in fact, it has been led by the eastern counties of Oregon pushing for the inclusion into Idaho.

[@thearachnid7779]

That's what I'm saying, they make it seem like they have sinister intentions.

[@WIILIAMHOWELL]

It is true the Greater Idaho movement was sprung in Rural Oregon. Idaho has shown no interest for acquiring more lands as portrayed in this video. The video has several flaws and does not discuss the needed depth of such a border change. There are border change movements all over North America. This one is the most dramatic due to the size of the land mass. Is it all complex? Sure. The socio-economic factors are that a border change would be good for all parties.

[@DeclarationsOfTruth]

@@WIILIAMHOWELL Strictly speaking, the Idaho House did show that interest - though only after Oregon East of the Cascades all but asked for an invitation. House Joint Memorial One is that invitation. But Rep. Barbara Ehart (R-Idaho Falls) has in fact cast her eye on Oregon's resources. Rep. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale) want the Idaho State Police to move into Oregon East of the Cascades and shut down the weed shops (and the head shops selling Magic Mushrooms when that goes into effect) and push the drug problem right up to the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Ridge. But the rest of your comment is correct: Idaho's House acted only after receiving a highly informal request for invitation, and it would make economic sense for Idaho to acquire Oregon East of the Cascades, and for Oregon to let it go. The only motive Oregon can have _not_ to let it go, is spite.

[@Jasondirt]

​@@DeclarationsOfTruth Yaya not true. The report you referenced is a paid for by a pro- conservative think tank. Their purpose is to grow political power for Republicans. Not the benefits of idahoans or even Oregonians. That report can be discredited by simple Google searchs

[@etdna9219]

Sort of portrays! I’d say it’s a total accusation of Idaho taking over. We might want to watch some videos on how this entire country was created in the first place. It’s the people in eastern Oregon who want to change.

[@chriscich]

I don't think Idaho is invading Oregon... I think it's Oregon wanting to become Idaho.

[@chriscosby2459]

This Geoff dude definitely has a leftist bias.

[@bukketkid2567]

The latter is correct, but Idaho might gain by getting access to the pacific and establishing their own port. Tho, they would still need to build a major highway or rail line... which would take years to do and cost billions.

[@jordanjohnson9866]

Nah. Not Oregon wanting to become Idaho. Not “Oregon wanting to become Idaho.” /

[@jordanjohnson9866]

@@bukketkid2567 Nah. Not The latter is correct. Not “The latter is correct.” /

[@brentmcwilliams4332]

We are talking about a handful of redneck ranchers in eastern Oregon.

[@empice2k]

Your opening statement completely ignores the fact that the people of Eastern Oregon have initiated this process, NOT Idaho. Idaho, after meeting with the Greater Idaho movement (situated in Eastern Oregon), began the process for their part to agree to accept the lands in Eastern Oregon as part of their state.

[@TheQwaggs]

Just look at the dude. Another liberal worried about losing his slave class,

[@americandirt7834]

Doesn't sounds like Geoff is a particularly honest player. Prefers to lie. Sounds like Portland is a perfect place for him.

[@ChiefTapion]

Entirely irrelevant who initiated the process. Still illegal either way and should be stopped. If conservative states get to pass laws that supersede those of progressive cities within them (see atlanta and georgia’s relationship) then you get to be trapped in a progressive state too when we finally have power. Them’s the rules. Sucks to suck

[@luddite4change449]

This isn't the first time that southern and eastern Oregon (and far north California) have wanted to change the borders. There was a movement 80 years ago, but it was usurped by WWII.

[@RealJeep]

Gee-off is a communist who thinks us rubes in rural areas need to shut up and do what they say.

[@sy_chu]

I think there’s a difference between (1) eastern parts of Oregon wanting to secede and join Idaho and (2) Idaho wanting to annex eastern Oregon. The truth is (1), but your title misleadingly suggest (2).

[@jerryschneider145]

Absolutely right!!

[@geofox84]

Absolutely this. The Idaho house voting to have a conversation about it is merely spectacle. Idaho does not have the resources to manage it's own land, why do people think we'd want to take over even more desolate, low productivity counties than we already have?

[@deafleppard1812]

@@geofox84 I’m interested in what Idaho people think of this. Your from Idaho right?

[@wowzers5172]

I don’t believe it’s secession or annexation, but cession - Oregon, by agreement, ceding land to Idaho. Not that it matters. It’ll never happen.

[@geofox84]

@@deafleppard1812 Yes, I'm from Eastern Idaho. Most people here don't even know this is a thing, and those who do think it's a pipe dream or a terrible idea. I wouldn't be surprised tho if a lot of Idahoans were against it just because it's our easiest source for legal weed ✌

[@CounterC]

Idaho is not trying to take over parts of Oregon. Conservative counties in Oregon are interested in possibly joining Idaho. Get your facts straight. Absurd.

[@Jmike12345]

Imagine…people wanting State government to represent their ow beliefs and values. Truly a “terrible” idea? This was initiated by under represented populations in Oregon. I suppose these areas could become a “new” State and pick up two Senators as well. This is the proposal in California and New York.

[@HerbMandoom]

​@@Jmike12345 so what happens to the other people when the conservatives get their representation? Do they turn around and fight back for the same representation?

[@peanutbutter4094]

a democrat getting facts straight? 🤭 do another one.

[@ummelofilo9642]

​@@HerbMandoom If they hold a majority in their county, why not?

[@HerbMandoom]

@@ummelofilo9642 I think you might be missing my point. The point is that no matter what, someone isn't represented, and therefore the system needs to change

[@poodlescone9700]

Correction: the counties in Oregon voted to explore the possibility of joining Idaho BEFORE Idaho legislature approved exploring the possibility of Eastern Oregon joining Idaho. Idaho is NOT taking over parts of Oregon.

[@jcsftwre]

Geoff (jeff) lives in Portland Oregon and that's why he spins it that way!

[@michellegiacalone1079]

Right, and Idaho said, quote, "Rep. Ned Burns, D-Bellevue, criticized legislators for working on the proposal, saying they are backing a far-fetched plan to help Oregon residents at a time when the Idaho Legislature has not yet set any of Idaho’s 2024 state budget or passed property tax reduction acts that Idahoans have said in public surveys should be a top legislative priority. Even Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, who voted for the memorial to encourage discussion, expressed his doubts. “The reality is, I don’t believe this will ever happen,” Clow said."

[@9davidlong]

You left out the fact that the majority of counties in eastern oregon have already voted to join idaho, and the two that did not vote were because their clerks refused to have a vote on the issue.

[@BB-rh2ml]

You left out the fact that the vote wasn’t 💯 to join Idaho.

[@9davidlong]

@@BB-rh2ml I said 2 counties haven't voted because clerks refused to call for vote.

[@BB-rh2ml]

@@9davidlong Cool but irrelevant. Was the vote in all the other counties 100% to 0%

[@9davidlong]

@@BB-rh2ml that's not how voting works.

[@BB-rh2ml]

@@9davidlong Oh, so that’s not how voting works when a county wants to join a different state yet that doesn’t apply to a state wide vote for other issues? So the voters who want to join Idaho feel like it’s unfair their views and ideology isn’t given the same weight as the majority of voters in the state YET they have no problem ignoring the voters in their county who don’t want to join Idaho. Looks like voting only counts when they get what they want. Classic.

[@RK-gu2fq]

Idaho is not looking to expand, the folks in eastern Oregon started this whole thing….literally without asking Idaho…it’s gained some popularity here in Idaho, mainly as an side-show because itll never happen…but for a while we were a little confused…kinda like your best friends parents finding out that you want them to adopt you

[@Obankenobi]

Exactly

[@elgatofelix8917]

That's what I immediately thought when I heard about this. Like, why would Idaho want to merge with a state that completely decriminalized every conceivable drug while Idaho itself hasn't even achieved medical marijuana or even legal CBD legislation?

[@RK-gu2fq]

@@elgatofelix8917 a lot of the eastern Oregon folks hate the decriminalization path Portland started on…while it’s not legal in Idaho, kids still go to OR to get high…and it’s starting to have an affect here, in Idaho, further solidifying our resolve against it.

[@paulfollo1782]

I cannot argue with a native idahoan on this issue, and congratulations for living there, I live in north kor- I mean new york. A few idahoan economic studies found it would massively benefit Idaho, and the legislature has, very recently, motioned to support eastern Oregons change. I'd definitely go look up how Idahos legislature has been giving support to this movement. I'm not sure I understand where this "Idaho is not looking to expand" statement is coming from. They've been very supportive.

[@dankfrank3262]

Exactly, the majority of Oregon is fed up with being taxed to death, their children being forced in liberal indoctrination in schools and all the weird shit that goes on in the cities. Portland was on fire for 3 straight months in 2020 and now liberals are shocked conservatives don't want anything to do with them? It's laughable, Idaho isn't trying to take them over, half their state want out of the yuppie nightmare shit show.

