One Day in Baghdad: Part 1 (VIDEO)

Iraqi Special Forces kill terrorists at Dora and record the aftermath on a cell phone camera.

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - An embedded reporter in Iraq can travel through the country a couple of different ways. The top choice is to catch a ride aboard military aircraft. On this particular day, I needed to reach the Combined Press Information Center in Baghdad to receive reporter's credentials. My day started at 4:30 AM by boarding a twin engine Army plane for the flight to Iraq's capitol.

Arriving at Baghdad International Airport, another photographer and I found a group of Iraqi soldiers in HUMVEE's that have been provided to their Army by the U.S. government. The soldiers were extremely proud of the armored vehicles and it is easy to understand why. While this is my first time visiting Iraq, I did spend the winter of 2006/2007 in Afghanistan.

Kill or Die: Dogfaces Dilemma

Phillip Leveque has spent his life as a Combat Infantryman, Physician Pharmacologist and Toxicologist. After surviving WWII, he went on to treat veterans for years who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - Sunday night August 24, 2008 on ABC 60 Minutes Program was possibly the worst story of its type I have ever seen.

The reporter who was asking inane but really stupid questions of Sgt. Frank Woodrich about a battle incident in Iraq in 2005 in which several American Soldiers or Marines were killed or wounded and many Iraqi’s were killed had me so enraged I was about to crawl through the television set and strangle the reporter for the third degree inquisition he harassed on the sergeant who unfortunately was in charge of the American troops on that combat patrol.

War Coverage Tim King in Afghanistan

Ask Dr. Leveque Only on Salem-News.com

Oregonians Deploy for Tropical Storm Gustav

The death toll from Gustav is already up to 23 in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Though Tropical Storm Gustav isn't projected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast until the end of Labor Day weekend, the American Red Cross is preparing for the anticipated hurricane by deploying volunteers and staging supplies in key communities.

Six volunteers from the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross will leave for Baton Rouge, LA today to assist with setting up shelters for residents as needed.

Salem Restaurant Dining Critic!

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

OCPP Says Thousands of Oregonians Still at Poverty Level With No Health Insurance

In 2007, one out of eight Oregonians was officially poor despite a slight income gain.

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - As the last economic expansion hit its peak, the typical Oregon household's income reportedly rose slightly in 2007 over the previous year.

Yet, Oregon was unable to reduce poverty or the percentage of Oregonians lacking health insurance, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau and analyzed by the Silverton-based Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP), a nonpartisan research institute.

"The typical Oregon household saw its income improve somewhat last year," said Michael Leachman, a policy analyst with the public policy research institute, "but the household was no better off than it was at the end of the last expansion in 2000."

Blazers Great Kevin Duckworth, Two-Time All-Star, Dies in Oregon

The two-time Western Conference Champ star, “Duck” was on the Oregon Coast representing the Trail Blazers this week.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - 44-year old Kevin Duckworth, a two-time NBA All-Star who starred on Western Conference Championship teams in Portland in 1990 and 1992, passed away Monday evening in Gleneden Beach, Oregon.

A member of the Trail Blazers from 1986-93, the 7-footer - affectionately known to Trail Blazers fans simply as "Duck" - also played for San Antonio, Washington, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Clippers during his 11-year NBA career.

"Today is an extremely sad day for the Trail Blazers family," Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said.

Vietnam Veterans Burn Candle Late to Show Support for Iraq Soldiers (VIDEO)

Soldiers are reminded by Vietnam Veterans that they are supported and loved by their country, regardless of the politics involved.

(CAMP BEURING, Kuwait) - Boarding a giant aircraft bound for Kuwait with a number of U.S. Army units this week, I moved one step closer to Iraq, and the combat theater where I will be embedded with an Oregon Guard aviation unit sent in country for a six-month tour of duty.

This leg of the journey began in Fort Benning, Georgia, from there we were flown to another base, Hunter Army Airfield, to refuel.

Waiting at the air facility for these U.S. troops, bound for war, was a career Green Beret Vietnam veteran named Walt Peters.

