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Will the Kids Ever Leave?

This is Bruce's 25th article on Salem-News.com.

(AGOURA, Calif.) - What an interesting contemporary question: will our kids ever leave? I left home at sixteen to go away to college and never returned, except for visits.

I stayed close to my parents, and they did help me financially through college, though I worked every summer to supplement my education expenses and pay for my own spending. ShortRib (my wife) and I wonder when will our kids be independent enough to afford to leave?

Oregon-Based Group Mobilizes in Pakistan Amid Taliban Fighting (AUDIO)

Reports from the war zone are compelling many Oregonians to help.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - As a half million people half the world away in Pakistan flee their homes because of armed fighting, an Oregon-based aid group is on the ground to help those families in need. Mercy Corps is handing out emergency kits this week, and Portland-based personnel are arriving in Pakistan to assess the continued emergency response.

Spokesperson Caitlin Carlson says those who had to flee had little notice.

Rangers, Conservation & Anti-Violence Groups Seek National Park Gun Ban

President Obama is called upon to keep American families and wildlife safe in National Parks.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - In a letter sent to President Obama today, park rangers, The Humane Society of the United States, Violence Policy Center and other groups, asked for the president’s help in stopping efforts to allow loaded rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons in America’s national parks—risking the safety of American families and wildlife.

To curry favor with the National Rifle Association, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) this week sponsored an amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009.

New Drug Czar Calls for End of `War on Drugs`

The drug czar doesn't have the power to enforce any of these changes himself, but Mr. Kerlikowske plans to work with Congress and other agencies to alter current policies.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The nation's new Drug Czar says he wants to end the "War on Drugs" and prefers the adoption of policies that favor treating drug users rather than incarcerating them.

The news was delivered during a Wall Street Journal interview where former Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske spoke openly about the failure of a national approach to drug abuse. Currently, one out of 31 Americans are either incarcerated or part of the parole and probation system. Many if not most of those serving time were convicted of non-violent drug crimes.

Police Investigate Takeover Robbery at Salem Coin Shop

The investigation is continuing, and anybody with information on this case is asked to call Salem Police.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police are investigating the takeover robbery of a Coin Shop where the owner was tased, then handcuffed as the suspects ransacked the business.

Lt. Dave Okada with Salem Police says the incident was reported at 12:01 p.m. today when an acquaintance of the owner of Capitol Coin arrived at the business at 4670 Commercial Street SE.

Car Crashes Into Portland Business Injuring One (VIDEO)

The woman who was injured was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - An ‘elderly male driver' mistakenly accelerated instead of braking today in Happy Valley, and his car plunged into a commercial establishment doing business as Johnny's #2, located at 11322 SE 82nd Avenue, investigators say.

"Consequently, this out-of-control vehicle accelerated through the front of this establishment and injured a female working inside the premises," Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Spokesman, Detective Jim Strovink said.

Fugitive in Oregon Teen Sex Abuse Case Arrested in Indiana

America's Most Wanted Reports that the 43-year-old man was wanted for some of the "most heinous sex crimes on record in the jurisdiction.

(NEWBERG, Ore.) - Investigators in Yamhill County say a former Newberg resident sought for over 45 counts relating to the sexual abuse of young women has been arrested in Indiana.

43-year old Michael Dwayne Lemasters reportedly fled the state in October 2008, shortly before warrants for his arrest were issued. LeMasters was sought in Yamhill, Washington and Clackamas county, with security set at $2,523,000.

Police Need Help Identifying Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Salem

Pedestrian struck by Pickup truck on Portland Rd at Northgate NE

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Salem Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying the pedestrian that was struck by a pickup truck as he crossed Portland Rd NE near Northgate NE at about 9:45 p.m. on May 12th.

Salem PD Lt. Dave Okada says it happened last night when the man was struck by a white 1995 Ford F150 pick up truck. The truck was driven by 21-year old Miguel Angel Ruiz, of Salem.

Senate Reclassifies Methamphetamine, Increases Penalties for Delivery of Certain Drugs

The reclassification of methamphetamine as a Schedule I controlled substance means the drug is considered to have a high tendency of abuse and has no accepted medical use.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Senate passed legislation this morning reclassifying meth to a higher schedule for controlled substances and increasing the penalty for manufacturing or delivering certain drugs when they play a role in a person’s death. Senate Bill 728 passed the Senate 26-2.

Who is the Enemy in Iraq?

While five Americans were recently shot to death by a PTSD stricken soldier, four other deaths have taken place that were not combat related.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The same story plays out day after day, year after year and war after war. Governments that possess great intelligence and review endless amounts of data, still place human beings in situations that the most basic assessments should have prevented.

It's the fallout of a war that should have never been fought, by a country whose leaders blatantly lied in order to wage the campaign. The ambitions of the last U.S. President have left up to a million Iraqi's dead, as well as an escalating number of our own. They were sent to war in woefully inadequate vehicles, without a real plan.