Fund-amental

A state in which most of the real estate is owned by the federal government.

A state which has to mount a major political effort to retain a National Guard base near the second largest city in a multi-state region.

A state that seemingly must battle to keep its locally generated dollars working at home instead of being sent far away to much wiser folk along the Potomac River.

Now the feds are eyeing revenue generated on Oregon timber lands that historically has been used to support Oregon school systems. While the funds may be allocated to areas such as Hood River County where the timber is harvested, they are actually figured into the statewide school support, meaning that every school system benefits.

NOTE TO WASHINGTON, D.C.: The funds belong to Oregon. You have no title to millions of acres in this state. You pay no taxes, while private timberland owners are taxed on the land and the income it generates. The modest amount of money involved is vital to this state and the education of its young.

We’ll forward you a list of suggested budget reductions if you wish.

— Reprinted and adapted courtesy of Polk County Itemizer-Observer, Dallas, Ore.