Man Says 'Psilocybin Mushrooms' Caused Him to Assault Police

A "trip" to jail was probably not what this West Salem man had in mind.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A day in the life of a police officer is unpredictable at best. Just when one thinks he's helping out a citizen in need, he might be putting him/herself into harms way. This was the case last Friday, when K9 Deputy Jerry Wollenschlaeger stopped to assist what he thought was a disabled motorist in Salem.

At 3:00 AM on Friday, August 22nd, Deputy Wollenschlaeger saw a male subject walking away from a black jeep Cherokee parked on the side of the road. As the deputy drove up to the man in an attempt to speak with him, the man suddenly jumped through the open passenger window, into the deputy's patrol vehicle.

19-year old Evan Thomas Adams grabbed onto the deputy and a fight ensued.

Police Say 'Huffing' Contributed to Fatal Car Crash Near Jefferson

UPDATE: Investigators have determined that more likely than not Ms. Williams had inhaled Nitrous Oxide gas prior to the crash not C02 as previously reported. The investigation is continuing.

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - Police say 23-year old Falon Rae Williams of Albany was driving a 2002 Ford Taurus with three passengers aboard, when it left the road and crashed into a tree on Marion-Jefferson Road Monday about 5:00 PM.

Passengers in the vehicle were 23-year old Michael Evan Matthews, 19-year old Paul Hartzell, and 17-year old Rebeckah Jo Ann Crisman.

Rebeckah Crisman, who was seated in the right rear seat was transported to Albany General Hospital where she later died of her injuries.

Op Ed: Force of Facts
Destroys Neo-con
Myths and Fallacies

40 Years of Disastrous Political “WIN by ANY Means"

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Driven by their inscrutable and immovable reliance on what they conceive as “the direct Word of God”, the nation’s “neo-conservative” remnant has amassed the world’s worst record of UN-realistic action on massive problems caused by those very policies.

Far Right-inclined religious partisans, “captured” in recent years, have only added their misplaced influence to that already-determined immutable characteristic for this hard-scrabble radical remnant.

This bedraggled sorry remnant is now identified by continuing faith in force-applied anywhere in the world, for any purpose, in pursuit of their proven-perverted perception of honest and open U.S. “strategic interests.”

30 Kilos of Cocaine Seized by Oregon State Police Near Sutherlin

"Winston", a DINT drug detection canine assisted with the bust.

(SUTHERLIN, Ore.) - Two Washington men were arrested after approximately 65 pounds of cocaine were found in hidden compartments in their car during a traffic stop Thursday morning.

Police say that about 10:00 AM, an OSP senior trooper stopped a 2007 Honda Accord displaying Washington license plates traveling north on 1-5 near milepost 140, for following too close and other hazardous traffic offenses.

Authorities say the seized cocaine has an estimated value of approximately $600,000.

California National Guard To Conduct Largest Unit Deployment Since Korean War

This unit has already served one year-long tour to Iraq from April 2004 to 2005

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. ) - A farewell ceremony for approximately 850 California National Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 185th Armor will be held Friday, August 22nd, at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino, Calif.

The soldiers, from throughout California, will leave for Fort McCoy, Wisconsin after Friday's ceremony where they will spend approximately two months preparing for their year-long deployment to Iraq. This is the largest California National Guard single-unit deployment since the Korean War.

Salem-News Follows Oregon Soldiers Departure For Iraq (VIDEO)

Tim King is embedded with the 2-641 Aviation group; watch for his ongoing series from the Iraq war zone

(FORT BENNING, Georgia) - Oregon Guard soldiers from 2-641 Aviation on their way to a deployment in Balad, Iraq have spent the last week at Fort Benning, Georgia preparing for their deployment in the war theater. The weather has been warm and humid but they say the training is essential toward their preparation.

Staff Sergeant Chris Fisher with the Oregon Guard says it’s a change from Northwest living.

"It’s hot and muggy here, that’s for sure, it is quite a culture shock and a weather change from being on the west coast."

The Cold War is Over

The Bush Administration blames Russia of the very things it has done in the 21st Century while dismissing its conduct in Iraq as being of no consequence. A large majority of Americans would disagree.

(PASO ROBLES, Calif.) - The U.S. accuses Russia of returning to its authoritative past, but logic suggests the United States is more the aggressor than the Russians.

Since the end of the Cold War and the break up of the Soviet Union, Russia has cooperated with the United States in many significant ways that one would think should cement relationships between them.

