Counties Frustrated with Their States: The Case of Cascadia and beyond

State boundaries are often assumed to be irrefutable, but the idea of counties leaving one state to form another region is gaining traction. This article explores the frustrations that drive such sentiments and highlights other regions within the United States that might follow the path of Oregon's counties and the concept of Cascadia.

Introduction to State Institutions and Constitutional Challenges

Early state formations in the United States were often modeled after federal structures, with two chambers: a popular representative chamber and a bicameral senate-like chamber. This model was prevalent until the Supreme Court of the United States (Supreme Court) declared that state constitutions mirroring the federal Constitution were unconstitutional. This decision led to a scenario where many state local governments have been largely ignored. Despite this, people's cries for representation and autonomy ring through, often leading to the desire for secession or significant legislative reforms.

The Case of Oregon Counties

Currently, five counties in Oregon are considering seceding to join Idaho. This situation is not unique; the desire for autonomy within states is a recurring theme. The geography of these counties seems to dictate an almost natural division. A map of Washington State with red arrows highlighting the Cascade Range could illustrate how counties to the east of this mountain range would be more inclined to join Oregon counties in secession, while those west of the Cascades would prefer to stay.

Cascadia: A Proposed New State

The concept of Cascadia is gaining traction. It is a proposed state that would include Western Washington, Oregon, and potentially parts of British Columbia. The proposed flag and region designate the areas with a sense of unity and shared challenges, including environmental issues, natural disasters, and economic constraints. The maps and flags associated with this region reflect a growing sentiment that these areas could thrive more independently.

The Illinois Debt Crisis

A more direct application of separatism can be found in Illinois. The state is currently burdened with a staggering debt of $120 billion, primarily in pension obligations. Residents of Illinois are facing high tax burdens, with sales tax, property taxes on homes, and gasoline taxes all contributing to a heavy financial burden. The state's debt, combined with pension reforms being largely non-existent, exacerbates the frustration.

Resentment and Population Decline

Residents of Illinois are experiencing economic hardships. In the past year alone, over 80,000 people left the state, the highest figure since World War II. This exodus is partly due to the inability of individuals to afford large urban centers like Chicago and suburban Cook County, which struggle with overtaxation. People are moving to neighboring states like Indiana, seeking more affordable living conditions. Efforts to address the debt crisis and pension reform have thus far been futile, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.

Other Potential Regions for Secession

Other regions within the United States that might follow suit include Montana and Wyoming, which are often referred to as 'Cowboy States.' These regions have significant cultural differences and geographical distances from the more densely populated areas of the state. Similarly, the northeastern part of the state of New York could become a separate region due to its economic and social differences from western New York and the metropolitan areas.

Conclusion

The idea of counties leaving their states is not a new one, and it seems like the concept of Cascadia and similar regions could gain more traction in the coming years. While the legal and logistical hurdles are substantial, the desire for self-governance and local control is growing among residents in many areas. The challenges of debt crises, high taxes, and political gridlock are driving this movement, and it's likely that we will see more discussions and even attempts to form new regional states in the future.

To stay informed about these developments, keep an eye on legislative news and local government actions in these areas. The future of regional governance in the United States might be shaping up to be quite different from what we are used to.