Browse All News Articles on Salem-News Page 1969

Why Would a Surge Really Work in Afghanistan?

One reporter's thoughts on a huge national endeavor to turn the war around.

(SALEM, Ore.) - When it comes to the idea of a military "surge" in Afghanistan, the first thing Americans need to wrap their minds around, is the natural tendency of people to have patriotic and even nationalistic motivations. This should come as no surprise to Americans, it doesn't matter where you were born, it only matters that you were born.

Siding with an occupational force has to be a lot to ask of somebody. You could say that is particularly true when it comes to the United States.

Do You Know What Goes Bump in the Night?

"I've heard that paranormal activity is highest at night. Why would this be?" ~question via email

(SALEM, Ore.) - I believe we are either brought up with, or somehow develop a natural association with fear and darkness. A pitch-black room or sitting around a campfire at night are the perfect settings in which to share ghost stories and scare our friends, let's face it, in the dark we are more susceptible to our imaginations!

The concrete lines of what “is” and “is not” become softened and the two worlds ooze into one another, we are no longer as confident about what “can” and “can not” be lurking in the unseen as we are in the light.

A New Decade

Every decade, every year, and every day this should be the light that guides us as we strive to craft our more perfect union.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - If you have read any of the many op-ed reflections on the first decade of the new millennium, the reviews are less than positive. The arm chair commentators are not necessarily wrong.

These past ten years have witnessed many grotesque spectacles: the War on Terror, extraordinary degradations of the democratic process and the rule of law, new lows for industry, and new highs for corruption and fraud in business and government.

Comedy Icons Cheech & Chong to Highlight Marijuana Policy Project`s 15th Anniversary Gala

Celebrity guests and politicians will help celebrate MPP’s remarkable passage of improved marijuana laws in ‘15 states in 15 years’.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th anniversary gala will be held Wednesday, January 13th in Washington, D.C.

The event will celebrate past achievements and announce the organization’s new national strategy, including a congressional bill to end marijuana prohibition on the federal level.

The Chilcot Inquiry: Britain`s 9/11 Commission

There will be no inquiry into the role of Zionist insiders in taking Britain to war against Iraq, a country that posed a threat not to British interests but to Israel's regional hegemony.

(TOKYO) - All too often, official inquiries are conducted by the very people who should themselves be under investigation. In this respect, Britain's Chilcot Inquiry on the Iraq war bears a distressing similarity to the 9/11 Commission.

In a remarkable symmetry, both inquiries involve a Jewish Zionist historian, who not only advised his country's leader to go to war against Iraq, but actually provided the ideological justification for that unnecessary war.

Somber Homecoming for NW Soldier Killed in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

Sgt. Elijah J Rao was killed by an improvised explosive device, or roadside bomb, in Afghanistan.

(HILLSBORO, Ore.) - A somber and reverent group was on hand for the arrival of a local soldier December 12, 2009, who was killed fighting in Afghanistan. The family of Elijah J Rao says he will be sorely missed.

We first reported on this loss the day after it happened when the family released word of Elijah's death. They said at the time it is the last knock a family ever wants to hear at their door.

14 Years After Her Daughter`s Death, Donna Norris is Still Protecting Children

Because Every Child is Worth Protecting...

(ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.) - “No parent should ever know the pain of losing a child the way I did, that’s why I am so proud to be a part of this, I know it will help save children… This is the one thing no parent should be without.”

Sheriff Craig Roberts Reflects on Recent Mount Hood Mission

Oregon sheriff recalls tragic event that ended on December 16th‏.

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - Making the decision to suspend a search and rescue mission is among the most difficult that I am required to make as Clackamas County Sheriff.

Unfortunately, that was how our rescue efforts for Katie Nolan and Anthony Vietti ended on December 16.

Aquarium Husbandry Staff is `Guardedly Optimistic` in Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

An Olive Ridley and a Green sea turtle both show progress at Oregon Coast Aquarium.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s effort to rehabilitate two stranded sea turtles continues, with improvement in both turtles, found on different beaches last November.

An Olive Ridley sea turtle was found stranded on Agate Beach in Newport and a Green sea turtle was discovered on the southern Washington coast.

Petition Seeks to Bring Water to Gaza Residents

Effort is targeted toward Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and sponsored by Care2.

(NEW YORK ) - According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 10,000 Gaza residents do not have water taps anywhere near their homes. On top of this, about 60 percent of Gaza residents do not have reliable access to water at all.

After the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007, Israel imposed sanctions against border crossings and materials exchanges across the borders. Israel officials say these sanctions are imposed in order to meet the humanitarian needs of the residents of Gaza.