In a move that’s shaking up the Pacific Northwest, Crook County has become the 13th conservative county in Oregon to vote in favor of seceding from the state and joining neighboring Idaho. This isn’t just a minor blip on the political radar; it’s part of a burgeoning movement known as “Greater Idaho” that could redefine state boundaries and has been gaining serious traction since its inception in 2020.
Imagine this: shifting Idaho’s border 200 miles west, swallowing up the heart of Oregon and creating a political landscape that more accurately reflects the cultural divide between urban liberals and rural conservatives. That’s precisely the vision driving the Greater Idaho movement, which seeks to sever ties with what they view as the increasingly out-of-touch, Democrat-run state of Oregon.
Since 2020, the momentum has been unstoppable. By 2022, eleven out of Oregon’s 36 counties had already thrown their support behind the idea. Now, with Crook County adding its name to the list, that number has swelled to 13. If successful, Greater Idaho would encompass 17 counties, including 14 full counties and three partial ones. Essentially, this would mean Oregon losing two-thirds of its land but only about 10% of its population—a clear indication of the stark disconnect between the conservative interior and the liberal coastal cities like Portland.
Why all the fuss? The proponents argue that the current Oregon/Idaho border, established 163 years ago, is hopelessly outdated. They contend it’s high time the border was redrawn to reflect the profound cultural and political rift that’s grown since then. Think about it: laws, representation, and everyday governance in Oregon are increasingly dominated by progressive urban centers, leaving rural conservatives feeling marginalized and unrepresented.
But don’t start printing new maps just yet. The path to making Greater Idaho a reality is a rocky one. It requires approval from the state legislatures of both Oregon and Idaho, not to mention the U.S. Congress. Still, the fact that so many counties are willing to entertain the notion of secession speaks volumes about the intensity of the political divide.
The idea of a Greater Idaho isn’t just a quirky regional footnote; it’s a powerful statement about the growing chasm in American politics. On one side, you have the liberal bastions dictating policy for the entire state, while on the other, rural communities feel alienated, yearning for a governance model that aligns with their values and lifestyle.
So, what does this mean for the future? If the movement continues to gain traction and clears the legislative hurdles, we could see a significant redrawing of state lines—something that hasn’t happened in a long time. The secessionists are banking on the belief that their cause is not only just but necessary for a fairer representation.
Whether you see it as a bold move towards self-determination or a divisive escape plan, one thing’s for sure: the Greater Idaho movement has put a spotlight on the very real and growing divide within states. And as Crook County joins the chorus calling for change, the rest of the country will be watching closely to see what happens next.
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