Death Investigation Underway in Vernonia‏

Columbia County's Major Crime Team is heading the investigation.

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - The investigation into the death of an adult male that occurred Friday night, July 18th, around 11:30 PM in Vernonia, is continuing.

The Columbia County Major Crime Team, with Oregon State Police as the lead investigating agency, is attempting to figure out what happened and who is responsible.

So far, the identity of the victim and additional preliminary investigative details are being withheld. Oregon State Police officials say the identification is pending an autopsy and review with the Columbia County District Attorney's Office.

Salem-News.com is a sincere group of experienced, award-winning journalists who banded together to bring better coverage to Oregon's capitol city and outlying areas. Over time Salem-News gained national and global appeal through our affiliation with Google News and other sources, and we continue to generate some of the most relevent information through our local, national and worldwide coverage.

We are asking for the support of our readers and visitors to help us keep Salem-News.com in operation, Please help by visiting our PayPal link in the right column and donating what you can. We sincerely appreciate your help! 

Watch for our special Focus on contamination at the former El Toro Marine Base in Southern California

Not Another Front!  U.S. and World Relations with Iran

Afghanistan is a Land of Diverse Cultures and Severe Prejudice

"The Kite Runner" brings a large dose of Afghan cultural strife to Americans for the first time. This article attempts to interpret the questions that the movie leaves.

(SALEM, Ore.) - You have to work hard to name a country more different and removed from the United States than Afghanistan. It is the historic crossroads between the Eastern and Western worlds, a place that has been settled since the earliest days of man. Even though the U.S. and several other nations are sending military troops there year after year to fight a war against criminal insurgents, few in the west really understand the dynamics of this place.

I am no expert, but I have spent time covering the war in Afghanistan and between that experience and my long list of contacts and Internet sources, it made sense to write this and spread the knowledge about this fascinating and captivating land that is as stark, cold and empty as it is historic, vibrant and mystic/exotic.

War Coverage Tim King in Afghanistan

Ask Dr. Leveque Only on Salem-News.com

No Injuries in Salem Townhouse Fire

Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately 20-minutes before they had it under control.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Firefighters say a smoldering cigarette butt in an outdoor smoking area is to blame for a fire that raged through a Salem townhouse Friday night.

Salem Fire Department Spokesman Bill Holmstrom, says firefighters were called out to the scene Friday at 9:05 PM on a first alarm assignment, which sent 3 Engines, a Ladder Truck, a Medic Unit and a Battalion Chief to the apartment fire at 6467 Fairway Avenue SE.

Holmstrom said, "When firefighters arrived on scene they had flames shooting approximately 20-feet above the rear of this two-story townhouse."

Salem Restaurant Dining Critic!

Salem's Cartoon Strip Only on Salem-News.com

Woodburn Drag Strip Grandstand Theft is a Symptom of Meth Abuse and Ignorance

A scrap metal company in Salem worked with police to bust two men, but the meth problems generally behind this type of crime, are poorly addressed in this country.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregonians keep getting clobbered over the head with the stories of the meth freaks, but we must have a shorter attention span that I realized. In spite of all the methamphetamine horror stories, police, federal officials in particular, are spending your tax dollars like chumps, arresting people for marijuana while the crank fiends dismantle the very place we live in.

Meth addicts are human beings operating on a distinctly different level from all others. For the public, their own children and families, and in this case, an Oregon drag strip, they represent a hazard. Meth users are way more dangerous to society than other drug violators. The problem is not getting any better; we have our priorities extremely mixed up.

Night of Fire '08 is Tonight!

The event is set for tonight in the Salem Evangelical Church parking lot on N. Liberty Street.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon hot rod and custom car enthusiasts get together each summer for a very special celebration called "Night of Fire." In fact, the gathering is earning a reputation for being one of the state's top events for cars, and it also is an event with a heart.

The idea is to bring hundreds of cars and thousands of enthusiasts together for an event in the Salem area that is family friendly and downright memorable. Highlights at this get together include the lighting of the jet car, drag racers, low rider hops, and plenty of great food from vendors like Adams Rib Smokehouse.

