Shocker: Many Oregon politicians don’t think Oregon citizens know what they’re doing. These politicians are pushing a new ballot measure to undo a property rights measure passed by voters not once but twice.

The disputed initiative is Measure 37, which requires the state to compensate property owners for the loss of value that results from strict land-use and environmental rules . . . rules that, for example, ban people from subdividing their land and giving separate parcels to their own children.

In 2000, Oregonians approved a constitutional amendment requiring compensation, but the state Supreme Court killed it. A few years later voters tried again, with a statute, Measure 37. It passed, too, and was upheld in court.

But now politicians want to “fix” the new law. They’re moving to post a new measure on the ballot, Measure 49. House Speaker Jeff Merkley says “we have to do everything we can to make sure Oregonians are getting what they bargained for.”

How about, for once, actually getting what they voted for?

Law professor James Huffman observes that foes of Measure 37 want to “split the coalition needed to keep Measure 37 intact by driving a wedge between ordinary folks and business . . .” Of course, property rights aren’t a class issue. They’re a human rights issue.

I’m betting that Oregon voters understand their unity of interest a little better than those divisive Oregon politicians.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.