Sunday, May 26, 2024

Divided states of America: From Oregon to Louisiana, campaigns for secession are taking place


Divided states of America: From Oregon to Louisiana, campaigns for secession are taking place at local and state levels - and some are succeeding



In an increasingly divided United States of America, a radical solution to resolve fraught political differences is gaining momentum: secession.

Be it the campaign for Texas to quit the US and form its own republic or efforts by red counties in Oregon to join Idaho, movements are gaining support at both local and state levels.

In nearly every case, the campaigns have been formed in conservative areas by voters eager to break away from the progressive leaders who govern them.

Some are a pipe dream. Texas is unlikely to depart the union any time soon, despite the optimism of those leading its 'Texit' independence campaign.

But several localized efforts have succeeded – or gained enough support to be taken seriously.

DailyMail.com recently reported that voters in thirteen counties of eastern Oregon now support secession from the state to join Idaho by redrawing state lines.

More than 2,000 miles away in Louisiana, the new city of St George was recently incorporated after wealthy residents controversially voted to separate from Baton Rouge over claims of crime issues and a poor education system.

Here, DailyMail.com explains some of the most prominent and longstanding secession campaigns in the country. 

East Oregon

Travel 200 miles south east of Oregon's uber-progressive capital, Portland, and you'll reach Crook County, a picturesque and sparsely populated region where agriculture and livestock drive the local economy.

The way of life is vastly different from that of Portland's metropolis, which has been blighted in recent years by crime, drug use and homelessness. 

Earlier in May, Crook County became the 13th county in eastern Oregon to formally support starting the process of redrawing the state's border to create a Greater Idaho. 

Supporters say they're disillusioned by the state's Democratic leaders, whose efforts to decriminalize drugs and defund police have backfired spectacularly. They want their counties to be absorbed into a 'Greater Idaho', essentially joining the neighboring state which is overwhelmingly Republican.

'The Oregon/Idaho line was established 163 years ago and is now outdated,' according to the movement. 'It makes no sense in its current location because it doesn't match the location of the cultural divide in Oregon.

'We want an economy that is not held back by Oregon regulations and taxes, including environmental regulations.

'We'll still have federal and Idaho regulations, and that's plenty. Idaho knows how to respect rural counties and their livelihoods.'

The recent vote by Cook County is largely symbolic but indicates majority support in eastern Idaho to open negotiations for the Greater Idaho project.

Campaigners say their wishes can no longer be ignored.







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