[@adamgrimes820]

Greater Idaho would be the best thing for the majority of people in eatern oregon and eastern Washington. 2/3 of those states have very little say due to the people in Seattle/Olympia and Portland. Rural people don’t have representation and the people from the city are trying to change things that they know nothing about. It’s sad

[@troywest7045]

Those people can move, you don't get to move state lines. Everyone is free to move to Idaho, but the land won't be going anywhere.

[@stevejamieson8468]

​@@troywest7045Redrawing the state lines would allow people to remain where they are. While changing the state affiliation and changing policies.

[@michellegiacalone1079]

But what about real issues? Idaho's minimum wage is half that of Oregon. Their GDP is 1/3 of Oregon's. They (their citizens) seem to have a hard enough time getting their government to address their infrastructure and development needs, let alone someone else's. The income that this part of the state generates may not be enough to make up for the drain on Idaho's budget, to be honest. AFAIS the only two high grossing areas in the East, Bend and The Dalles, have not signed on. I am all for people being represented in the way they want to be, but I see a lot of people being used as political tools and not particularly served well by the people who promised to have done so, and a 'solution' that really isn't. So maybe we (all of us Oregonians) can work this out?

[@JoshAnderson-jr6wx]

Oregonians are tired of Portland/Salem politics but don't want to leave their home, that's why they want to join most of Oregon with Idaho.

[@tangledupinbloo]

Oregonians who dislike progressive policies should move. I'm a lifelong Oregonian by choice. My heels are dug in. I will NEVER live in Idaho. "Move to Idaho ... set your clock back 100 years".

[@thomasdeturk5142]

There you go

[@hillbilly4895]

"When is Geoff gonna get a real job and move out of my basement?" ~ Geoff's dad

[@inconnu4961]

LOL

[@gamefanatics5113]

I remember as a young Idahoan I drove through Oregon for the first time. Pulled into a gas station and started trying to pump my own gas. Two guys came out hostile as can be yelling at me to step away from the pump.

[@srameypr]

That's because it's illegal to pump your own gas in OR (and NJ) because those states consider it safer for trained people to pump it, with the idea that it will prevent fires and spills. They do get testy about it, though. I got yelled at by an older lady at the first OR gas station I ever visited.

[@gamefanatics5113]

@@srameypr Yeah I know. I was giving a mini example of one of the many fundamental differences between the people who live in the states.

[@alansach8437]

Isn't great! Man, I miss the days when they came out and pumped the gas, checked your oil, washed your windshield!! Good old days!! Especially when it's freezing out, wind is whipping!! Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end...

[@underground9260]

Yeah, luckily, they don’t do that anymore. Maybe if you’re living in Portland. But in eastern Oregon, people pump their own gas without a gas attendant

[@2200Stinger]

@@srameypr It’s a way to create useless jobs. It has absolutely nothing to do with safety.

[@blondluck4621]

I have been following this story since its beginning, and every account but this one attributes the desire for a greater Idaho to the residents of eastern Oregon. Idaho being willing to accept these new residents, and the accompanying land area, is a loooong way from Idaho suddenly acquiring imperialist ambitions. While I understand that the loss of population and territory would reduce the perceived power of the Portland Democrats, I do NOT see a problem with people of similar cultural beliefs living in the same state as others who share those beliefs, as long as it can be accomplished peacefully and legally.

[@jds1275]

Especially since Oregon would only lose 1 rep in congress and that rep is already a repubican since it is the one that those counties vote on.

[@kevinaguilar7541]

Thr problem is that this is self segregation. Effectively a large way of echo chambering themselves.

[@inconnu4961]

@@kevinaguilar7541 But the Left already does this and I hear no one complain about it! I live in a very blue state, and Democrats run as both democrats AND republicans, because the Democrat machine decides which candidates will 'carry the water', NOT the voters. And the republican party here is SO weak that they will accept a philosophical democrat run, with only minor concessions, just so they can stay relevant in state politics.

[@andrewb1129]

Legality is just pretense for guys with guns. I want a peaceful change, but the only thing that made American Independence "Legal" was the men with guns who could not be stopped.

[@ronstoner1823]

Geoff needs to recheck his recent history. Idaho isn't trying to take up Oregon, we in eastern Oregon are tired of the Portland area running the state like it's California and giving the rest of the state the finger. And it was Kate Brown who was trying to shut people out of the public grounds in eastern Oregon so she could sell the mining rights to China.

[@poosley7476]

"giving the rest of the state the finger" oh sweetheart

[@ronstoner1823]

@@poosley7476 That's what I said, and if it wasn't true the rest of Oregon outside of Portland wouldn't be trying to succeed from Oregon (Portland) “sweetheart”.

[@thomasdeturk5142]

Move to Idaho pick up your bags and go.

[@thomasdeturk5142]

You packing up and going is worth it more than changing state line boundaries.

[@bj2294]

You’ve got it reversed. Eastern Oregon are the ones pushing for this. I live in Idaho and been listening to this for a while now. It is not a take over move from idaho. You’re right that it probably won’t happen because while our state government is listening for the most part they don’t want it. The people especially don’t want it.

[@troywest7045]

100% will never happen!

[@russsyracuse8143]

What can you do when your state is ruled by a couple of metropolitan areas?

[@terryevans1976]

And they have AntiFa counting the mail in ballots for them.

[@Not_Sal]

What do you expect? That’s where most of the people live

[@paulfollo1782]

@Not Sal so should we just keep going about perpetuating a system of under and overrepresentation? Doesn't seem like a practical way of going about things. The USA has the population and economy equivalent to the ENTIRE continent of Europe. We are a diverse nation economically and culturally because we are HUGE. If moving some state borders around, adding more electoral districts, decreasing the population/state represenative ratio (adding more reps in the lower chamber of congress) and clarifying electoral districts to try and end parry gerrymandering, we'd be all better off and in a happier, more customized nation that would benefit left right and center. We need creative change not 'oh well thats where the pops are'

[@toddkes5890]

@@paulfollo1782 We already have over-representation. Wyoming - ~600,000 people, 3 electoral votes California - ~39 million, 55 electoral votes California has ~65 times the population, but less than 20* as many electoral votes. If you dropped the population per electoral vote ratio, then California would wind up with ~67 electoral votes, and Wyoming would still only have 3 electoral votes.

[@paulfollo1782]

@Todd Kes the key argument I think both of us would agree on is a balance in the context of representation. If California did have 65x more votes instead of 20x, then what's stopping lawmakers from forever ignoring the entirety of the heartland in favor of metro areas? Now I can't imagine you disagreeing with the statement that those states already lack national focus and attention. Now imagine with 40x less say in government. That would be catastrophic and the domination of the majority, not even simple majority rule, within the context of nationwide representation. This is a good example I think you'd agree: California's economy is slightly smaller than Germany, and wyomings is about Latvia. Both these countries are in the EU and are offered equal representation on economic and political matters (on paper at least), which I think we'd both agree, is a good thing. Now why, when it comes to Cali vs wyo, should Cali dominate and wyo should just put up with it because no one lives there? Idk if you are advocating the stat u gave, or just pointing out the already prevalent injustice in our system, power 2u, but do u understand an implementation of that stat would entail the political domination of CA, TX, NY, FL against the later 46 states?

[@RK-gu2fq]

Side note: there’s a movement in Washington state to split the state in half, to make an East and West Washington

[@ChrisNoonetheFirst]

That will only increase taxes and add Republicans to the Senate. Just like having 2 Dakotas. Bigger states are more efficient and have better economies, not that Republicans care about the economy

[@RK-gu2fq]

@@ChrisNoonetheFirst there’s no evidence that bigger states are more economical; but this would add more representation which no one would take lightly…so like all decisions, this (which won’t ever happen) would mean Democrats would insist on splits of there own

[@ChrisNoonetheFirst]

@@RK-gu2fq The evidence is pretty clear: even among the Blue states the smaller ones (RI, DE, NH, etc) are all significantly worse off than the larger ones like NY & CA. If you think about it it just makes sense: small states just exist to “gerrymander” the Senate. The big states where people live pay all the taxes and get none of the say

[@heymikeyh9577]

As an eastern Washingtonian, I’d be equally happy to join greater Idaho…

[@RK-gu2fq]

@@ChrisNoonetheFirst - no, I disagree. Smaller states don’t exist to gerrymander the Senate -or House (which is more powerful). And a state’s size is no indication of its economic strength.

[@Kenny-rn2xc]

This movement started in east Oregon, not Idaho. Your video pushes the idea that this is an Idaho land grab. It definitely is not that.

[@cnkis]

It’s the other way around! 😂 Trust me, we people in Idaho are perfectly happy the way things are.