Under reasonable circumstances it would, but Geo. W. Bush and his administration seem less interested in rapport [a friendly relationship between people based on mutual respect, trust, and a sense that they understand and share each other's concern] than in expanding U.S. influence worldwide as it relates to Bush’s religious concept.

Sex: Men, Women and Pussy Wussies

Sexual exploits of people in the spotlight are judged and persecuted as if their behavior was somehow unique. Sex isn't new, what's to ponder?

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - I am constrained by recent stories of the sexual peccadillo's of prominent men including the likes of Presidents Jefferson, Cleveland, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton, all distinguished presidents of this fair country.

I’m not going to be rehashing their impact but writing about something I know a little more about, namely, The Greatest Generation, male and female.

Benny and Sid`s Your Public Service Announcements #9

(Salem) - This week's public service announcements offers a critique of television news and a look at John McCain's values as indicated by his past actions.

Massachusetts' Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in Cottage Grove, Oregon

Multi-agency effort leads to arrest of alleged rapist after his image was caught on camera attempting to steal beer.

(COTTAGE GROVE, Ore.) - One of Massachusetts' Most Wanted fugitives was captured Monday night after he tried to outrun police along a railroad track in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

The arrest of 36-year-old Michael T. Bresnahan comes nearly a year after he terrorized and sexually assaulted a woman at knife point after forcibly entering her home in Winchendon, Massachusetts.

Bresnahan has been featured on the television program "America's Most Wanted" Saturday night, and viewers in Oregon recognized him.

Stabbing Death in NE Salem Still Under Investigation

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to contact the Salem Police at: 503-588-6050

(SALEM, Ore.) - A 37-year old Salem man died after being stabbed in North East Salem August 12th. The Salem Police Department has been conducting an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the homicide.

According to police, shortly after 8:00 PM last Tuesday, officers responded to 1969 Hawthorne Ave NE, Apartment 28, on a reported stabbing. When they arrived, they found 37-year old Martin Cruz-Bote, had been stabbed. Medics transported Mr. Cruz-Bote to the Salem Hospital, where he later died.

Oregon Body Repair Shop's Green Approach Reflects Environmental Awareness (VIDEO)

Kadel's Auto Collision Repair Service has been serving Oregon for over half a century.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Kadel's Auto Body is among the Northwest businesses that are seeing life through green colored shades. And like others they have learned that going the extra mile for environmental integrity brings serious business in return from a public keen and aware of the need to be stewards of the earth especially when working with paint and potentially toxic materials.

Kerry Glass with Kadel's Auto Body says they have a 97% customer satisfaction rate, based on an independent study. "We get a hold of those three percent and find out what we can do better to meet their real needs," Glass said.

Presidential Race '08 Panders to Prejudices

Truth-in-Politics just isn't what it used to be, and nobody seems to know the difference.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It's bias that is the by-word in the Great Presidential Race of '08. Color of skin? Shade of hair? Tenure vs. tenderfoot? Born on mainland or the Hawaiian Islands somewhat offshore?

The name of the game this political season: muddy those murky waters. Shun clarity. Evade the genuine issues that affect war and peace, wealth and poverty, jobs kept here or outsourced to oblivion.

We are wary of phony rumors with no substance. Lies are tossed about with no sense of liability.

Salem Police Investigate Multiple Gunshot Victims and Homicide

The shooting is under investigation. Of the three victims, one person died at the hospital, one was life flighted to a Portland Hospital and one was treated and released.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Salem Police say a report of a gunshot early Sunday morning led to the discovery of three gunshot victims who had been driven to Salem Hospital in a private automobile. Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada says a call about the reported gunshots was received around 3:30 AM.

Salem Police responded to the area of 5th and Locust NE to investigate, and then learned a short time later that a vehicle had arrived at the Salem Hospital with three gunshot victims.

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident North of Madras

Oregon State Police is continuing the investigation into the cause of this fatal traffic crash.

(MADRAS, Ore.) - A Clackamas-area woman died and six others were injured Sunday night in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26 north of Madras.

