Whitney, Idaho: The Smiling Barn

Economic and Cultural Benefits of Joining Oregon

Joining Oregon would bring significant economic and cultural benefits to western Idaho. Here are a few potential advantages to consider:

Shared Resources: Western Idaho and eastern Oregon share many natural resources, including water, forests, and land for agriculture. By joining forces with Oregon, the two regions could work together to manage these resources more effectively and cooperatively, rather than competing for them. This could lead to greater economic growth and more sustainable use of natural resources.

Increased Investment: By being part of a larger, more diversified state, western Idaho could potentially attract more investment and business opportunities. For example, Oregon has a growing tech industry, with major players like Intel and Nike headquartered in the state. By joining Oregon, western Idaho could tap into this economic engine and potentially create new jobs and opportunities.

Cultural Advantages: Oregon is a state with a rich cultural history and a thriving arts and music scene. By joining Oregon, western Idahoans could benefit from this cultural richness, and potentially contribute to it as well. The city of Boise has a growing arts and culture scene, and joining Oregon could help amplify this energy and creativity.

Political Influence: Oregon is a larger state than Idaho, with more representatives in Congress and a more prominent place in national politics. By joining Oregon, western Idahoans could have a greater voice in the national political arena, and potentially influence policy in ways that they couldn't as part of Idaho.

Overall, joining Oregon could bring significant economic and cultural advantages to western Idaho, while allowing the region to better represent its interests and values. By working together, the two regions could create a brighter future for all their residents and communities.

Boise, Idaho: Payette Brewing

Political Advantages of Lesser Idaho

Greater Representation: Idaho is a relatively small state with only four representatives in Congress. By joining Oregon, western Idahoans would be part of a larger state with a greater number of representatives and a stronger voice in the national political arena. This could help them better advocate for their interests and values.

More Progressive Politics: Oregon has historically been more progressive and liberal-leaning than Idaho. By joining Oregon, western Idahoans could align themselves with a state that more closely matches their political views and priorities. This could lead to a better representation of their values in state and national politics.

More Diverse Leadership: By joining Oregon, western Idahoans could potentially have access to a more diverse pool of political leaders. Oregon is a more diverse state than Idaho, with a greater representation of women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions. By being part of a larger, more diverse state, western Idahoans could benefit from this greater diversity of voices and perspectives.

Improved Political Power: Joining Oregon could give western Idahoans more political power and influence, both within the state and nationally. This could lead to a stronger economy, better quality of life, and greater political representation for the region.

Overall, the political advantages of Lesser Idaho are significant. By joining Oregon, western Idahoans could have more representation, more diverse leadership, and more progressive politics. This could help create a better future for the region and all its residents.

Geographic and Historical Context of Lesser Idaho

The geographic and historical context of Lesser Idaho is an important factor to consider when evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of rejoining with Oregon. Here are a few key points to consider:

Shared Geography: Western Idaho and eastern Oregon share a similar geography and climate, with both regions characterized by mountainous terrain, wide-open spaces, and natural beauty. This shared geography has historically led to close economic and cultural ties between the two regions.

Historical Ties: The region that is now western Idaho was historically part of the Oregon Territory, and was only carved out as a separate territory and state in the late 19th century. As a result, the historical ties between western Idaho and eastern Oregon are deep and long-standing.

Cultural and Economic Overlap: Today, western Idaho and eastern Oregon are closely tied economically and culturally. The two regions share many of the same industries, including agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The city of Boise, in particular, has strong economic and cultural ties to eastern Oregon, and could benefit greatly from being part of a larger, more diverse state.

Sense of Disconnection: Despite these geographic and historical ties, many western Idahoans feel a sense of disconnection from the rest of Idaho. They may feel that their interests and values are not being represented in the state government, and that they are being lumped in with more rural and conservative parts of the state. Joining Oregon could help address this sense of disconnection and give western Idahoans a more cohesive and representative political home.