[@lapdogg]

I’m an Oregonian and I love my state too. I also think Idaho is pretty beautiful as well. I think we make good neighbors. We definitely don’t need to move in together. Lol. When I want to come visit I’ll go there… I won’t make you come to me. 😂 but you’re always welcome to visit. 😁

[@thomasparker7305]

I live in Oregon, and this is not because Idaho wants more land, this is because those live in the areas that is being affected wants to be free from the strangle hold that Portland has on us. What is happening in Portland and the cities on the west side and the laws that Oregon is passing is causing so many problems. And it hasn't happened for a while, but state lines have changed before. And maybe it needs to start to happen again. The reason they were leaving Bend out is that it has the same mindset of the west side of the state. It's not easy to change the boarders. Those voted in office in Oregon get voted in by 2 to 3 counties that's it. It doesn't matter what any other county's think. We want our votes to matter. Right now, there is no point to vote because whatever Portland wants, they get. This is the reason why we want the boarder to be moved. Geoff I don't think you really understand what is going on here and your video reflects that.

[@dankelly5150]

I'm gonna guess that if any annexation does happen that it would be very small portions of the very eastern part of Oregon at first. I just can't see a huge portion being swallowed up by Idaho with Democrat voting towns in them. Gonna guess it would be almost all rural.

[@thomasparker7305]

@@dankelly5150 Almost all of central and eastern Oregon is rural. Bend being the exception.

[@marty88ish]

If you don’t like the supposed “strangle hold” Portland has on you why don’t you just move to Idaho? Honestly everyone has to deal with a form of “strangle hold” I hate that the electoral college allows far right morons in rural areas to win elections over the popular vote. If the electoral college was eliminated extreme right politicians would never hold a presidency again. The system is currently being compromised by their stupidity.

[@thomasparker7305]

@@marty88ish Because it's not a simply as easy to move. Why do we have to deal with the failure of the democrat policies? They are destroying the cities. Also do you realize we live in the United States? With out the electoral college, only the largest cities will have the power to vote some one in or out. Most of Oregon counties didn't vote the way Portland votes. You think it's a good idea to only let a few places dictate who is in power? Do you not like that it's the united state and want it it to be the united cities of America?

[@marty88ish]

@@thomasparker7305 not easy to move but easy to alter state boundaries? That’s insane. I do think the popular vote is what should matter. Right now this county is having to consider the opinions of groups that are completely unAmerican, Christian nationalist like Marjorie Taylor Greene for example. The electoral college is overriding what the majority of the population in this country wants, how is that fair? You act like you’re the only ones under a strangle hold.

[@americandirt7834]

Hi Geoff! What's the best position to be in when dropping a deuce on a Portland sidewalk? How can I squat and make sure I'm squatting progressively?

[@inconnu4961]

LOL Yes Geoff, we ALL wanna know how you do it!

[@DavidShort-ov5vb]

I just practiced by taking a country duky, is that the same! May be a good thing, since I may become homeless because of the increased price for food and necessities. To think that I used to could afford to live on my meager income and now I have to watch my spending habits. Better go take a country duchy.

[@brianjordan-5357]

The people in the counties in Oregon, Washington, and California started the greater Idaho concept. Many of these same counties have voted to become part of Idaho, some multiple times. Idaho has said they would welcome the counties if all the required legal requirements were achieved. None of this is about "Idaho expanding," it's about the citizenry in the affected counties getting representation in state government. Pointing out potential economic ramifications is disengeous.

[@EL.JEFE1231]

where did you get this from? The state Sen, only said they would listen and speak with Oregon if it passed. As someone who lives here, I wouldn't want any of this.,

[@thatkoalabear]

I’m not an American but I wish for the US to continue living in peace and freedom. The world still relies on you ❤️ for stability and consistency. No other country in the world has so many different cultures, subcultures, variety of natural resources, climates, industries, services and yet able to thrive under one banner called the United States of America ❤ may God bless you all forever

[@_Devil]

thank you Marklin. I hope for a peaceful resolution to our political division too. The world relies on us for so much so if we go down, the entire planet goes down with us, and that would be a humanitarian crisis the likes of which we cannot fathom.

[@blondluck4621]

Honestly, both Russia and China have similar advantages in terms of resources and cultural variations, but they do not seem to handle them as well as the US. Things are a bit dicey here in the US these days, but we still hope to keep managing our advantages reasonably well. Thank you for your words of support and encouragement!

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

❤

[@mr.raslyon6626]

Our strength was in our ability to have government leave you the hell alone, aside from allowing oppression and tyranny to fester. Too many people have ruined that balance.

[@lamarravery4094]

We have problems too. We're not as peaceful as other countries think we are. And we have many differences, but we always had problems and we continue to move on.

[@mousasaab2652]

I think it’s a good idea if the people in those counties vote on it. It’s simply representation

[@user-sk7zc1fc5u]

Oregonians stay in your own state.

[@daryl4841]

If this actually happened(doubtful), it could easily set in motion a bunch of similar border changes of other states. Central and southern Illinois wanting to join another state like Indiana or Iowa and get away from Chicago politics as one example.

[@chazwick75]

And that’s a bad thing?? People wanting to be properly represented without having to give up everything they’ve worked for?? Sounds almost 1770’s like.

[@americandirt7834]

@@chazwick75 Yes, it's a bad thing. And I hate what western Oregon has become. This is a horrible solution for exactly the reason Daryl mentioned. If the states keep changing their boundaries willy-nilly, eventually it conveys a notion that they are disunited and may be better off as 50 countries. Oregon's increasingly radical politics that treat treat the mostly rural eastern half of the state as chopped liver are what has lead to this.

[@Hokie11]

It doesn’t matter. Oregon’s legislature will never cede part of its territory to Idaho

[@andrewb1129]

Good for them. Philadelphia could join MD or NY. Portland Maine could join Massachusetts. California could break up. Detroit, Cincinnati and Cleveland could form up under whichever banner they prefer. Self-determination is good, it's how America came to be in the first place.

[@aidanwotherspoon905]

It’ll really be a gerrymandering of the entire electoral college. 80% of congress representatives (on both sides of the aisle) worry more about losing a primary than losing in a general election; if you look at congressional districts, it’s clear why. If they start changing state borders, how long until you get the United Jigsaw Puzzle of America?

[@gmariet1391]

I've only heard of Oregonians wanting to leave the to far left and merge with Idaho . Idaho doesn't object at least partially .

[@_Devil]

You know, legally speaking, I think states should be allowed to change their borders like this (with permission from both state governments, of course). The politics of today have become so divisive that honestly the rural Republicans of East Oregon might be better off under Idaho's management. Portland alone tends to run the entire state of Oregon and considering how Portlanders see the rural populace as "liabilities" to their state, I say why not let them join Idaho where they'll be more respected and represented?

[@kevinaguilar7541]

Because then there would never be order within the nation. Politicians will be spending more time trying to gerrymander the state borders instead of doing the work. The real solution is to stop voting for Republicans and democrats.

[@korihawkins2509]

It is legal. And if it became common, maybe those in power to represent their state would start listening to those who voted them in.

[@exploringidaho]

title is misleading. Eastern Oregon wants to join Idaho, Idaho doesn't want to take over Oregon. This all started in Eastern Oregon.

[@KushinLos]

Hell, I'm more open to Eastern Oregon and Idaho being members in a future successor nation state than changing our iconic look. That said, I'm neutral on whether the border actually shifts but giddy about the topic

[@exploringidaho]

@KushinLos why would the Idaho tax payer want to keep those Eastern Oregon counties afloat when we already have enough to deal with our current 44 counties. Just a big headache for nothing. At least Northern Nevada has more minerals and Gold. Let west Oregon pay for the rest of the state.

[@KushinLos]

@Exploring Greater Idaho well, there's more people in the area of Eastern Oregon than our entire state, so I'm not certain there would be much change in the tax burden and Geoff even mentions that there's mineral wealth in the area, in particular Lithium, as well.

[@adamlhayman]

@@exploringidaho I'm an Idaho taxpayer, and I'd be fine with my tax dollars going to help someone live free of rules and goverment they find oppressive. Isn't that kind of the whole point of our goverment? It's primary purpose is supposed to be securing liberty for those within it's pervue. Granted, that's not how it actually works anymore, but it is how it's supposed to work.

[@exploringidaho]

@@KushinLos Eastern Oregons population is actually pretty low especially when you take out Bend, The Dalles and Pendleton. Definitely lower than Idahos current 1.9 million. I haven't look too much into the lithium mine area in the SE corner of Oregon to see how fruitful it is. Idaho is big on land conservation though and I don't think it wouldn't take that in to consideration.

[@stog9821]

While Geoff is correct that it probably won’t happen, it is true that the eastern rural portions of WA, OR and CA are more like Kansas than San Francisco, and the populations of these counties are becoming more and more frustrated with rule from their states’ liberal cities. In fact, the very definition of a blue state is one where the major city (or cities) overwhelm the rural areas and lower tier cities. That also applies to NY, IL and any number of other states. A red state is one where the cities don’t have that much sway - even Jackson, MS is a Democratic city but doesn’t control MS as a whole. Would it really be such a terrible thing if like minded populations had more control over their lives?

[@carlac9026]

Umm Geoff, Idaho does not want to take over Oregon! Eastern Oregonians want to join Idaho!

[@gshann73]

Geoff makes the idea of residents in an area wanting to be better represented by their government sound like a bad thing. That’s a pretty bad take.

