by CAROL MCALICE CURRIE

November 23, 2004

It's pathetic, it is. A survey of state attractions solicited by the Oregon Tourism Commission shows that 2002 annual attendance was up at manmade Meccas such as Spirit Mountain Casino and Woodburn Company Stores (outlet mall) but flat or down at natural wonders such as Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon's state parks.

In a nonstatistical-analysis sort of way, the survey suggests that the casino and the mall are the Beaver State's No. 1 and No. 2 destination spots, respectively.

How sad. Here in the great state of Oregon -- home to 13 national forests, 296 miles of compelling coastline, 50 navigable rivers, 6,619 lakes and reservoirs, 19 wildlife refuges, 17 ghost towns, 16 known hot springs, 12 downhill ski areas, two public seaside golf courses, more than 250 world-class wineries and 5,900 campsites --residents now are taking family and friends shopping and gambling more often than to the mountains and meadows. (Press button A to hear columnist's regular rant on why the state needs a sales tax.)

It's a sorry indictment of our state specifically and our society in general.

I blame, in part, the tourism logo: "We love dreamers."

A focus on material wealth and possessions? That's my idea of a nightmare.

It's rancid moralizing, but it's not too late to change our practices.

More Tourist attractions focus on winning, spending money