The notion to move Oregon’s border to become part of Idaho has always carried with it a certain sense of illusion, but the grassroots movement personifies the perception in Eastern Oregon that the gap between rural and urban areas of the state is too wide to bridge.

Next week that very issue will be the subject of a statewide online debate sponsored by the Oregon branch of Braver Angels, a national nonprofit with a goal of unifying a divided nation. The debate is slated for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12. The event is free and those who are interested can sign up by going online to bit.ly/3PU0Ii4.

The debate is an important one and the platform provided by Braver Angels can hopefully generate not only comment but real answers to the persistent gap between rural Oregon and the urban areas of the state.

A sense that Salem and urban areas of the state do not listen to Eastern Oregon is relevant and real. Granted, rural Oregon generally holds different values and political views than other more urbanized areas of Oregon. To some extent those differences are normal and, in some cases, can actually be healthy for a democracy.

The problem, though, is the gap has been allowed — by voters and lawmakers — to grow unchecked.

That’s where the Move Oregon’s Border movement has been able to gain momentum. People in Eastern Oregon are frustrated with Oregon politics. We live in a region that is fundamentally geared to self-reliance and self-determination.

That means many of the political ideas so prevalent in western portions of the state have no traction here among the beautiful vistas of the Blue and Elkhorn mountains. Put simply, a large part of the state sees a problem or issue from one point of view that is unique and selective.

Yet we would submit there is far more that unites us than divides us.

We remain a common people with a common set of challenges. The real problems of our time exist in Portland as well as La Grande.

Finding the middle ground on flash-point subjects for our area – wolves, economic development – are possible. Agreements that evolve from a common interest can be found. We all must guard against allowing ignorance to cloud our outlook. We must strive to find the truth where it is rarely recognized.

In short, we must work together for a common solution.