According to Oregon State Police, a 2001 Ford F150 pickup driven by 45-Todd Rhoden, from Redmond, was eastbound on Highway 26 near NW Boise Drive at about 10:00 PM Sunday, when it collided with the left front corner and side of a westbound 1995 Toyota Previa van driven by 38-year old Elizabeth Jean Duke from Clackamas. After impact, the van came to a stop on the westbound shoulder and the pickup stopped in the westbound lane.

Land of the Free Continues to Black Out Popular Websites for U.S. Military

American troops are asked to fight and die for the freedom of other nations while the government strips them of their own.

(FORT BENNING, Georgia) - We reported on May 16th 2007 that the U.S. government appeared to be on the verge of relaxing its complete blackout of MySpace and YouTube on all U.S. military computers. I can tell you over one year later that it apparently never happened.

It seems unusual that the Department of Defense would continue this ridiculous information "blackout" at a time that we are asking so much from these brave warriors.

Salem-News.com's Tim King Leaves for Iraq

War correspondent Tim King is joining Oregon troops to bring their stories to the world.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Salem-News.com is pleased to announce that Tim's international news mission has begun. Our chief reporter Tim King has departed Oregon for a five-week assignment in Iraq where he will be embedded with Oregon National Guard soldiers arriving there for a year-long combat tour.

Joined for a proper send off at the Portland airport by Q Madp and some of his PGR friends, Tim bid us all farewell as he walked down the terminal heavy-laden with camera equipment and more and into a new phase of Salem-News.com war reports.

Stepfather Faces Murder Charge in Happy Valley

The autopsy reveals Michael Joshua Chapman died at the scene of the crime as a result of multiple stab wounds.

(HAPPY VALLEY, Ore.) - Clackamas County Deputy Sheriff's deputies are investigating a murder in Happy Valley that happened at a home on SE Fuller Road Saturday evening.

Detective Jim Strovink with Clackamas County says the investigation determined that 34-year old Michael Joshua Chapman was killed by his stepfather, 50-year old Steven James Petersen, during a violent domestic disturbance at this residential address.

Op-Ed: 545 People... th-th-th-that's all folks!

Above all, do not let these 545 people con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

(GARDEN GROVE, Calif.) - Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

U.S. Role in Georgia Crisis: What We Should Know

Stephen Zunes offers analysis on the recent history of U.S. role in the Caucasus region and the militarization of Georgia which he argues helped provoke the tragic war.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - The international condemnation of Russian aggression against Georgia – and the concomitant assaults by Abkhazians and South Ossetians against ethnic Georgians within their territories – is in large part appropriate.

It has been nearly impossible to even broach this subject of the U.S. role. Much of the mainstream media coverage and statements by American political leaders of both major parties has in many respects resembled the anti-Russian hysterics of the Cold War.

Fiery Crash Involving Car and Train Leave Two Dead

One occupant narrowly escaped being hit by the train, while two perished.

(CANBY, Ore.) - An Amtrak train struck a car Friday night at the Canby intersection of NE 4th Ave and Hwy 99E, at about 10:20 PM. The vehicle erupted in flames upon impact, and was pushed nearly 1450 feet down the train tracks, burning the entire time.

Only a few of the 50 occupants on board the Amtrak train had been evacuated when firefighters received word that there was 2000 gallons of diesel fuel in the engine.

Oregon's Busiest Emergency Room Offers Heat-Safety Tips

Heat related illness can cause serious problems.
You can reduce your chance of feeling tired or becoming seriously ill with a few simple steps.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The staff and physicians of Salem Hospital's emergency department want area residents to stay healthy and safe during this record-breaking heat wave. They offer these tips to help you, your children, and even your parents, stay safe, and what to do if you have problems in the heat.

Stay well hydrated:
Aim for two to three quarts of fluid per day (non-caffeinated).
Water is good, but don't limit your intake to just water. You also need electrolytes, which you can get from a variety of sports drinks.
If you're thirsty, you've waited too long.

Oregon Civil Air Patrol Partners with Oregon Department of Geology for First Time

Training will keep responders current in their skills and prepare new responders for the tasks ahead

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - This weekend the Oregon Civil Air Patrol (CAP) will be partnering with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral studies (DOGAMI)for the first time ever, in coordination with their annual USAF monitored state wide training exercise.

