Oregon Legislature

Oregon was a proud, early leader in direct democracy. By 1904 it had elected a Populist governor and adopted the "Oregon System" of Initiative and Referendum. (See the above map, where blue shows states where citizens have full I&R and the right to amend their Constitutions). But it's all under attack.

They took all our rights and put ‘em in a museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got till it's gone

(With props to Joni Mitchell and Counting Crows)

A lot of what goes for mainstream news coverage continues to spin a decidedly libertarian view of public policy. The business pages typically feature the hyper-individualism of “you’re on your own (YOYO)” (plucky entrepreneurs who turn into gazillionaires and if you have no health insurance, tough luck for not being “responsible” or smart enough have $1000 a month to spend on insurance).

The Oregonian reported that State Representative Patti Smith (HD52 - Corbett) will not seek re-election in 2008.

Smith became the 9th Republican since 2007 to announce their retirement or resignation from the Oregon House. Coupled with the difficulties that the GOP has had in recruiting statewide candidates, it is becoming clear that seed change is coming to the Oregon GOP.

Independent Party of Oregon Founder, Linda Williams sat down with Colin Fogarty to discuss the Independent Party -- why it was created, what are its goals, etc.

Well worth listening to for anyone who wants to know what all of the hullaballoo is about.

The OEA and other public employee unions control Oregon's political process.

That's the conclusion that you may come to if you have been following the news lately.