In a recent article, “Greater Idaho secessionists make billboard pitch to Salem lawmakers: Release eastern Oregon,” The Oregonian/OregonLive discussed the Greater Idaho movement. Some fundamentals appear to be beyond the comprehension of this movement’s proponents. Among other things, you cannot simply dismantle our 166-year-old state without paying recompense.
It would take a lot of money, perhaps $500 billion, to sell your counties. In my opinion, since 1859, Oregonians have been making investments in roads, schools, colleges, bridges, parks, fire stations, libraries, and other infrastructure. All Oregonians have paid for a large portion of what they enjoy.
Make an offer if you, as Greater Idaho proponents, wish to give Idaho the counties in where you reside. Get the offer co-signed by the state of Idaho. Add the cost of missed future opportunities and enjoyment over the next few centuries, the present worth of the 166 years of investment made by Oregon residents, the real estate value, and anything else I could be missing.
I’m not sure if $500 billion is too much. After you make an offer, the conversation can start.
This coming summer, you can find this Oregon native, who was born in Ontario, trekking up the Two Pan path to the Lakes Basin before ascending Eagle Cap. On this lovely Oregon trail, I hope to meet you Greater Idaho rabblerousers.
Hiemstra Art, Oswego Lake
Visit regonlive.com/opinion to read further letters to the editor.