[@MrBadjohn69]

Geoff does not like conservatives as his narration shows. Aside from that Greater Idaho is a nonsense idea. I guess he has no real topics to cover.

[@leomarkaable1]

Geoff is a closeted ( or should I say basemented ) liberal nerd and his take is interesting but increasingly predictable.

[@caulkins69]

Geoff and Portland deserve each other.

[@dougmartin7129]

If you don’t like where you live…..move.

[@MrBadjohn69]

@@dougmartin7129 I guess people can move to the American Southwest. Oh wait, there is no drinking water. Lets move to the Midwest where there is lead in the water pipes and trains derail and burn. That sounds better.

[@eatsh1t]

The precedent was set in 1861 with West Virginia seceding from Virginia

[@eatsh1t]

@@brandoncameron2686 West Virginia seceding from Virginia did not cause 600,000 individuals to die. The 11 states on the other hand did when they tried to leave the Union. That’s akin to Czechoslovakia splitting up into two under the guise of the European Union.

[@jayc222]

Actually, VA left the country and WV split from it in order to remain a part of the union. Not comparable at all to the Trumpster trash of East OR wanting to leave because they don’t like their neighbors.

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

you should stop eating that, it will make you sick

[@eatsh1t]

@@PendeltonWhiskey I don’t eat, I breathe in air and food.

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

@@eatsh1t put the bong down

[@lucystrider728]

When you add eastern Oregon resulting Idaho looks like it is flipping the bird. I can see the flag now.

[@DavidShort-ov5vb]

I like the analogy.

[@SAMeyer-hh7cv]

Funny, I said the same thing...flipping the bird!😮

[@hubbablahloo1843]

Eastern Washington wants to join Idaho as well. The same dynamics in Eastern Oregon are here as well.

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

nope - I live in eastern WA and would never want to be part of Idaho

[@hubbablahloo1843]

@@sterlingmarshel6299 bullshit stop lying Seattle tard I travel all over eastern WA and talk with all sorts of folks and overwhelmingly they hate what the folks on the other side of the mountains force on us.

[@Ag7isheree]

@@hubbablahloo1843 ok just because you met some eastern people that agree with you in WA doesn’t mean not every eastern doesn’t want to be part of Idaho some eastern even votes the left since you didn’t pay attention to it….

[@darylsmioth1904]

@@sterlingmarshel6299 I live in eastern Wa too and 100% disagree with your post. We need to break away for Seattle/west coast.

[@OndreaS123]

I'm in E. Wa here too. I'd rather E. WA split off to form it's own state. If that's not an option, joining ID would work. i've said it before: the abusers (progressives/leftists) will not willingly let their victims(conservatives) go, and there is no denying it is now an abusive relationship. If they claim the east side cannot support itself, 1)they're wrong and 2) let them find out, let them fail.... I'm betting they won't fail and they all know it.

[@chrisbrass8930]

I take issue with some of the framing used in this video. I realize that much of the framing is Red state vs Blue state and/or conservative vs liberal or progressive but I think that's an over simplification of the problem we see in regards to the Greater Idaho Movement. First some clarification, I do currently live and grew up in Iowa but from 2010-2015 I lived in the Medford area, specifically White City and Medford itself. But I was born in Seattle and have family there that I often visited while growing up, the more formative years of my life and I drove semi truck across all 48 lower states. That's not intended to be some sort of bragging on my part just a precursor to the obvious "but how do you know it's like that out here" challenges that often takes place during decisive subjects like this one. I know because I've spent a considerable amount of time in the region. I will say that politics does play a major role in the problem and until the politics are fixed the problem will continue to get worse. Regarding the Eastern Oregon counties, the reason why they have such strong desire to become part of Idaho is because they don't feel like the state government is listening to them. An interview with the guy who supposedly started the movement said on CBS Sunday morning program (available on KZbin) that when talking to an elected politician in Salem saying "You guys don't listen to us out here" was told "we listen, we just outvote you" and my experience is that lots of people in the more rural regions feel this way, not just in Oregon but all 48 lower states. I can't speak for Alaska or Hawaii, but I'll be mildly surprised if it's any different there. The whole republican walkout that took place in 2019 took place because the Representatives from the Eastern part of the state felt that an environmental bill would be damaging to them living in that part of the state. They didn't have enough votes to stop the bill from passing, but they had enough votes to prevent a quorum so they used the only tactic available to them "we can't get modifications made to the bill to get our approval and we can't prevent it from passing, but we can prevent it from getting to the floor to be voted on". Speaking from a representative Republic form of government, continuing down this path is destructive. The purpose of representative Republic is sending people to represent your best interest, the expectations people have from their government is to listen to them. When citizens don't feel that they are being listened to good outcomes are not very likely. I think that the problem isn't so much red vs blue, but a failure on the part of government to listen to a sizable chunk of their citizenry. I get it, this sets a bad president having Oregon counties defect to Idaho, but the best way to do that is for those elected officials in the western side of the state listen to the concerns of those who live on the east side of the Cascades. It wouldn't hurt to quit reminding those citizens that western Oregon collects more tax revenue than the eastern portion of the state, because passing laws that prevents a man from going out and getting a well paying job that allows him to pay the taxes that supports the school that his kids attend then telling him that the only reason the school is there is because he's suckling from the teat of western citizens isn't a good way to make friends and influence people.

[@davidjackson7281]

Such a very nice long dissertation that can be summed up simply as "tyranny by the majority".

[@chrisbrass8930]

@@davidjackson7281 yes, it is a long monologue, but when addressing elitists you need to dress it up some. When you tell them that they are behaving like tyrants they mock and scoff. My goal is to make them realize that they are being tyrants before the ones that are pissed off at them begin to teat them like tyrants

[@davidjackson7281]

@@chrisbrass8930 I liked your monologue. Your goal sounds good. I see your point. I enjoyed all of the numerous comments on this video.

[@Derek032789]

What about Republicans who live in western Oregon? They don't want the eastern part to secede; they'd have even less power after cession to Idaho.

[@herschelwright4663]

Greater Manitoba could expand into northern Ontario, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.

[@jer2689]

Why would that happen?

[@johnlacey3857]

@@jer2689 Same idea... Ontario politics are dominated by the population centers of Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe, leaving Northern Ontario out of sight and out of mind. Manitoba is largely rural and has much more in common with Northern Ontario.

[@jer2689]

@@johnlacey3857 True but you think Winnipeg would run shit better? We could just make Manitoba swallow up Northern Quebec and Labrador too

[@johnlacey3857]

@@jer2689 I don’t know if Winnipeg would run things any better. But I do know that the people of places like Kenora, Fort Frances, Rainy River, etc deserve representation that they feel represents them.

[@jer2689]

@@johnlacey3857 probably... I would say that of all the provinces BC has been the worst settled of them all. How is one community in the absolute corner of the province gonna have like 70% of the population. Its so weird... but i guess no one wants to live in the hills :/

[@bbuhdj]

I generally like your videos that I have seen, but this one seems to miss the mark. From what I have seen it is the Oregon counties as well as some in Washington and California that have been calling for this. You make it seem as if it is Idaho that is in the driver's seat. Having once lived in a state that I saw changing into something I didn't like, I do feel for the people wanting a change. I choose to move but that may not be an option for many.

[@jds1275]

A lot of these people in eastern Oregon live on generationa properties so leaving would be giving up property held by family for decades longer than the current residence have been alive.

[@kellett-101]

Title got it backwards Oregon wants to join Idaho.

[@scottf2873]

I'm a native Oregonian. This is definitely Oregon counties wanting to leave for something better, and it just so happens to be Idaho right now. The end of your video really took an extreme turn and I actually felt confused based on your hypothetical scenarios. It's legit not accurate, especially since the conservatives just want to be left alone in the first place.

[@skurinski]

he is obviously a leftard

[@dubbyu4286]

If that happens, it would be a big middle finger to the rest of the country

[@redlethe8679]

No it woulnd't be. Half of the country wouldn't be able to blame them for splitting because why would one want to live in a state where everything is decided by one city nowhere close by? Especailly a city most of the state hates?

[@annetreacy2437]

@@redlethe8679 I think they mean it actually looks like a big middle finger 😁

[@kellyemontana62]

Montana and Wyoming would support them. We get it.

[@jtt8237]

@@redlethe8679 oh no the poor neo Nazis live in a state where the millions of progressives have more influence than them seeing as that’s how democracy works… they can cope, go back to abusing their kids and grooming them to be child soldiers in some made up race war or whatever they do these days

[@redlethe8679]

@@annetreacy2437 it looks like a thumbs up to me.

[@BladeStar420]

I think it would be a good thing to redraw the states borders, but not for political reasons. The number one reason would be for water rights. States should be formed first and foremost around access to aquifers and major rivers. Also, Greater Arizona would extend into Mexico, not California :)

[@briankoski817]

But a majority of the Columbia River comes from the Trail, BC area of water runoff.. Imo the state of WA doesn't pay enough for "water rights".