Immigration Study Released by Coalition for a Working Oregon

"We as a state need a legal workforce and we can only get a solution through federal comprehensive reform. Piece by piece or state by state only makes a solution more difficult and confusing." - Bill Perry, Oregon Restaurant Association

(WILSONVILLE, Ore.) - The Coalition for a Working Oregon released a study on July 9th predicting a considerable loss of economic output if the federal "No-Match" rule is implemented.

Conducted by William Jaeger, Ph. D., Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University, the study details the consequences of the "No-Match" rule, a federal regulation designed to identify undocumented workers in the U.S. Under the "No-Match" rule, if a worker's social security number is questioned by the Department of Homeland Security, he or she must provide proper work authorization by a predetermined date. If the employee cannot provide proper authorization, the employer must release the employee or face penalties.

Miss Universe Outcome: An Unusual Pattern of Correlations (VIDEO)

Strange coincidences parallel world history.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Maybe I am a little slow at the draw here, but strange ironies and coincidences in this week's contest for the most appreciated woman in the world.

First, there is the strange correlation with our nation's serious military dilemma in Iraq, and the Miss USA competitor's inability to stay on their feet. The Iraq War is called by many red blooded Americans nothing but "a repeat of Vietnam" because like the war in SE Asia, it seems fairly unwinnable and a draw at best.

American Quest: Learning to Live Like Honorable Men

The U.S. ripped Iran off for years. They finally took back control of their nation which is successful today, and the western nations keep creating and issuing lies about nuclear weapons that don't exist.

(SALEM, Ore.) - We are taught by our parents, our society and our educators, to be fair. The law of our land in essence, demands equity for all citizens. Religious doctrine tells us it is wrong to lie, steal, kill and hate. But for some reason, a large number of Americans and Israeli's believe that they can randomly dismiss those obligations and yet still be in the right; wrong.

When an individual makes a mistake, they should atone for it. When a nation makes a mistake, the government of that land should do the same. We persecute people every day for stealing and for business crimes, yet we shrug off our responsibility for having ripped off Iran in the years leading up to WWII. Every single thing that is wrong today is based in what the U.S. and the U.K. did. It was about one simple thing; ripping off Iran's oil.

Afghan Attorney General Gets the Boot from Karzai

The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul, says Mr Sabet "is a controversial figure known for his anti-corruption drive across the country - a stance that made him some powerful enemies."

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai has dismissed his attorney general after an announcement that Attorney-General Abdul Jabbar Sabit would run for the presidency in elections next year. The BBC reports that Mr Karzai said the post of attorney general needed to be free from "political influences".

But Sabet calls foul on that, saying his removal itself was unconstitutional. He said the President knew he would not be able to compete with him in the presidential election.

Police Seek Homicide Suspect Out of Sacramento, California

Police in California say an armed and dangerous man is sought for a double shooting in Sacramento early this morning.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - The suspect who shot two people in California could be in Oregon, though police say there is no specific information suggesting that. They still want people to keep their eyes open for the subject and his vehilcle.

Sacramento, California Police say they are on the lookout for 51-year old Ronald Mitchell, wanted out of California's capitol city over a double shooting that happened at 12:50 AM this morning at 3615 43rd Street.

Mitchell is described as a black male, foot nine inches in height, who weighs approximately 210 pounds. Police say he has a violent history and is armed with a handgun.

Nine American Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan Attack Named

Violence is on the rise in Afghanistan, and it leaves many people questioning the operation, and wondering whether the Taliban-led insurgency is gaining momentum seven years after the fundamentalist Islamic regime was ousted by a U.S.-led invasion.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Department of Defense announced today the names of nine soldiers who were killed in the deadliest attack yet against Americans in Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died of wounds suffered when their outpost was attacked and overrun by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from enemy forces in Wanat, Afghanistan, on July 13th. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

New Bill Would Provide Relief from High Gas Prices

Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Transportation and Housing Options Endorsed by Leading National Environmental Group.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - A leading national environmental group today endorsed new bipartisan legislation in Congress that would offer Americans relief from high gas prices by providing expanded transportation and housing options.

