An editorial in The Oregonian today is written in much the same style that, at least until recently, The World all too often employed. The piece is filled with empty declarative statements and almost entirely devoid of supporting argument or useful information. The paper tosses out assumptions like Wyden’s “slow, let’s-get-this-right approach underscores an acceptance, finally, that Jordan Cove could be good for Oregon’s South Coast and, perhaps, of minimal risk to the nation’s energy security” and that “the time seems right for this $7.5 billion project to move decisively forward.” It’s almost like the authors were too busy to actually consider how a project like this would affect a rural county almost five hours south.

Screen shot 2013-12-08 at 9.17.28 PMEven the title, “After 10 years of trying, Jordan Cove LNG should the get the OK“, seems to imply that time alone is a solid enough reason to approve the project. How about an OP-ED entitled “We have been fighting it for 10 years, Jordan Cove LNG should just go away.”

The editorial fails to demonstrate to the reader how the conclusion was reached and probably the best line that sums up how poorly written and reasoned this entire piece is is a quote from David Koch of the Port of Coos Bay. “This community has been kicked in the teeth. I grew up in Portland, and folks have no idea of how bad it is.” Yes, well, that was very informative… thanks so much.

Perhaps, if I have the time, I will submit an opposing viewpoint but mostly the next time The Oregonian wants to discuss Coos County it might be better if they just don’t.