[@no-th6in]

Nah, Mexico should expand

[@xp8969]

Mexico should take back all the land the US stole from them: NM, AZ, CO, UT, NV, and CA

[@DarkMoonAngel49]

Nah, we the people in Arizona don't need Mexico or Cali, we have plenty of both

[@silversolver7809]

@@no-th6in Again? Last time it owned ~1/3 of USA, it didn't end well.

[@trainerjoe9469]

You should look into the failed proposal for the state of Columbia. About 40 years ago, representatives from Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana all tried to get their counties to be removed from their respective states to form a new state. I remember it vividly, as my government professor said the one thing they had to do if it succeeded was to rename whatever city that was chosen to be the capital (likely Spokane) to Christopher. A joke that bad sticks with you, even this long.

[@karthikboyareddygari568]

I don't see why anybody would lose access to those nature sites in eastern Oregon if it were to become part of Idaho. Unless they are specifically located where resources are abundant, I don't expect that today sites would cease to exist.

[@dl2839]

Yeah, this change wouldn't do anything at all to prevent people from driving from western to eastern oregon or vice-versa. There isn't a border checkpoint and visa application to get into Idaho when you're coming in from a different state.

[@EL.JEFE1231]

they don't want to pay for the out-of-state access

[@kollibriterresonnenblume2314]

Good video. As someone who's spent time in western and eastern Oregon, I can tell you that much of eastern Oregon does indeed feel like western Idaho, culturally. In terms of the lithium deposits in southeastern Oregon, the major decider there is the BLM, not the state. I'm not sure how much input Oregon has. I have visited the area, in order to see what's threatened by the proposed lithium development, and I definitely oppose the mining. It's a beautiful area, home to much wildlife, and culturally important plants. It would be a tragedy if it were torn up.

[@alexdaugherty7472]

The lithium deposits may be on BLM land but Oregon has a long history of fighting such developments. A few years ago pressured closure of a gold mine and also the natural gas facilities that were supposed to go into Coos Bay.

[@kollibriterresonnenblume2314]

@@alexdaugherty7472 Yep that's true. I was thinking of the state gov't, but you're right that popular environmental movements are stronger in Oregon than in Idaho. I talked with a friend who's close to these issues since posting this comment, and the Oregon state DEQ might have a role to play. They do, for example, with the clean-up of a closed mercury mine that's in the same area as the lithium claims. I think that trying to stop lithium mines might be a little heavier lift than other types of mining or energy infrastructure because it is considered to be "green" energy. The environmental community is split on the issue, though the anti-lithium side seems to be gradually gaining support, as more people realize that a) replacing the entire vehicle fleet with electric cars is not possible, and b) we should be focusing first on reducing our consumption, not finding other ways of fueling it.

[@jerrymoore838]

Its always ironic though that we love our products that require lithium to function, but dont want our yards torn up to get it. Go get it over there by whatever means needed, as long as I dont see it. Sad irony

[@kollibriterresonnenblume2314]

@@jerrymoore838 Nope. I am opposed to mining lithium mining over here AND over there. What I believe we should be doing is intentionally dismantling our complex civilization and operating on a much simpler level that doesn't require ecocide to support.

[@chuckbaker6935]

If you oppose lithium mining alot of people will be parking their electric cars soon

[@juliarichmond5904]

Geoff, your perspective on this missed the mark and it’s representational of the sort of tone deaf stance Portland and the major metro areas have toward the rest of Oregon. Idaho isn’t being some sort of aggressor in this. It’s that many Oregonians disagree with the progressive policies of metro areas but are voted down again and again. You didn’t do your homework on this one.

[@patmayo5307]

Eastern Oregon counties have been exploring joining Idaho for over a decade. Imagine living in a state where you pay taxes yet have little to no political representation in the State Assembly/House. Eastern California residents have the same problem.

[@erin_garinger]

Hey, an Eastern Oregonian here. This video is great, but there is something missing I was hoping you'd touch on more. I don't think this comes out of nowhere, while the political reasons for moving the border is stupid (and moving it in the fist place would be too), I also think it would be important for the State to increase investment and/or craft policy to help the economic situation out here. I live for example in the second most unemployed county in the state, right behind Malheur county. The lack of opportunity is so depressing, and every year our communities suffer more and more. There is a material reason for everyone on this side of the state to be unhappy with the current way things are done. To be clear, I don't think we should move the border, it would be terrible. We already rely on the west side of the state for funding, it's just not enough in my opinion. Eastern Oregon is drowning economically, and it needs help. I don't think it will happen though unfortunately, that's why I'm trying to save money so we can move to the west side of the state.

[@marvinbrewer8637]

It's Portland and Eugene that are the problem. Messure 114

[@erin_garinger]

@@marvinbrewer8637 Yeah, that's where we'll disagree. I am in support of 114 sorry

[@WIILIAMHOWELL]

Well, go ahead and move to the prosperity of the metro area, please. The economics to moving the border is a win-win. Check out the study done by Points Consulting. The idea of "the State" assisting rural counties to prosperity will not happen, nor should it. Rural Oregonians just want to be left alone to prosper as Idahoans have. Get Salem and the federal gov. out of the way and economic recovery and prosperity could return.

[@erin_garinger]

@@WIILIAMHOWELL if the move the border happened, it would be nice to have financial assistance for people who want to stay Oregonians to move West. If that happened I'd be less against it. But I'm too poor to get out rn 😂

[@rikiishitoru8885]

Isn't it possible that state policies are biased in favor of the west side at the expense of the east?

[@zackhansen5773]

The big part he left out is whether or not the actual citizenry in east Oregon wants to leave a state in which their political representation goes for nothing. I’m all for them joining Idaho if that’s what they prefer

[@korihawkins2509]

Yes, we do.

[@toddsaylor8784]

I'll speak for Washington. My job and extended family is here. But, I feel like I am not represented in state or federal government. What happens to all that pent up frustration over time. Eventually, it leads to acting out and discord.

[@katlynklassen809]

This is about people in Oregon trying to be a part of Idaho. Not Idaho trying to expand. Frame it correctly.

[@xXTAMROCKSXx]

So greater Idaho is a bad idea because conservatives will have more power in their own state 😂

[@inconnu4961]

I wonder who Geoff voted for in the last election? "Yes, I think a man with dementia would do a GREAT job running the country--says every democrat

[@HardcoreFourSix]

The situation in Eastern Washington are much the same. Among the problems with that happening, legal weed is an obstacle. Idaho is not free territory when it comes to adult use of the substance of their choice. Idaho is very good on the RKBA though

[@JS-vn1og]

Actually it would be a good thing. Since most of the people in these counties that want to move the borders have no say in their start state government anymore and get ignored treated like they do not matter. It would be good for borders throughout the country to change to limit the power of a few mega cities over vast swathes of lands where they can ignore the rural people's needs for their silly "utopian" ideas that only cause harm.

[@inconnu4961]

Or we could just purge ALL the democrats from the land! This would be more fun and would save America for generations! LOL

[@user-sk7zc1fc5u]

It would be a bad thing!!!

[@JHunt-qh5ek]

It's not Idaho trying to take over, it's eastern Washington and eastern Oregon wanting to succeed from their current states. Northern California has been wanting to to part from the state of California for a long time. You have your facts all wrong.

[@iboKirby]

I mean I lived as a child in Bend, OR and Eastern Oregon being its own state was something ever present in discourse of the time so I think it’s funny now that they want to not include Bend. Bend is a much more liberal place now than it was 10-20 years ago, but I still think it would be the single most important piece of land that Eastern Oregon would need to survive should it leave the rest of Oregon. Eastern Oregon joining Idaho is something much newer that started gaining traction long after my family moved away.

[@normanclatcher]

Bend seems to consider itself "Central Oregon" now.

[@iboKirby]

@@normanclatcher it was always central Oregon

[@Jasondirt]

Every election cycle the team that lost cries and says they are running away. I seen texas, Missouri, Oregon, California and more. All do it. It's dumb. What we need to do is stop letting "special interest groups" tell people how to act. And people need to grow up.

[@mr.raslyon6626]

Blame Twilight

[@KEW1945]

The founder of the movement lives in La Pine, I'm sure he talked to Bend legislators before going around them

[@tampastorm]

You have it backwards. The movement began in Oregon. The title is misleading

[@williamolliges2622]

City people largely have no earthly clue how to govern rural areas, and the largely populated areas steamroll the rurals with their city mouse ideas. Meanwhile, country mice get more resentful at a lack of representation, and move , or in this case try to move a border. But what the hell do I know? I’m just a suburban mouse who identifies as a rural mouse.

[@PeterBrownscouts]

Let me tell you how this could happen more easily than Geoff says. It has to do with making DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Guam. These areas are all very democratic. One way to coax Republicans to admit them is to balance it with splits in Washington and Oregon, California, perhaps even Illinois and Pennsylvania.

[@jeffmiller7277]

Actually Eastern Oregon wants to join Idaho because we are not being represented.

[@oregonborn9769]

I live in oregon. And have lots of friends and family out east. Most of eastern oregon wants to join idaho. Not the other way around. But idaho has to vote to allow them to join first before oregon can vote to let those counties join idaho.