Gas prices in the United States have tripled during the past seven years. As a result, Americans now spend an average of more than $2,000 a year on gas to commute to work. Transportation costs are now Americans' second largest average expense after housing.

Human Trafficking is an Unaddressed Worldwide Tragedy

We, the world of civilized humans, all bear the responsibility of putting an end to this holocaust of mutilation of body, soul, and emotions of our women and children in the sex slave industry.‏

(SALEM, Ore.) - Bringing attention to human slavery and trafficking should not be a difficult task. People should be completely shocked and appalled that this problem has been allowed to grow completely out of control. Governments, including the United States, devote far too little in the way of time and resources to it. Many people say that is because too many government employees are part of trafficking and slavery. That makes fighting it all the more difficult if it is the case.

One advocate who works for the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office in Florida, Betty Dehnert, says the civilized people of earth have absolutely no clue about this industry.

Peacekeeper from UN-African Union Force in Darfur Killed

Humanitarian activities are also ongoing and a Chinese engineering company is due to join the mission tomorrow.

(FOROBARANGA, Darfur) - A peacekeeper serving with the joint African Union-United Nations force in Darfur (UNAMID) was killed today while on patrol in the strife-torn region, just one week after seven blue helmets with the mission were slain.

The peacekeeper was killed in Forobaranga in West Darfur state, according to preliminary information received by UNAMID, the mission said in a press statement.

"UNAMID condemns all acts of violence against its peacekeepers," the statement added, noting that an investigation has begun into today’s killing.

Benny & Sid's Your Public Service Announcement #3

This is the third installment of the new Salem-News.com cartoon series "Benny & Sid's Your Public Service Announcement" which is a continuation of the series, "Nota Bene by Leonardo".

(Salem) - This week's public service announcements include messages regarding Barack Obama, FISA and the American Civil Liberties Union; Bush White House Torture Team members Alberto Gonzales, David Addington, and Douglas Feith; and last but not least a look at John McCain's awareness of the impact of technology on the 21st century.

Oregon PUC Predicts Substantial Increase in Winter Natural Gas Prices

Oregon’s supply of natural gas comes from Canada and the Rocky Mountain region.

(SALEM, Ore.) - If you use natural gas, brace yourself for an expected sharp rise in prices. That was the collective opinion shared today in a briefing before the Oregon Public Utility Commission by natural gas providers in Oregon.

The Commission was told that natural gas prices this coming heating season will likely be significantly higher than a year ago due to growing demand, tight supplies and international pressures as Oregon’s natural gas companies secure supplies for their customers for the next year and beyond.

In-Depth Look at El Toro Marine Base TCE Contamination Begins Next Week

Time to get to the bottom of a big environmental mess involving a former Marine Corps base in Southern California.

(SALEM, Ore.) - For years, a chemical degreaser called Trichlorethylene, or TCE for short, was used to clean fighter jets at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Southern California. The U.S. government is notorious for poor environmental practices, and this ranks among its most profound; as generation after generation of Marines were exposed to the toxic and lethal nature of TCE, a product primarily manufactured by DOW Chemicals.

Various squadrons on the base used the deadly degreaser and all of the runoff was hosed away down the flightline and into the water basins.

The base of the 'TCE plume' as it is called, flowed right through the Marine Wing Support Group-37 area. This is where I spent the majority of a three year enlistment as a young Marine, totally oblivious to the condition of the water and the ground that we worked on every day.

National Gas Prices at Record Highs, Oregon Average Eases Slightly

The price of crude hit yet another record high late last week, but drops several dollars today. Our national average is holding steady at a record high near $4.11 per gallon.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Even the President is talking about high gas prices and possible solutions. The recent run-up in crude has yet to be reflected fully at the pumps. Why are retailers reluctant to pass the higher prices on to consumers? And what's the outlook for prices for the rest of the summer?

AAA reports that for the second day in a row, the national average for regular unleaded remains at a record high of nearly $4.11, gaining a tenth of a cent in the past week. Oregon's average dropped two cents this week to $4.27 and prices in many of Oregon's measured metro areas are ticking down slightly as well.

AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "Oregon and Washington are among 41 states, including the District of Columbia, with averages for regular unleaded at or above $4 per gallon, up from 39 states last week."

