Some folks can't even find Oregon on the map. It is a small and rainy state, with independent politicians, lots of small farms, two US Senators--one of whom is very liberal and one of whom is very conservative.
Lane County, where the the progressive city of Eugene is located, and where the blue collar town of Springfield is situated, will be losing federal money due to the cut back in timber resources.
The schools will be cut back. Portland, the big city to the north, has a drop out rate of over 40% in some of its High Schools.
A few years ago, due to the problems in the more desolate eastern part of the state, the poverty rate was almost 2nd in the nation.
Oregon is still a great state, with real energetic population and a beautiful landscape.
There is a wonderful population that celebrates an alternative lifestyle...but whose car's are older than those of the children who live in Los Angeles.
In fact many people would rather run a little farm than buy a new car.
People, even those hundreds of thousands, who can't afford a trip to the doctor, will wave and say "hi" to a stranger walking down the road.
Now, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is reportedly, ready to spend 1-Billion Dollars for an independent run for President of the United States, if he doesn't like the normal lineup of Democratic and Republican candidates.
Most of this Billion Dollars, will be spent buying television commercials, telling us what a great guy he is, and how is going to save the world, with his great business sense (FYI to Bloomberg---President Truman couldn't make a dime in the private sector).
May I make a suggestion:
Mayor Bloomberg: Take Oregon under your wings--help 10,000 children with your money...improve a few schools, help them start some small businesses, and improve the state's health care system.
Work with your business buddies in improving our high schools and vocational schools, so that our children will have better lives in their future.
A billion dollars goes a long way in the State of Oregon---It's really hard to eat television commercials.
Your a smart and good guy, Mr. Bloomberg, but do something really creative with your Billion dollars, and help the State of Oregon.
What a legacy that would be!
Thanks for reading:
Bob Kholos
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