The Cascade Mountain range is becoming an ideological barrier – rather than merely a physical one. Though it may still be traversable, the divide between the east and west sides of the state is becoming politically insurmountable. The latest barrier to be constructed was put in place by none other than our governor, Chris Gregoire. She proclaimed Friday, Oct. 17, to be “Purple and Gold Day” in the state of Washington, saying, “I urge all citizens to don purple and gold in honor of this world-class institution.”

Gregoire, a UW graduate, has taken yet another misstep in her campaign by giving Eastern Washingtonians another reason not to like her. Apparently, she didn’t get the memo that this is Cougar Country. From Oroville and Omak in the north all the way to Walla Walla in the south, most easterners support WSU.

Actually, the word “support” doesn’t do our homefront fans and alumni justice. They are fiercely adamant zealots, football aficionados, basketball groupies and connoisseurs of all things Cougar. Pride is palpable on this side of the state. On game day you can almost taste it in the air of Martin Stadium, like a sweet sea mist on your tongue. We paint our faces like warriors, dress our families in crimson – even our babies are garbed in school colors. WSU supporters are the strongest and most vocal fans in the country.

This pride goes beyond petty school rivalries. People attach real world characteristics to the state schools and the kind of people who support them. Eastern Washingtonians think of themselves as hard-working, honest and independent. Most also feel unappreciated and disregarded when it comes to state politics and having a say in how things are run.

The proclamation of a “Purple and Gold Day” is essentially a slap in the face to every self-respecting Eastern Washingtonian. With this proclamation, Gregoire is saying, “Yeah, I don’t really need your votes – we have enough people over here. Go Huskies!”

Perhaps Gregoire sees WSU as the state’s ugly redheaded stepchild, but we, and the rest of this side of the state, can assure the governor – we are real. What’s more, we really vote too.

Yes, it’s a bad campaign decision for the governor to alienate even more people from this side of the state. The least she could do is proclaim a “Crimson and Gray Day” as well. But for this to happen, we have to get the governor’s attention.

This Friday, everyone, everywhere in Eastern Washington should wear black clothing in protest of this insufferable proclamation. The first “Purple and Gold Day” in the state of Washington should be marked by our inky disdain. When Gregoire sees pictures of WSU students and other Eastern Washingtonians wearing nothing but black, maybe she will realize Washington doesn’t end at the Cascades.