‘Could’ is not ‘will’

We understand all too well that propaganda, rather than irrefutable facts, fuels political campaigns.

In the case of Measures 66/67, which Oregon voters must decide on by Jan. 26, both sides are predicting dire consequences should voters fail to heed their advice.

But nobody knows — or can know — for certain what will happen in either case.

It’s true that if voters defeat the measures, then the Legislature will have to decide next month how to balance the state budget.

It’s also true that if Measure 67 passes, some businesses will have to deal with being taxed based on their gross sales rather than their net profit.

What concerns us is that both campaigns have in some cases treated “could” and “will” as synonymous terms.

For instance, a press release from Vote Yes for Oregon states that if the measures fail, “Vulnerable children, seniors, people with disabilities and the unemployed will also be hit hard.”

The press release also contends that “every resident in Baker County will be affected” by cuts in state services if the measures go down.

That’s blatant, irresponsible fear-mongering.

Opponents cite economists who estimate that passage of the tax measures could lead to the loss of 70,000 jobs. But that’s an educated guess, not a guaranteed result.

Politics is a competitive business to be sure.

But the desire to win in no way excuses either opponents or proponents who try to mislead voters about this complicated issue by means of fallacious cause-and-effect claims.

We advise voters to be suspicious of anybody who purports to have nailed down Oregon’s post-election future.