# so half of oregon and some of ca wants to become "greater idaho"? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 20, 2020, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221 "2020-02-20T08:25:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/61 "2020-02-25T17:59:36Z")
According to Wikipedia, the newest county in the US is [Broomfield, Colorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broomfield,_Colorado), which is a consolidated city-county formed in 2001 from parts of several other counties. However, it says that doesn’t count county equivalents, so maybe there’s an Alaskan borough or independent city in Virginia that’s newer. ETA ninja’d, dammit. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/62 "2020-02-25T18:02:41Z")
At least the plan makes sense geographically. Unlike back in 2001 when the New Hampshire communities of Newington and Rye had a massive tantrum over the new statewide property tax and claimed than they wanted secession so they could join Alaska… ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/63 "2020-02-25T19:29:32Z")
> [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](#): > > The problem with this is that soon Upstate York would have tension between Finger-Lakers feeling neglected by those big-wigs in Buffalo, and then when they split off, Watertown would feel like they’re being neglected by the bureaucrats in Syracuse. Meanwhile, down in The New Empire State, Brooklynites would claim to be abandoned by the Manhattan-focused governor, despite 80% of new businesses in the city-state being registered out of one guy’s brownstone in South Slope. New York will be anarchic, no matter how you slice it up. There are and have been a batch of proposals to split New York. Part of the difficulty seems indeed to be that there’s disagreement into how many pieces, drawn along what lines, and even by what technique. > **[Partition and secession in New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_and_secession_in_New_York)** > > There are and have been several movements regarding secession from the U.S. state of New York. Only one of them – the state of Vermont – succeeded. Among the unsuccessful ones, the most prominent included the proposed state of Long Island, consisting of everything on the island outside New York City; a state called Niagara, the western counties of New York state; the northern counties of New York state called Upstate New York; making the city of New York a state; a proposal for a new Peconic Co... Personally I think we should leave it as it is. But then, I’m a fairly-far-left person living in a fairly-far-right area. And no, I’m not moving to the city. I’m a farmer; and I don’t want to live in a city. ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/64 "2020-02-28T05:57:53Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > At least the plan makes sense geographically. Unlike back in 2001 when the New Hampshire communities of Newington and Rye had a massive tantrum over the new statewide property tax and claimed than they wanted secession so they could join Alaska… Last I looked, SW Oregon and NW California weren’t very close to Idaho. But why should that deter anyone? San Diego can switch to New Mexico for all I care. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/65 "2020-03-04T21:00:26Z")
> [@steatopygia](#): > > He has written several books including _Godforsaken Idaho_. That book won all these things; > > _Winner of the 2014 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction > Shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing > Named “Outstanding 2013 Collection” by The Story Prize > Pushcart Prize Winne_r > > I have no idea of the prestige of any of those. It was a good read though. > > He writes a column every 3 days or so for the Spokane Wa daily, _The Spokesman Review_. I think he writes about whatever he wants to. I haven’t read his book, but I need to pick it up. I read nearly all his articles in the Spokesman (I’m one of their dozen or so remaining print subscribers). ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/66 "2020-03-04T21:21:44Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > What we are seeing is urban vs rural. Rural wants to preserve their rural lifestyle. Urban likes buildings and crowds and people. Fundamentally different lifestyles. I think both are important but there needs to be respect and balance. And the rural morons can’t get it through their heads that their rural counties are financed by taxes paid by the urbans, and now they’ll have to pay for it themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/67 "2020-03-04T21:24:59Z")
> [@RioRico](#): > > California last subdivided counties to make new ones in 1893 but the dream dies hard in eastern parts of the nation’s biggest county (San Bernardino) and it’s 1/3 sized southern neighbor (Riverside) where many dwellers of the stinking desert east of the populated cismontaine valleys feel excluded. Yucca County FTW! Or maybe Joshua Tree County, I forget now. Counties are lots easier to divide than states but when and where was the last new county formed ANYWHERE in the US? I’m guessing an Alaskan borough, which like a Louisianan parish is a county equivalent. > > I pass State of Jefferson signs in [del]Amateur[/del] Amador County next to little [del]Sacratomato[/del] Sacramento County. That’s a long way from Oregon. See [California’s partition / secession attempts.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_and_secession_in_California) Having lived in middle of desolate Yuccaland, I grok resentment of being ruled from afar. BTW, how have secession movements in eastern Russia and western China worked out? I live in Sacramento County, and a house just around the corner from us has a State of Jefferson flag in front. Do they really think the state capital is going to secede along with the rednecks? ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2020, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/68 "2020-03-05T01:33:07Z")
