State Governor Rex Morgan(D), citing budget shortcomings after losing federal timber sudsidies, has announced today that the National Guard units can no longer be spared for deployment in Iraq.
They are being reassigned to new duties manning state corrections institutions which are facing budget reductions so drastic as to require their closure due to staffing shortages.
The Governor has stated, "The Democratic majority in our State Legislature has allowed us the authority to reassess our priorities and assign State resources to where they're needed most."
The governor has gone on to say, "The Oregon National Guard units currently deployed in Iraq will honor their commitments by completing their current tours.
However upon their succesful completion of those tours they will be re-deployed in various capacities supporting county law enforcement and corrections departments, here in Oregon.
This is a temporary measure that I wish could have been avoided.
It is one I was personally forced to enact after having to look at actually releasing convicted felons before they had served their lawful terms of incarceration.
I ultimately have a duty to protect the citizens of my own state, first and foremost."
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed.
Anti-war activists have said this is a "...bold, first step that sends a profound message to a United States Congress that simply will not, or is unable to honor the will of the people..."
State attorneys have pointed out that Oregon may face punitive federal funding penalties, not the least of which is the suspension of federal road building subsidies.
One prominent Republican has been quoted as saying "...our new 5.8 percent state sales tax, which has been inflicted upon this states citizens by the Democratic majority in our State legislature, was something I fought against as best I could.
I failed to stop it and I apologize to those good people who elected me to our legislature on my pledge to never raise taxes.
However, you gotta hand it to them, this new tax has freed Oregon from any need from federal handouts."
He was also quoted to say, "That they would betray our President in such a way, and use that freedom to undermine the global war on terror personally disgusts me."
A certain prominent historian has been quoted as saying "...this is a triumph of States Rights, which hasn't been seen in this country since the Civil War."
Veterans Rights advocates have said, "The continual redefinition of what the National Guard's mission is is only serving to extend the tours of Guard units that nave already seen 3 or more continuous terms of service."
Privately, a certain Guard soldier has been quoted as saying, "...at least I get to see my wife when I'm not working at the county jail.
My CO has told me that this is my last tour, and I'm looking forward to being with her and the kids every night.
Some guy on the squad said that could be as soon as 2009..."
The Vice President has said publically, "...the Al-Qaeida has won. This is the worst defeat America's ever suffered."
What the long term consequences of this surprising action by a State governor remain to be seen, but most people look to the future now wondering, "What Will Happen in Oregon?"
<<<<<The above paragraphs are complete fiction, for now>>>>
They posit a future which has largely already happened, but there's still a couple months before most of our local county instituions shut down.
snip This future is getting closer everyday, it seems:
Josephine County Sheriff requests National Guard support should timber subsidies remain unrenewed:
http://www.kdrv.com/...
Various links describing the financial ramifications for Josephine County if the Rural Schools act is not passed.
Joco Reduced hours
http://www.localnewscomesfirst.com/...
Reduced public health and Safety Services
http://www.kdrv.com/...
Loss of search and Rescue, public health services
http://www.kdrv.com/...
The reality is that here in Oregon, we are looking at emptying Josephine County's jail down to the 33 worst offenders, releasing the rest on to the streets.
We here in Southern Oregon are in many ways the home to the cultural heritage of crystal methamphetimine, and I only point this out because the guys that are looking to be released without serving their proper terms might be soon headed to your state.
This is after closing all of our libraries, and laying off teachers, and firing roads workers.
I've been amazed at the gleeful hostility that other people on this forum have been seen to exhibit when replying to the fact that Oregon is getting the shaft worst from the repeal of federal timber subsidies.
Well guess what?
You're hearing from me because I'm one of the few college educated people in my county that understands how drastic the cuts are here, and can maybe communicate them to a larger audience, if only ham-handedly.
There's 39 other states who are gonna be looking at similar cuts, though none as bad as here.
My point is, I am not asking for your advice about "What should Oregon do?"
It's what you are going to do when it sinks in that your state's on the list.
Sure, great, Oregon's got forest subsidies, but my states different-it's got farm, wheat, fishing or oil subsidies...
You're next!
The war budget that has yet to be voted on is 100 Billion dollars. You just wait til it happens to your state, and you'll be the one squealing on Daily Kos.
And before you pick up that mouse to clik on what your sage tax advice is for my state, and what it and I should do...do us both a favor a place it up your posterior.
Those of you reading this post, please understand how hard it is to me to put into words how drastic the cuts are. I make up stories, and try and illustrate to you how profound they happen to be for us locally.
Positive posts would be from other people in the other states who are experiencing similar cuts. Maybe give some idea to the scope of the congressional budgetary ramifications that this idiot war is only just beginning to inflict.
Maybe you could do some research and share with us what programs are being destroyed across the board in your state...
Maybe you could realize that Bush is going to balance his budget in 2012 by detroying your state's fundamental economics...
...like he and his congress just did to ours.
Have a nice day
-LB