[@ThatGuyz82]

If the founding fathers had fathomed what direction technology and the changing world would take, I bet they would have addressed this in the constitution. It only makes sense that self governing people be allowed to select their leaders. That said, I am sure there are plenty of people in necessary positions that will never let this happen. Which is sad.

[@bobbun9630]

You're falling for the "Founding Fathers" mythos. The people who were most responsible for the establishment of the United States were the "wealthy elites" of their time and place, and were absolutely looking out for their own interests first. Moreover, they were not all in agreement on a wide range of topics, which is why they crafted a compromise constitution that could actually get approved by states with a wide range of competing interests rather than the "perfect governing document" that so many people would like to believe. There's no reason to believe that if something would benefit us today and the "Founding Fathers" knew what that thing was that they would have been either interested or capable of implementing it in the U.S. Constitution.

[@austinedgemon8769]

As a conservative living in Salem oregon I have very mixed feelings about this. On one hand, as a conservative I sympathize with those in eastern oregon and I have those of moving to Idaho for the mentioned reason. On the other hand, as an Oregonian, the idea of giving up land, regardless of how good the reasoning, really rubs me the wrong way. I rarely make it over grants pass buy I can tell you that both the political climate and the geography really are like night and day. In the Willamette valley it's trees as far as the eye can see. Out there, it feels like nothing but desert. It's frustrating to me that I can get along with those people better but I prefer the weather in the valley

[@zibbitybibbitybop]

The fact that the counties themselves are the ones who first proposed that they move to Idaho makes this a lot less politically concerning than you make it sound. They're justifiably fed up with feeling like they have no representation in the heavily left-leaning state government, so they want to leave and join one that reflects their views better. That's pretty sensible, and it's the same gripe that several rural counties in SE California have.

[@rldement]

So will it be ok if liberal parts of Conservatives states form their own states? See where this is going?

[@winstonsocrates4381]

It might actually benefit political philosophy if both sides did what you just described. Because then there’d be a debate on what sort of community deserves statehood. And once that’s established, Americans would adapt to that standard.

[@AlecMuller]

@@rldement Hell yes. It works both ways. Any county (or town, depending on how things are organized) should be able to choose which state best represents them. Who am I to stand in the way of my local city turning itself into a progressive paradise like Detroit, San Francisco, or Chicago? When more people get to choose, more people get to live under government that represents their values.

[@Hebrew42Day]

@@rldement They are already trying that with fifteen minute cities, keeping you from moving out. California is also trying to push hard for an exit tax.

[@rldement]

@@AlecMuller So you are sating Austin TX could join California? Or just become their own state?

[@michaelf7093]

Montana and Wyoming should merge. As should N and S Dakota.

[@bigkahuna1919]

Honestly if the entirety of oregon could ditch portland and Eugene, it probably would.

[@fordrac1ng81]

This is basically the west virginia situation where somewhere on the other side of the state and a mountain range is dictating what is going on and it's causing them harm. I think the east side of washington would prefer to join Idaho as well and it would be good overall for Idaho.

[@user-sk7zc1fc5u]

In no way would it be good for Idaho. We don't need more desert land. We wouldn't gain anything.

[@SuperSirianRigel]

I'm okay with this. If the people in Eastern Oregon feel like they have no say in their state... Then this is a possible solution. Of course everyone could just leave as people usually do. Either way... The country will be divided... So it doesn't really matter how it happens. Just gotta pray somehow that the division will somehow cease all together. I fear Only God could probably save the US from slowly going down that road at this point though.

[@thearachnid7779]

Amen. But almost half a million people feel this way. Imagine if they all moved to Idaho the traffic would be a nightmare. They'd also have to pave over all their farmland for houses and schools and stuff. The Declaration of Independence even said something about this. "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,.. ..But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

[@JayNohh]

Why would the division be a bad thing? Maybe alot of folks don't want to be partnered up with or have to put up with a growing force of "progressive" policies that only cause the ship they're in to become a sinking ship over time.

[@thearachnid7779]

@@JayNohh "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

[@JayNohh]

@The Arachnid777 Yes, government created division is not a good thing. But enough of the average people also becoming a certain way with their mindset or moral compass that only helps bring an area, state, or nation down isn't a good thing either. I have no problem with a "progressive" doing their thing and applying the "live and let live". I do have a problem with anyone shoving their ideals down my throat, or it being carried out in ways that only ends up being a disservice to everyone around them.

[@mrbean6484]

I still do not see why you believe this would be bad. Having some states be very blue and others very red sound great to me, and would allow for more state control and less federal regulations needed.

[@korihawkins2509]

I agree. I have heard this argument before and never understood why people fear it. Seems common sense to me

[@heronimousbrapson863]

There's a similar phenomenon in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The coast tends to lean left and the interior regions (with a few exceptions) tend to lean right. There have periodically been advocates for joining Alberta in southeastern and northeastern parts of BC. It will also never happen; the constitutional barriers to it are difficult to overcome.

[@gasstationsushi5842]

it’s not really gerrymandering if that’s what the people want. That’s the entire point of federalism and states having power is being able to live somewhere that shares your values

[@greenmountainbrownie6473]

In the state of Tennessee you have what are called "Grand Division", its not really a government level but the Constitution of Tennessee states that each of its Grand Divisions must have representation on the Tennessee Supreme Court as well as representation on a text book commission. Maybe if the problem these people have is a lack of representation it would be in the interest of Oregon and Washington to make "Grand Divisions" themselves based upon geologic lines, Allowing people throughout the states to have better representation and more of a voice. Oregon could have 9 Grand Divisions (Coast Range, Klamath Mountains, Deschutes-Columbia Plateau, Willamette Valley, Blue Mountains, Basin & Range and Owyhee Uplands, High Lava Plains and Cascade Mountains) whereas Washington could have 5 (Olympic Peninsula, Coast Range, Puget Sound Lowlands, Cascade Range, Columbia Plateau and Rocky Mountains). This would allow greater representation outside of coastal cities while preserving the unity of Oregon and Washington.

[@thearachnid7779]

Fascinating, I've never heard of that before.

[@greenmountainbrownie6473]

@@thearachnid7779 Indeed it is :) Its why the flag of Tennessee has 3 stars :)

[@thearachnid7779]

@@greenmountainbrownie6473 Ohhh that's really cool.

[@bobbun9630]

You'll note that Tennessee doesn't use those divisions to allocate legislative seats. Tennessee also gave us the case of Baker v. Carr, which established that apportionment for state legislative seats must be by population, making your scheme untenable as a solution for most of the claims of misrepresentation being made by those in eastern Oregon.

[@jds1275]

Wouldnt happen progressives hate the idea of not being able to control everyone. When they use the phrase our democracy they dont mean ours. They mean their democracy with us being little less than servants even.

[@firstlas9647]

Dude, Idaho isn't taking anything over. Oregonians are the ones wanting to move the borders. And this is a WONDERFUL precedent.

[@jonathandudley6589]

My uncle lives in Redding California and I can see why they want to leave California and join Idaho. I feel like when a state government only focuses on the urban centers then the rural counties have every right to voice their opinions. The difference is tho that California and Oregon make laws to hurt rural counties, such as banning the sale of combustion engines. For over 30 years California has invested directly into the coastal areas or the state parks up north. If the people have lived in the state for 30 years and the state government has done nothing for them, the state doesn’t deserve the land.

[@smesui1799]

How about northern & southern New York state ? Please also cover this similar topic. Thank you !

[@JTL1776]

Soon, we'll have. IDAHO. Vs TEXAS, who's the bigger republican state.

[@elscorpioperfecto3260]

Texas? It borders a region of Mexico that is culturally similar to it lol…. Greater Texas may reach far north as Wyoming lol

[@conspicobserver]

It’s the other way around Geoff. Eastern Oregon needs to meld with Eastern Washington and huddle around no tax base for a few years and find out why the need their coasts.

[@johnschuh8616]

The rural/urban split ought to be the focus. What has happened in Portland and indeed in the rest of the western cities in Washington and Oregon is more about ephemera such as identity politics and environmentalism rather than proper development of the potential wealth of the states.

[@julius-stark]

7:41 but if the people in those counties vote to join another state, should their wishes not be met? The jerrymandered argument only works if this were strictly politicians wanting this. This started as a direct response of those Eastern Oregon counties feeling as though they were not being representing but not having the numbers to match those in the Western part of the state to vote out the politicians they feel are not serving their interest. West Virginia broke away from Virginia and the world didn't end. If the people vote for it I say do it.

[@inconnu4961]

Democrats hate freedom! They lose THEIR power when people have freedom!

