We’re just back from a week in Las Vegas, where we headed to enjoy sunny days, desert hiking and the wonderful strangeness of life on the Strip.

One thing that especially struck me while we were there was the fact that everyone in Vegas is happy, in a way that everybody in Oregon, isn’t.

People aren’t constantly whining about the economy. People aren’t hunched over from the weather. They’re relaxed and smiling and having a good time, even the waiters and waitresses at the restaurants.

Places like Oregon could learn something in Sin City. Hey, I’ve got a novel idea: Let’s send our city councilors and state representatives for a week of partying in Vegas at taxpayer expense. (Oh, wait, that’s been tried already….)

photo: Wax Harrison Ford, 2010