"Native Home of Hope"
Over the past few days I have been re-reading The Sound of Mountain Water by Wallace Stegner and came across one of my favorite passages which refers to the West as the ‘native home of hope.'
“When it fully learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism is the quality that most characterizes and preserves it, then it will have achieved itself and outlived its origins. Then it has a chance to create a society to match its scenery.”
As we enter a new year, it strikes me that this captures the challenge facing Oregon today. It will take an unprecedented level of commitment and cooperation by all of us – and a willingness to move beyond old viewpoints and ways of doing business – if we are to safely navigate our state through the difficult times that lie ahead. I also believe that the very difficulties we face provide us with the moment to fulfill our promise as that native home of hope.
Comments
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Whether 55 + 67 pass or fail, my vote for governor will go to whoever takes on the tough issues of state tax reform and some form of health care if the national agenda fails.
I would like to know your stance on state tax reform as this has become screamingly apparent as the issue that will move Oregon out of boom + bust toward fiscal responsibility or take us deeper into a recession that is claiming many of our livelihoods.
If you are prepared to advance this cause, I will volunteer in your campaign.
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on Jul 31 2010, at 10:16 a.m.