[@jlawsl]

Having come back to the US after 5 years overseas, I could see why people in west coast rural areas would want to do this in Washington, Oregon and California. I am from the Seattle area and hadn't seen it for a while. My wife had just moved to the US with me when I returned in 2021. My friend had started working in downtown Seattle and he wanted to give a tour to her. He flat out refused to let her see what most of downtown Seattle had become. We drove straight through. Even then, I saw the disgusting state of the once beautiful city. Vagrants, graffitti and filthy tent camps littered the side of I5. We ended up in Tacoma and because of similar, statewide, self destructive policies, my wife was shocked to see drug bums yelling at light post or air. More shopping cart trains, tents and the pervasive smell of weed everywhere. I ended up in Arizona for my job and my friend had enough and moved to Florida after living in Washington his while life. It has just changed so much. I think that is the issue with any political system, specifically "progressivism" that stays in power too long without checks and balances. On both sides of the isle, it ends up favoring businesses and people that have invested interest and money in the system. Then, it creates corrupt dynasties of politicians that breeds nepotism and corruption by big businesses that throw their weight around. The problem that far left progressive policies institute is that they force social experiments on the people, knowing that they will never be voted out. In Seattle, you have a choice in mayor or city counsel most of the time: Democrat, Democrat, Socialist, Communist or new age something or another. People that grow up with generations of the same ideas become fearful of anything different, despite actual social degredation. The excuse given is that these places make a lot of money. In the end, most of the money isn't in the hands of the people that suffer from this social manipulation. Most homeless encampments, drug dens and crime don't happen in the wealthy areas, they happen in the middle to lower class areas, in other words, the workers. The only time note is take, as we saw with Lightfoot in Chicago, is when the crime and squalor found its way into the hipster/college/rich(mostly white) liberal neighborhoods. She was voted out but the people on the ballot are arguably going to do the same thing because they all run on the same ticket. That is what people in these rural counties are sick of. No matter how they vote, no matter what they do, they are forced into a situation where the rich, upper crust gets to play a game where they play social experiments with people's lives and livelyhoods. Unfortunately for progressives, this is extremely popular in west coast big cities. Lets just say, I pick the cities I travel to carefully. When I showed my wife parts of LA, we were stepping across turds, diarrhea, vomit and seemingly half dead or high vagrants, some of which yelled randomly, most of which were surrounded by a sea of filth. Our great cities have turned into embarrassments because of these policies. They are only cleaned up when important people come along, then its back to seeing dead and dying drug addicts on the sidewalks and smashed windows of vandalized cars. All the while, the police stand by with their hands tied because they cannot enforce the law for fear of political stigma.

[@Matt-ru5rw]

Yeah, Arizona doesn't have any drug issues. I mean there aren't meth heads at every Quik Trip in Phoenix or armed security at them. And Floriduh is amazingly dumpy. There are problems in every major city but you people always miss out on the high murder rates in Texas and Floriduh. That's ok, you keep fleeing to places so you can be around all the same whites. It is weird that Floriduh is overwhelmingly right wing but they have to ban books there. Same with Texas, they want anyone out od the womb to have a weapon but all those right wing governments they've had for literally decades can't keep a few illegals out. Enjoy the right wing states, they love that welfare money from the blue states.

[@jlawsl]

@@Matt-ru5rw Uh, I said I came here for work, he went there for work. All I know is that they have issues too, but it doesn't look and feel like a zombie apocalypse, mixed with Mad Max are going on in every major city. Kind of typical response though, deflect to the other side, then use copium to excuse the terrible condition of cities and suburbs on the west coast. I have seen too many videos and documentaries on the Skid Row, San Francisco and Seattle. Have yet to see too much on either light-blue Arizona or Florida.

[@jlawsl]

Also, none of what you said was true. If your whole life is based on abortion and far left talking point, you are the extremist that causes people to leave. Oh, and Florida and Texas(even though I didn't mention it) are far more wealthy then Oregon or Washington. I guess you assume I am conservative and I fled the state, that is Seattle education for you, use your eyes and brain before you riot to make a CHAZ/CHOP in your brain. I never ran away or left, I just have a job where I move a lot, learn to read. Oh, and I noticed how you did the childish, "Floriduh". Really? Oh, and Florida cities, on average look way better then Seattle. If they are a dump, Seattle is now the sewer. They don't need to hire poop/needle cleaning crews in any major Florida city. Big L for Seattle. Washington there, less money, more crime, more homelessness.

[@Matt-ru5rw]

@@jlawsl Hey Cletus, since your brain is stuck on stupid in the right wing bubble, Chaz/Chop was three years ago. You people were so traumatized by right wing talkers telling you to fear for your life you act like you were there. And if you think you aren't conservative but have all of their same brain dead talking points you're only fooling yourself. Floriduh cities are prettier than Seattle. 🤣🤣🤣 You aren't the only one that travels for work or has been to different areas of the US. Texas has it's dumpy areas, it's called Houston Tampa is a pit, the entire panhandle of Floriduh is racist inbreds like Alabama and Georgia and I'm guessing you would love east Tennessee around White Pine.

[@Matt-ru5rw]

@@jlawslI hope you aren't one of those losers who went to the Philippines to find a bride because you're so insecure you can't deal with a woman as an equal and need to have a wife to be your maid. But you do seem like the type.

[@tomthatcher7757]

This is how West Virginia became a state. It was originally part of Virginia. During the Civil War it became a separate state signed by Abraham Lincoln. It didn't want to be a slave state and always thought it wasn't represented. It had a different culture, mining, than the rest of the state.

[@zebschreiber7357]

The video fails to mention that the move would be good because then the people that live in eastern Oregon would actually be able to set their own policies that are best suited for them instead of being controlled by the people that have no idea what is best for that area. he didn't mention that the reason they want the move is because their votes don't count anymore because the population is skewed to such a small area.

[@dreamingwolf8382]

Literally not one single politician will Ever vote to accept territory feom oregon, because they would have to spend tons of money to acquire everything there, which makes absno fiscal sense, seeing as said land has No Value whatsoever. And even If they somehow decided to go through with it, the agreement would need to be ratified at the federal level, which again, Would Never Happen- because it sets such a dangerous precedent.

[@ColdPotato]

Imagine living in 3 or 4 different states during your lifetime without having to move!

[@Wilhelmofdeseret]

You’re wrong, cope

[@wowzers5172]

The land does have value, especially mineral deposits and other resources But that’s another reason Idaho’s annexation of Eastern Oregon will never happen Why would Oregon give that up? The Annexation Movement thinks it will be given away pennies to the dollar. Absurd

[@chriscosby2459]

If I was unfortunate enough to live in Washington or Oregon, I would want to join Idaho.

[@Thinginator]

The problem with leaving the borders the way they are is that a large chunk of Oregon has to deal with state government making decisions that are not in their best interests, but rather the interests of the Portland area. This is about Oregonians wanting to have a state government that actually listens to them. What works for dense metropolitan areas generally doesn't work as well for rural areas, which is why these Oregonians are understandably upset. The greater Idaho movement would benefit both halves of Oregon, the conservative Oregonians would finally have a state government that aligns with their values and the rest of Oregon would have more money freed up for what they care about. Furthermore, 70% of Idaho is national forest. We have a ton of nature, and we love nature, we're not out here clamoring for the destruction of it. Using some of it, sure, but in this particular case, Oregon happens to have a great deal of lithium, and if y'all want electric cars to be the future then you'd better stop complaining that batteries have to come from somewhere. This is really less about politics and more about the quality of life of people in this region. Clearly a huge chunk of Oregon feels that state government does not act in their best interests, so it seems to me that denying them joining a government that would act in their best interests, simply because of concerns about political power, is both heartless and selfish.

[@TheRadconranger]

This was started by a lot of folks who have been ignored by Salem...most of us are sickened by Portland's slide into the worst sort of "Progressiveness" with garbage filled tent camps, human poo on the streets, gangbangers ,and general low life creeps ...For most of my life ,I was proud to call PDX my hometown. Now ,it breaks my heart to see what has been allowed to happen...by a city council ,mayor ,and District attorney who let it, (hell promoted it ) by the way they did their jobs. My grandmother owned a little cleaning shop on 18th and NW burnside (The Derby Cleaners), and I grew up watching the street life, (and altering pants) across from Lido's burgers and next to a tavern frequented mostly by old sailors, and hobos who had settled in the old Multnomah apt. From the time I was 8 years old, till 15, I took cash receipts from our shop to the bank and would sometimes stop at "the art Gallery" and chat with Virginia Holsman, the owner. I could ,and did, walk every street ,every nook and cranny of downtown ,and never felt in the slightest danger. Now? I will not cross the river w/o a firearm ,and family knowing my route. I cannot think of curses that would express my cold rage at what has been done in the name of helping the ones who have "issues".

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

Sounds to me like you have plenty of "issues"

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

There are plenty of ways to fix the homeless problem that don't involve stealing 2/3 of Oregon. The obvious solution is for the citizens of Portland and the rest of western Oregon to wake the hell up and vote out the incompetent politicians who are allowing this debacle to continue. I get that they're almost all from my tribe, the Democrats, but I am one of many liberals who wouldn't tolerate it. More sane people in Portland need to get politically active. Another huge part of this that the Republicans always "forget" to mention is that red state cities across the country are giving their homeless people (mostly mental cases) bus tickets to Portland. That has to stop immediately. I'm not sure how that could be done but it has to be done.

