By Dick Bernard
Special to the Sentry
Now that the protracted Democratic primary season is finished, I feel it’s time to review my Maine to Oregon saga complete with new insights, not just political but all across the spectrum of life in general.
First off is my distinct impression that Maine does much better comparatively to Oregon than I had previously thought. There are serious political schisms in this state, more so than in Maine. The division in sentiment between the two congressional districts in Maine pales when the north to south fracture in Oregon comes into play. Southern Oregon reflects the north vs. south chasm that is so prominent in other states, like California, Arizona, Louisiana, Illinois and Ohio, just to mention a few. There is an incipient urge in southern Oregon to spin off, and in concert with northen California, form a separate state called “Shasta.” That’s even wilder than what the current mayor of South Portland has proposed!
Progressive Democrats are a distinct minority here. Letters to the local “Daily Courier” reflect deep seated naysayer opinions on just about any subject. This area impresses me as hard scrabble living. Affordable housing is present in greater amounts than in Maine simply because the housing units are small and cheaply built. That contrasts with northern Oregon, especially in the Portland region, where some outstanding housing developments are burgeoning. The state’s leading newspaper reflects this contrast in its coverage of the vibrant life of metropolitan Portland. The lively letters to the editor in “The Oregonian” testify to this. I have never seen a letter from anyone in southern Oregon published there. It’s as if we don’t exist here in “six pack” Oregon.
But I must admit that the unenrolled, cranky-oriented voters, both in Maine and Oregon, determine the character of the political landscape. Barack Obama may change that, but the knives are already out in view to cut him down to size. We will see.
On the environmental front Maine is clearly, in my opinion, considerably ahead. In my county here, (Josephine County) shortcuts in planning have severely damaged some of the area’s best environment.
To top this off, cost cutting moves, made by arrogant and dominant commissioners and supervisors, have resulted in the canceling of the entire public library system as well as some sorely needed social services. Mainers may be contrary, but their sense of social justice does prevail. We need that here.
But there is here a generally joyful outlook, if day to day human contact is a guide. People are friendly, outgoing and thoughtful. But that doesn’t seem to percolate into the political domain. Still, the climate is conducive to better relationships. People are out and about; fairs, bazaars, markets abound. Every weekend has some annual event happening. I am enjoying a pleasant season of gardening and my daily walks with our dog, Molly, put me in contact with a variety of good neighbors.
That’s helpful because my climb up the ageing ladder gets me closer to disabilities, like a recent revelation that I have type 2 diabetes. That is under control and my wife Kathy hews to a clever and creative diet schedule. I am also undergoing some eye surgery for cataract removal, which should improve my golf game (and my spirits)!
There is no real best of all worlds, I am sure. But as I mentally meld the best of Maine and Oregon I may get closer and closer. I do yearn for a visit to South Portland, but $5 a gallon for gas and a worsening national airline service precludes a return visit. But thanks to the Internet and the print media we have each other. Let’s hope for better times.
Dick Bernard is a former South Portland resident who now makes his home in Oregon.