Lies and Fabrications are Behind the Drive to Attack Iran

Iran has not invaded another country in 300 years.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Talk is cheap, and most people who talk loud and cheap about attacking Iran probably believe they will never have to deal with the violence suggested by such an act. Perhaps some deep thought should be given to this subject, because an attack on Iran would likely be the beginning of the last of the world wars.

The people pushing for this type of military, national suicide are the Lieberman's and the Bush's and the Limbaugh's and others who only profit from war, destruction and fear. If Israel or the United States attacks Iran, then World War III will be on and it is hard to predict how many countries will be on the side of the attackers.

It seems possible that America or Israel could be as bad as any other nation in history in its quest for needless blood and unwarranted destruction. The only thing Iran has done is lay plans for nuclear power plants.

New Yorker Magazine - a Hallmark of Shame for our Nation

Last Friday's Newsweek poll showed that 12 per cent of voters believe Obama is a Muslim. The staff at the New Yorker magazine already knew that, and they decided to misuse their cover for no good, simple or honest reason. It was a slam; a toast for Obama's enemies, and those who are nervous about seeing the first black American hold the office of Presidency.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The New Yorker Magazine plays Russian Roulette with a nation and their gun is loaded. Should we be surprised that this happened?

Some say yes; because decency still has its place, and satire still has venues that it should not attend. That is because satire is not as important at crucial times in history as people make it out to be.

The magazine suggests that the cartoon is intended and should be interpreted as a satirical comment about some of the distorted right-wing attacks on the Democratic senator. Funny, that they would be capable of such doublespeak, but they are.

Letter to the Editor Suggests McCain's Tactics Would Devastate Social Security

McCain wants to follow George W. Bush's plan that would slash guaranteed benefits for millions of seniors, survivors and people with disabilities and the same plan that would explode the national debt, all without adding a single day to the life of Social Security – not one single day.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - If there was any doubt that Senator John McCain is as bad as President Bush or worse on Social Security – out the window of the 'Straight Talk Express' it went at his recent town hall campaign event in Denver.

When asked about his position, McCain said "Americans have got to understand that we are paying present-day retirees with the taxes paid by young workers in America today. It's an absolute disgrace." An "absolute disgrace?"

Government Bails Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after U.S. Dollar Plummets

Bonds rally on Fannie and Freddie turmoil as jittery investors look for a safe haven for assets after the Fed announced a plan to shore up the mortgage giants Sunday.

(NEW YORK) - The dollar climbed back from a near-record low against the euro today after the government announced an emergency plan to restore investor confidence in mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are already government backed. Critics say this latest band aid will not have any effect on the nation's economic downturn, in the bigger picture.

In this latest move, the Treasury boosted its direct credit lines to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and said that if necessary, they would buy their shares, while the Federal Reserve made its direct lending window to financial firms available to them.

The plan did help calm market concerns about the health of the U.S. financial and housing sectors, at least initially, as the two companies fund half of all U.S. mortgages. But analysts noted the potential expense of the rescue and investors questioned whether the plan went far enough.

The Economic Panic of '08 is On

In 2008, Americans will wake up to the worst economic times that anyone alive has ever seen. And they won't know what hit them - Gerald Celente, December 17th, 2007

(RHINEBECK, N.Y.) - The "Panic of '08" that we had predicted is "ON." Only the blind can't see it, the deaf don't hear it and those in denial won't admit it. America's economy has taken a direct hit. The nation's financial superstructure is collapsing. Those waiting for the "official word" and hesitating to take survival measures will go down with the sinking ship of state.

The Economic 9/11 that experts warned would "topple corporate giants" and "crush the man on the street" hit on Friday. While an economic terror strike was long in the making and the devastation long predicted, the financial markets melted down and panic hit the Street on the news that the nation's two largest mortgage finance companies, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, were on the brink of failing.

A New Concept in Real Estate: Optimism

By embracing technology and investing in the local community, young professionals are creating a niche of optimism in Salem.

