The movement to shrink Oregon and expand Idaho

Summary

The movement to shift part of Oregon's territory into Idaho has been gaining momentum, with rural residents seeking more political representation. Spearheaded by Mike McCarter, the campaign aims to redraw state boundaries, merging rural Oregon with Idaho to align politically with more conservative policies. The idea has sparked both support and opposition, with some fearing it’s a radical change. While some Idaho officials are open to discussions, both states would need to agree, and U.S. Congress approval is required. The debate touches on historical issues of secession and the right to self-governance in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 A movement in Oregon is advocating to redraw the state’s border, shifting rural, conservative areas into Idaho.
• 😀 Mike McCarter, the leader of the movement, argues that rural Oregon is politically overshadowed by liberal urban areas like Portland.
• 😀 The proposal is gaining traction, with 12 counties now in favor of considering the change, up from 9 counties a year ago.
• 😀 Supporters of the movement believe that rural Oregon is not being properly represented in the state government, particularly in the legislature.
• 😀 Proponents of the border shift argue that rural Oregon shares more in common with Idaho both politically and geographically.
• 😀 The movement has sparked criticism from urban areas, with some opposing it as a radical, divisive change.
• 😀 The proposal to redraw borders would require both Oregon and Idaho to agree, and approval from the U.S. Congress to be enacted.
• 😀 Idaho has shown some openness to discussing the potential border change, with state representatives approving a measure to start dialogue.
• 😀 Critics, including the Western State Center, compare the movement to historical secession efforts associated with extremist ideologies.
• 😀 Historian Richard Kreitner suggests that secession and boundary changes are not new ideas in American history, noting that regional divides have always existed.
• 😀 Mike McCarter asserts that the changing political landscape makes it necessary for people to have the right to vote for who governs them, emphasizing a need for more responsive government.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script?

The main issue discussed in the script is the campaign in Oregon to move part of the state into Idaho, focusing on the political divide between rural Eastern Oregon and urban Western Oregon.

Who is Mike McCarter, and why is he significant in this movement?

Mike McCarter is a leader of the movement to move Oregon's border. He is from rural Eastern Oregon and feels that his region is politically underrepresented by the urban, liberal Western part of the state.

What motivates people like Mike McCarter to support the idea of moving Oregon's border?

Mike McCarter and others like him are motivated by the belief that rural Eastern Oregon is politically outvoted and ignored by the liberal policies of Western Oregon. They seek better representation and alignment with Idaho's conservative values.

How many counties in Oregon have voted in favor of considering the border change?

As of the update in the script, nine counties had voted in favor of considering the border change, and this number has now increased to twelve, with another county set to vote in the coming months.

What was the reaction from Idaho state representatives to the idea of moving Oregon's border?

Idaho state representatives expressed openness to discussing the possibility of moving Oregon's border, even approving a measure to begin a dialogue with Oregon about redrawing their common boundary.

What is the opposition's stance on the border change initiative?

The opposition, including Portland-based groups like the Western State Center, labels the movement as a radical change and compares it to Oregon's past white nationalist and extremist groups. They argue that instead of moving the border, people who oppose Oregon’s policies should simply move out of Oregon.

What challenges would arise in actually changing the state boundary?

Changing the state boundary would require the agreement of both Oregon and Idaho, as well as approval from the U.S. Congress. These complex logistical and political hurdles make the process difficult.

What does author Richard Kreitner say about secession movements in American history?

Richard Kreitner, author of a book on secession, argues that secession is not a new idea in American history. He highlights that various groups, such as Catholics in Maryland and Puritans in New England, have historically sought separation due to cultural and political differences.

How does Mike McCarter view the idea of moving Oregon's border?

Mike McCarter acknowledges that moving Oregon's border is a radical idea, but he argues that it is becoming more feasible given the rapid changes in American politics. He believes that people should have the right to vote for their own governance.

Why do some people believe the Oregon-Idaho border change would make sense?

Some people believe the border change would make sense because they feel their cultural, political, and economic alignment is closer to Idaho than to Western Oregon. This division is particularly strong in rural areas of Eastern Oregon.