[@mbmartin9858]

His issues are only issues that the progressive insanity makes. I too, use to walk downtown even at night with no fear. The city has changed from a lovely town to a cesspool of lost and evil people. We used to go downtown to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Pedestrians all around enjoying the nightlife the town was known for. Now I wouldn't drive even when carrying. My husband and I both worked downtown for years. It has no charm now and is absolutely a place of harm. My friends that worked downtown with me at the Multnomah County Court had to start working from home, not just because of Covid, but because it is too dangerous for employees to come into town. Same with the Federal Bldg employees. That is a VERY sad state of affairs. It is NOT about his issues. You are ignorant of the facts. Stores are all boarded up and living downtown in droves, and you think this is one person's issues? @@PendeltonWhiskey

[@dankfrank3262]

I would love to see inland and coastal CA split up. Coastal cities do not share the same interests as where I live inland and they keep resources to their own communities.

[@bollweevil8112]

Adding to the fuel for civil war

[@inconnu4961]

Its coming! The Democrats want it, because they cant overcome Conservationism ANY other way! Their typically reliable voter blocs (blacks & Latinos) are fleeing the party, because they see it for what it truly is.

[@MrMichaeledavis83]

I think the actual concern and what this whole issue brings to light is that as any state with a strong majority political hold, you cannot simply ignore the needs and concerns, and way of life of the minority political views. The minority here is still a huge group of people and you can only dismiss their concerns for so long before they get fed up and heaven forbid bad things happen. You have to negotiate and have some give and take to govern fairly. And just to be clear on not just talking about the Democrats in Oregon, this goes for any Republican stronghold state too. You can’t just cram down your views on the other side while completely ignoring the other sides concerns.

[@GIUL7301]

It's me and my fellow Oregonians who want to join Idaho. This article is misleading only in who is partitioning this change. We are not represented by a like thinking. If you don't live here don't try to explain, you don't understand. We don't want to be Portland.

[@mister_brando]

Eastern WA resident here... politically Eastern Oregon and Easter Washington are more in line with Idaho. It just so happens that a majority of the population falls in cities like Seattle and Portland, and what makes sense for those areas doesn't make sense for the rural/farming areas. It's the people that reside in that area of Oregon that want this, not Idaho taking it over. As an example, Spokane and Boise are identical in terms of demographics and size -- Boise hardly has a homeless situation where as Spokane, Portland, and Seattle have a quiet extensive one where drug usage is enabled, crime isn't being addressed, and as a result, businesses are closing up shop. You don't see this happening in Idaho. So... one could conclude that Idaho is ran better. So why not?

[@JTL1776]

Can you do a video on a more realistic California partition. A more bipartisan CAL3. And a video on the movement for the state of Jefferson in Eastern Washington.

[@kennewickmanatgmail]

I thought the proposed state of Jefferson was counties of North Cal and Southern Oregon. I recall seeing some pinheads with signs for a state called "Liberty" which I think was Idaho, Ea Or and Ea WA. Anyway, Spokane can't handle that much welfare.

[@ChrisNoonetheFirst]

Can we do one with California broken up into 10 states? We’re a massive state with a lot of people. We deserve a lot more Senate seats than 2 (or even 6)

[@JTL1776]

@@ChrisNoonetheFirst tell that to Texas. They only have 2 as well but are far less divided. California doesn't need more senators it needs better political borders. To allow for better representation and freedom.

[@jenniferbringman9054]

@@JTL1776 Northern California for a Jefferson State are extreme right wing crazies.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I don’t care who is trying to change the maps. The idea that Americans are trying to avoid the need to make compromises and look out for their fellow citizens’ interests by further segregating themselves is frightening!

[@metaphysicsbob]

What would be a good rational to move state borders?

[@silversolver7809]

Invasion.

[@adamlhayman]

It's right there in the Declaration of Independence. People should be free to alter or abolish their governments whenver those governments become destructive to the people. In this case, several counties want to alter the goverment by moving the border, so they will be under a goverment that they feel will be more beneficial to their needs and/or desires.

[@k.b.tidwell]

@@adamlhayman That's a sane way of explaining it, and true. But the name-calling is already filling the comments.😑

[@silversolver7809]

@@adamlhayman Um, isn't that about changing the government-aka democracy-not about changing the border?

[@brandenprice2817]

The borders were set 100 years ago when pretty much no one lived in these states. The borders do not reflect the cultural, political or economic realities on the ground

[@michaelgodwin6158]

Great video! Tons of states have regions that are far more politically out of sync as their state government. If east Oregon is allowed to join Idaho over political difference, what's to stop the city of St. Louis from asking to join Illinois over similar grounds? What's to stop El Paso from asking to join New Mexico, or western Colorado join Utah? I agree that the precedent could open a Pandora's box.

[@ryanprosper88]

If this goes through, Southern Illinois is more likely to join Indiana and separate from Chicago, than St.Lois is likely to join Illinois. I think City States would be a very good thing for the US to get their own cities to improve financially and logistically

[@illegal_space_alien]

One thing not brought up is that this just goes to show that the current state borders suck. The borders were originally created due to various political reasons of their times, and to change them for political reasons now isn't that earth-shattering. Besides, the Cascade Mountains are a much better natural border than the straight lines that exist there now. And no excluding Bend and the Dalles, unless they wish to be excluded. Another thing that was glossed over was that these same Democrat-led states are essentially holding their conservative constituents hostage at this point. The rural people don't get a say in how they want their areas to be managed, and instead have to defer to policies they might not agree with, that are decreed by people that don't (or won't) understand their lifestyles. If these areas are such a drain on resources as is claimed, I would think the state governments would be more than happy to let them be someone else's problem.

[@MrLeemurman]

@@illegal_space_alien Big true, my guy

[@dvs620]

There's a region of Texas called the Texas Triangle. Draw a line from Dallas, southeast to Houston, West to San Antonio and back up to Dallas. This area would encompass DFW, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Why not make this a separate blue state? Of course, Texas loses its biggest port, its 5 largest cities and 7 of its 10 largest cities. Major transportation hubs also would be lost. And Dems would get 2 extra Senators. 🤔

[@dvs620]

​@@illegal_space_alien ALL borders are useless. When you view from space, you don't see state lines or even countries divided. Get rid of states and have national elections only. There, problem solved. Or, this sounds like sour grapes. Blue states support red areas far more than the other way around. If red counties moved to Idaho, Idaho would probably struggle to support them financially. Or course, there's an easy solution to this. The people who don't feel represented by the Oregon government can always move to Idaho. I'm sure there's land to be bought and jobs to be had in Idaho.

[@johnlacey3857]

It should be up to the people that live in the counties in question, period. I disagree that current state boundaries are for any reason sacrosanct and should not be altered.

[@guyh.4553]

Believe it or not, the greater Idaho assimilation is really big in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Many of the counties have had referendums and have approved this Greater Idaho pipedream. The problem that they will run into, like you've shown, is that the Oregon legislatures will not let go. Idaho on the other hand has already approved the annexation. The last bit will be the US House & Senate to vote for it. Then lastly, the president would have sign or veto it. Yes, a pipedream!

[@mrwess1927]

Why does this feel like a nazi infection?

[@OndreaS123]

abusers don't like to let their victims go. the proggies don't want to take their boot off the neck of conservatives, ever..... the corrupt have been given power, they will continue to abuse it.

[@EL.JEFE1231]

Idaho has not.... they simply passed a bill that would at least talk to Oregon about it and those in the counties that want to make this move.

[@penrodius5498]

As a conservative Idahoan, I agree with you that this would set a dangerous precedent. Shifting state borders should not be the way we solve our geopolitical differences. Maybe it's time for city states to come back into fashion!

[@ryanprosper88]

I agree that city states would be a good thing, but I think this precedent needs to happen in order for the US to get to City States. Unless they start redrawing borders, political realignment is never going to hagen

[@ncubesays]

In this scenario, wouldn't the city states accelerate their prosperity at an even greater pace compared to the remaining non-urban areas?

[@genghiskhan5701]

@@ncubesays Have you been to San Francisco latey? Its shet! Literally

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

@@genghiskhan5701 You are only referring to the urban city center itself. The greater metropolitan area--which includes Silicon Vallery, is still one of the wealthiest in the world, contributing greatly to the US economy...and very safe and nice to live.

[@ncubesays]

@Genghis Khan For all the social ills that exist in the region, the San Francisco Bay Area contributes the most to the US economy than every other metropolitan area. I encourage you to look up US cities with the largest economies. In fact, it contributes so much to the US economy that if it was a country in its own right, it would be the richest in the world.

[@felixandrade9387]

He said “increase Republican control and decrease Democrat control” like it was a bad thing

[@number4cat1]

Well, it would be for Geoff (Jeff).

[@prkp7248]

Gerrymandering is bad.

[@geraniaceae4470]

It is.

[@voicesinkennyshead3691]

A Californian speaking here, I am 100% in favor of a greater Idaho and think it would be a great thing for this country.