by Alan Kenaga
We understand the plight of some Oregon politicians when it comes to the national monument proposed for 2.5 million acres in Malheur County.
We understand that Sen. Ron Wyden and Gov. Kate Brown identify most with Portland and Eugene.
We understand that in the political game there is no need to give a straight answer to any question that offers them no benefit.
But still....
There was a time when even politicians stood for something. That’s how they were elected. They would say what they thought about a variety of issues important to the electorate, which in turn would decide whether to hire them as their representatives.
Oregon politics, however, appears to have mutated into a muddle of ambiguity. This is a world where there are no direct answers, and a “yes” or “no” question is answered with a monologue that dodges the question.
...Wyden was asked whether he supported the proposal.
Wyden said it’s his duty to respect how Oregon residents vote on issues. Malheur County residents voted 9-1 against the monument in a special election in March. He also said that while Malheur County residents have voted on the issue, the rest of Oregon has not.
...Similarly, Brown, who like Wyden is in the midst of an election campaign, has been equally mealy-mouthed.
It appears to us that Oregon’s “leaders” have decided it’s too risky to lead.
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