(SALEM, Ore.) - If necessity is the mother of invention, the real estate market should prepare for a new wheel. Across the country the national media mourns the real estate boom without offering hope for the future. While the older generation tends to have a 'wait-and-see' mentality when the market is struggling, the younger generation sees it differently. Matthew Lind is an example of the growing trend of young small business owners in Salem whose outlook is refreshing.

"The Mid-Willamette Valley is full of opportunity." Lind said. "With Salem’s Vision 2020 campaign starting to show progress and all that’s happening over in Independence, the time to act is now."

Body Found in Sandy River Identified as Missing Teen

Clackamas County Confirms Recovered Body From Sandy River Is Drowning Victim Patrick James Cody Monteith, Age 16, From Sandy

(SANDY, Ore.) - A spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office says teh county's Medical Examiners Office has confirmed that the deceased corpse recovered earlier today from the Sandy River, is in fact the missing teen who was presumed drowned in the Sandy River as a result of swimming mishap on the Sandy River in late June.

The body recovered earlier today on the Sandy River, has been positively identified by the Clackamas County Medical Examiners Office as 16-year old Patrick James Cody Monteith of Sandy, Oregon. He was a Sandy High student.

Patrick Cody disappeared around 2:12 PM, Saturday, June 28th, when he was apparently swept down the Sandy River east of Marmot. No recovery was made as a result of extensive water; ground and aerial searching conducted over a two-day period of time.

Headaches, Headaches, Headaches and Marijuana

Phillip Leveque has spent his life as a Combat Infantryman, Physician and Toxicologist.

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - I recently wrote about migraines and successful marijuana treatment but because "headaches" are supposed to be different I thought I had better muddy the waters.

One week following my article, Marijuana VS Migraines, The Oregonian newspaper came out with Solving Migraine Mysteries, which to me didn't really solve much. The medical/scientific community historically believed that migraines are some dysfunction of vasoconstriction/vasodilation. Dr. David Dodick, of the The Mayo Clinic says it's not the blood vessels but the brain. Dr. Christine Peterson, of the Portland, Oregon, Headache Clinic seems to agree. The strange thing is that if one pokes the brain with a needle or a knife there is no pain.

Nine Americans Killed Fighting Along Afghanistan's Border with Pakistan

This is the heaviest, single loss for Americans fighting in Afghanistan. Although no final assessment has been made, it is believed insurgents suffered heavy casualties during several hours of fighting.

(KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan) - Nine American Army soldiers were killed in Afghanistan this weekend during fighting with anti-Coalition forces along the country's eastern border with Pakistan.

Salem-News.com reported in early 2007 that these bases were constantly in peril from attacks originating in Pakistan- a country allegedly an ally according to the Bush Administration, but oddly the place where the Taliban is actually from. See a number of video reports below that show the relationship between these deadly attacks and their proximity to the Pakistan border.

Team Black Rhino - All Marines Are Infantrymen

From the article "Black Rhino Charges Through Desert" submitted to Salem-News.com by Lance Corporal Michael Stevens with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Iraq's AL-Jazirah Desert.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Unlike other military services, all Marines are trained as basic infantrymen, regardless of their military occupational specialty. This means that a general in charge of logistics, a military police Corporal trained in law enforcement, and others like communications specialists, pilots and Marines pushing papers in administrative services, are trained and qualified to grab an M-16 and instantly become a member of an infantry platoon.

When I was in the Marine Corps, serving with Marine Wing Support Group-37 in the 3rd Marine Air Wing during the early 1980's, stories about Vietnam were told and retold and one of the specific aspects was that guys from our squadron often served as helicopter door gunners.

Racism's Long and Torturous History Against African-Americans

The Civil War was fought in part over slavery, but legal prejudice against African-Americans and other cultures was sanctioned by U.S. laws, and it wasn't until the 1940's and 50's that things really began to change.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There are no simple answers for racism. Few problems in our society rival it, and for the first time in U.S. history, we will very likely elect our first black President. This scenario leaves many people grinning, and others grimacing, as they watch something take place that they never would have predicted.

It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to racism and the plight of African-American people in the history of this place we call the United States. White people have lived from the beginning of western society, with a relative amount of comfort. They have for the most part, had the ability to work and be paid fairly for that day's labor.