"DOGAMI is one of the lead State agencies for dealing with natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides, and so it is very important that we develop a good working relationship with the CAP so that we can quickly evaluate future disasters," said chief DOGAMI scientist Ian Madin.

Federal Judge Upholds Oregon Domestic Partnership Law

An out-of-state group was unsuccessful in delaying the law's implementation

(PORTLAND) - In what is likely to be the final chapter of a court case that caused a brief but dramatic delay in the implementation of Oregon's domestic partnership law, a federal appeals court today dismissed a lawsuit pursued by out-of-state groups seeking to revive a failed 2007 referendum on the law.

"Most Oregonians agree that committed couples should have the legal recognition they need to take care of each other. And now two courts have rejected our opponents' demands for special treatment," said Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon.

Missing WWII Pilot Recovered in Former East Germany

The pilot crashed in an area taken over by the Russians in 1945.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The remains of a WWII U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors, the Department of Defense released today.

The serviceman recovered is an aviator nameds 2nd Lieutenant Howard C. Enoch Jr., U.S. Army Air Forces, of Marion, Kentucky. He will be buried on September 22nd in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

The DoD says representatives from the Army met with Enoch's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

Depression: Antidepressants
Can Kill You or Your Loved Ones

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

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - As a Medical Marijuana Physician I have interviewed over four thousand patients in Oregon. Depression is not one of the medical conditions for which a patient can get a permit to use it but depression is common with chronic pain which is acceptable.

I punched up Marijuana Replacements on my computer and soon the index to SSRI stories jumped out at me! It included Antidepressant Violence, Suicide and Bizarre Behavior.

Senate Democrats Question Republican Plan to Sell Oregon`s Water

Democrats assert that the state water policy should focus on the needs of Oregonians first.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Members of the Senate Democratic caucus Tuesday raised concern over a Republican plan to sell Oregon`s water to other states. The plan was released as part of the Senate Republican caucus’s agenda for the 2009 session.

“While the complexities of this proposal have yet to be vetted, it seems doubtful that this is the sort of idea that Oregonians could get behind,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Democrats in the legislature would prefer to store our water here at home before shipping it off to California.”

Black Pot and the Kettle

The game of International Politics is not that different from a Saturday night gathering for a friendly game of Poker, except the stakes are higher because the players are not always as clever or friendly.

(PASO ROBLES, Calif.) - The war between Georgia and Russia was so precipitous as to take the world by surprise. As best I can determine, it began when Georgia attempted to recover by force the autonomous territory within its boundaries known as South Ossetia that has familiar ties to Russia and vice versa.

A Russian Peace-keeping force was stationed in Ossetia, after the separation a decade or more ago, to protect against what has now happened.

Oregon Average Drops Below $4 Per Gallon

The price of crude keeps falling despite Russia's military presence in Georgia. In fact, it's the first time in a decade that military action in an oil sensitive region hasn't resulted in an oil market rally.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Oregon's statewide average for regular unleaded is less than $4 per gallon for the first time since the last week of May. The statewide average falls seven cents this week to $3.99, and only one measured metro area in Oregon, Medford/Ashland, has an average above $4.

The national average declines for the 26th day in a row, also dropping seven cents this week to $3.80 a gallon." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "Oregon's average is down 28 cents in the past month, while the national average has lost 30 cents. The national average should easily dip below $3.75 a gallon as soon as this week, and could drop another 15 cents per gallon by Labor Day."

Understanding the Russian Invasion of Georgia

Both countries blame each other for genocide.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Accusations are flying as to who is responsible for the bloodshed in Georgia, a country that many Russians say has become a puppet government of the U.S. and other western nations.

Both the United States and Israel have been providing Georgia with military hardware under increasingly friendly political arrangements in recent years. We can only hope that this did not give the former Soviet Republic's leaders a false sense of courage against its neighbor to the north: Mother Russia. It may turn out to be a fatal mistake.

Despite its current alliances, the violence in Georgia undoubtedly evolves from tensions that have been simmering since the end of the Cold War in the 1980s.

Salem-News.com Will Go to Iraq With Mobilizing Oregon Guard Unit (VIDEO)

Salem-News.com reporter/photojournalist Tim King covers the mobilization ceremony of a military group that he will deploy to Iraq with to cover in-country for the next several weeks.

(SALEM, