As Oregon’s rural communities rally to join Idaho, the Greater Idaho movement gains traction, reflecting deep cultural and political rifts. Farmers and ranchers in eastern Oregon, feeling alienated by Portland’s progressive policies, are spearheading this drive for secession. Amidst cowboy competitions and small-town gatherings, residents see an opportunity to align with Idaho’s conservative values, setting the stage for a contentious battle over state identity.
Disconnected from Portland’s Politics
In Prineville, Oregon, under a large tent at the Crook County fairgrounds, six individuals stand ready with guns holstered. “Shooters, set,” commands a man on the side, and as a light flicks on, they fire at targets in a timed competition.
Old West Charm
This is the Oregon Cowboy Fast Draw State Championship, a sport celebrating the romance and legend of the Old West. Residents of Prineville are voting on a significant issue: whether Crook County should join Idaho by redrawing the state border.
Secession Sentiment
If the majority votes yes, Crook County will be the 13th county to support the Greater Idaho movement. This growing movement reflects deep-seated polarization and frustration among rural Oregonians.
Local Frustrations
Calvin Foster, competing Under the Moniker Scrub Brush, manages the Fast Draw event and voices his political frustrations. He feels the cities don’t understand rural life and their unique challenges.
Urban-Rural Divide
Oregon’s population is concentrated on the western side of the Cascade Mountains, where cities like Portland lean Democratic. In contrast, eastern counties, with their Republican majority, feel overlooked and disconnected from state policies.
Heightened Divisions
The Trump presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic have deepened these divides, with starkly different visions for the state’s future. Crook County’s voting record starkly contrasts the state’s direction on issues like drug decriminalization and gun control.
Cultural Clash
Foster emphasizes the cultural divide, highlighting the importance of family and gun rights in rural communities. His sentiments are echoed by competitors like Jim Bunch, who feel city folks don’t appreciate their agricultural lifestyle.
Forced Ideals
Residents believe urban areas are imposing unwanted ideals on them, from family values to environmental policies. Foster’s frustration with electric cars symbolizes this broader discontent. Larry Lansdowne, a shooter from Idaho, shares his neighbors’ frustrations about being told how to live. He stresses the community’s long-standing conservative lifestyle and their resistance to change.
Constitutional Concerns
Jim Bunch argues that America is a constitutional republic, not a democracy, emphasizing the protection of individual rights. He feels current democratic processes in Oregon don’t represent rural interests.
Democratic Pursuit
Despite feeling democracy doesn’t work, supporters of the Greater Idaho movement are using democratic means to push for change. Established in 2019, the movement seeks to shift 14 counties and parts of three others to Idaho.
Historical Precedent
Changing state lines is complex, requiring approval from both state legislatures and Congress. However, proponents of the Greater Idaho movement point to historical examples like West Virginia’s formation in 1863 and Maine’s separation from Massachusetts in 1820 as evidence that such changes are possible.
Urban Exodus
Matt McCaw, executive director of the movement, moved from Portland to eastern Oregon to escape progressive policies on issues like abortion and gun control. He believes the urban-rural divide has worsened, exacerbated by Trump’s presidency and COVID-19 lockdowns.
Polarized Country
“The country got more polarized with Trump, and COVID drove a wedge through everything,” McCaw said at Smith Rock State Park. He criticized Oregon’s strict lockdown measures, stating they were more acceptable to western residents but opposed by eastern communities.
Faith and Values
McCaw and his wife, evangelical Christians, found the state’s COVID restrictions on church attendance unacceptable. He argues that Idaho aligns better with their values, emphasizing the need for a government that respects their way of life.
Division Concerns
McCaw acknowledged the risk of increasing polarization but argued that forcing divergent cultures together is unproductive. He sees the growing divide as inevitable and believes a split could be healthier for society.
Progressive Minority
In Crook County, progressives like Priscilla Smith, chair of the county’s Democrats, are in the minority. At a small rally against the Greater Idaho movement, Smith expressed concerns about the impact on her granddaughters, particularly regarding Idaho’s strict abortion laws. Smith emphasized her commitment to equality and support for her trans grandson. She argued that the values of Greater Idaho proponents do not represent everyone in the region.
Democratic Responsibility
Tom Andersen, a Democratic legislator, acknowledged that his party has not sufficiently listened to rural concerns. He warned that splitting the state could set a dangerous precedent for other states.
Opening Pandora’s Box
Andersen cautioned that supporting secessionist movements could lead to further divisions and undermine democracy. He believes engaging with the movement is necessary but fears the long-term consequences.
Prayer and Debate
At a Q&A session in Prineville, Greater Idaho president Mike McCarter began with a prayer. The discussion highlighted deep divisions, with Priscilla Smith voicing concerns about Idaho’s stance on abortion and LGBTQ rights. Despite strong opinions, the debate remained mostly cordial. McCaw acknowledged the difficulty of finding a resolution, emphasizing that the issues are complex and deeply rooted.