> [@BeagleJesus](#): > > - Texas finally gets to succeed from the US…with our blessings. Secede. Given the political bent of Texas today, I really don’t want them to succeed politically. > [@pulykamell](#): > > I’m probably conflating Texas’s ability to separate into five states with a partitionist movement. Texas has no more ability to do that than any other state does. ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2020, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/69 "2020-03-05T06:28:47Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > And the rural morons can’t get it through their heads that their rural counties are financed by taxes paid by the urbans, and now they’ll have to pay for it themselves. Many are more hobbyists than morons. It’s a statement of unease with current politics and power, and a fashion statement, and frankly just something to chat about. Flying a State of Jefferson or Yucca County banner won’t be any more effective than flaunting a Free Tibet bumper sticker. Jefferson and Greater Idaho are right up there with Fredonia. Secession is an entertaining game - as long as you don’t win. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2020, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/70 "2020-03-05T13:49:42Z")
Texas seccessionists don’t seem to be very forthcoming with the details of their new nation’s structure of government. That’s disappointing because I’m always interested in hearing someone’s thoughts about starting from scratch. It appears that this group is more concerned about independence itself than about governance, though it appears to be a libertarian operation with strong Christian influences. Islam was specifically noted as being against “Texas values” but the website didn’t offer any suggestions about taking action (loss of voting rights, e.g.). I smell a desire to be a 20th century South Africa, with minority white rule and a weak Bill of Rights. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/71 "2020-03-06T14:47:48Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > And the rural morons can’t get it through their heads that their rural counties are financed by taxes paid by the urbans, and now they’ll have to pay for it themselves. > [@RioRico](#): > > It’s a statement of unease with current politics and power. And, in part, a reaction to being called morons be people who know next to nothing about us. (I’m not a secessionist. I am rural.) ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/72 "2020-03-06T15:48:04Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > And, in part, a reaction to being called morons be people who know next to nothing about us. So a self-defeating, vindictive tantrum. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/73 "2020-03-06T17:05:27Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > So a self-defeating, vindictive tantrum. Sigh. Do you think people who call you morons because of where you live are likely to be taking your genuine interests and needs into account when voting? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/74 "2020-03-06T17:30:36Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Sigh. > > Do you think people who call you morons because of where you live are likely to be taking your genuine interests and needs into account when voting? The moron-calling, to the extent that it’s true, has nothing to do with voting. Who are these people who are calling people morons because of where they live? What do moron-callers and moron-calling have to do with the issues in elections? Are the moron-called people and the moron-calling people exactly represented by politics? When you’re voting you’re voting for someone to make important decisions about public policy. If you cast your vote based solely on the impression that someone out there thinks you’re a moron because of where you live, then you’re getting something wrong. For what it’s worth, I don’t think very many people in politics call people morons solely on the basis of where people live but rather on how they vote. And regarding having someone’s genuine interests and needs at heart, there’s a further malfunction. The people voting for the right are being bamboozled. It’s readily apparent to anyone who looks at the situation clearly. So how smart are they? ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/75 "2020-03-06T19:12:20Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > And, in part, a reaction to being called morons be people who know next to nothing about us. > > (I’m not a secessionist. I am rural.) If a person is so angered by the broad category to which they belong being called morons that they’ll ignore their own well-being and all rational thought, then they’re a moron. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Bredin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/76 "2020-03-06T19:14:07Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Sigh. > > Do you think people who call you morons because of where you live are likely to be taking your genuine interests and needs into account when voting? I have never in my 47 years heard a candidate or sitting politician here in one of the top metro areas of the nation run on a platform, or even a plank, of anti-ruralism, of “no money for rural roads or agriculture.” I **have** heard of rural candidates and politicians running on anti-urbanism (secession, no state money for city schools, none of “my” money for city welfare [as if nobody in the countryside uses welfare], etc.) ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2020, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221/77 "2020-03-07T08:48:50Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > And, in part, a reaction to being called morons be people who know next to nothing about us. Being persuaded to vote against one’s interests is not intelligent. > [@](#): > > (I’m not a secessionist. I am rural.) I’ve been suburban, urban, rural, mixed, and am now closing on 20 years in a rural GOP county. My family qualifies as “redneck”. My first home was next to Grandpa’s little poultry ranch. I’ve survived working sub-minimum-wage manual labor. I think I possess some insight into hard-working city and country folk. Yes, they’re too easily persuaded to vote against their interests. Sad. BTW I and family have lived in “sesh” areas of Oregon. That wasn’t an everyday item of conversation. Whiners threatened to move to Alaska to get away from Californians but I didn’t see many leaving. I knew a coastal Californian who talked of going to Belize where he could smoke cigars, shoot dogs, and beat his woman, all without bother from do-gooders. I don’t know how that worked out for him. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-half-of-oregon-and-some-of-ca-wants-to-become-greater-idaho/848221.md?page=3)