Oregon voters give the bird to conventional wisdom

Alis volat propriis. ("She flies with her own wings.") - Oregon state motto

As California's elected leaders try to keep the state from sinking, all they seem to be doing is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Everyone talks of cutting services to -- while increasing taxes on -- families, seniors, students and sick people; but few dare suggest raising revenues that might keep everyone afloat, either by stimulating economic activity or taxing those who've been getting tax breaks all along while everyone else pays the price.

In Oregon this week, voters overwhelmingly passed two tax measures that will "preserve funding for schools, health care, and other public services important to middle class families. The victory for the progressive tax increases sends a message that it is possible to win public support for raising revenue by requiring those who are still prospering in today's economy to contribute more to fund public priorities.

"Measures 66 and 67 raise the corporate minimum tax from $10 to $150 and the tax rate on household income above $250,000. Prior to the passage of this measure, more than two-thirds of corporations doing business in Oregon paid just the $10 a year corporate minimum income tax."

It's not like Oregonians are tax-loving socialists: The vote "marks the first time Oregon voters have approved a statewide tax measure since 1931," the Oregonian reported.

"The state legislature passed the tax increases last year to generate $727 million to balance the state's budget, but big business launched an initiative drive to force them to the ballot.

"A large group of community organizations, including SEIU, other unions, small business owners, advocates for children and seniors, churches, environmental organizations, and civil rights groups came together to pass the measures. Over 250 organizations formed the Yes for Oregon coalition to mobilize voters for the special election."