Black Americans of African descent on the other hand, lived generation after generation as slaves from 1619 to 1865. That is when the southern states that separated from the United States in a bloody Civil War that cost millions of lives, was defeated. Slavery was abolished.

Mortgage Meltdown-Update Old Theories with Marijuana

Part of a continuing series of articles on Eco-Economics & Medical Marijuana.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The mortgage market has crashed; gone to pot. The NY Times reports Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae stocks are crashing; who knows where they will be next Monday after the Fed buys-bails them out.

The dollar & stock market are falling; oil hit a new record high of $147 per barrel. Climate change and world food shortage and the wars continue. As a modest proposal, I suggest that Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the FED, McBush needs some marijuana to help them adjust their Eco-economic attitude. Perhaps a Joint Session of Congress would help.

No, marijuana will not stop the mortgage meltdown. The Fed and other financials institution have created this socio-political-economic system of endless inflation & debt. The Fed always has the same solution; less freedom & more debt for Americans. The Fed is doing a good job managing the crisis they and their friends created. We, the people, must become Eco-Entrepreneurs and fix this mess.

Delta Will Suspend Salem Flights in October

The city of Salem, Oregon and the city's Chamber of Commerce have invested big in this short-lived venture.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It has been a bone of contention for many. Now, Delta Airlines has notified the City of Salem that as of July 26th 2008, just a few days from now, it will not be accepting reservations for flights into and from Salem. The last reservations that will be booked range through October 10th 2008.

Delta says they will work directly with persons who already have reservations after October 10th 2008 to best accommodate their travel plans.

High fuel costs are the reason Delta cites for their decision to suspend these flights.

Salem-News.com Article Inspires BBC Radio Program

Salem-News.com article on Oregon's upcoming campaign to legalize marijuana and sell it in liquor stores, inspires a BBC Radio Program also heard on OPB in Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - With expertise and guidance from one of the nation's most esteemed medical marijuana physicians, Dr. Phillip Leveque; Salem-News.com has blazed new trails with our stories, interviews, and question & answer segments on the legal use of cannabis.

I was pleased today to receive a BBC Radio Producer's email stating, "Dear Tim King - We read your article on the Oregon Cannabis Law with great interest. It has inspired a whole BBC radio programme (which can also be heard via OPB in Oregon."

This is the type of development that is happening all over the world right now, and the sobering knowledge that marijuana is very close to finally reaching true and unfiltered legality is riling many anti-pot activists. One of the biggest groups raising a voice against legalization, are members of the medical professions that financially benefit from marijuana being illegal.

Op Ed: 'Econ 101' Corrupted
By Corporate Design:
Part Two: Conclusions

Natural fact: what Franklin, founders knew in 1779.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - As early as Revolutionary days, canny Ben Franklin put it potently, as well as succinctly: "Private property is a creature of society and is subject to the calls of that society, whenever its needs may require it." --Ben Franklin - 1789.

The Founders, prescient men-all, knew a natural fact when it was completely obvious from their long-continued study of famed philosophers over centuries.

What Founder Ben was telling us-all even then is now, more than ever after 150 years of the American Experience, is natural fact, long recognized. It is the most-essential fact on which much, if not most, of our "Revolutionary concept of shared complicit and essentially cooperative governance" has come to be based.

New Law Would Legalize Marijuana in Oregon

Can an antiquated law from 1937 called the "Marihuana Tax Act" finally be turned around? Those guiding the passage of this new Oregon law will put the credibility and effectiveness of the 1937 legislation to the test.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A proposed law for Oregon would radically alter the availability of marijuana for adults, by allowing the herb to be purchased in liquor stores. The Oregonians For Cannabis Reform 2010, say the Cannabis Tax Act would make cannabis products legal and available in a retail environment. Proponents say it will mean millions and millions of dollars for Oregon's state coffers and many predict that the move would literally salvage the state's unstable economy.

Backers of this Initiative say their plan would send 90 percent of the proceeds from the state's sale of marijuana to Oregon's General Fund, which could lower the state tax burden significantly. Portions of the revenue would be used to fund drug abuse education and treatment programs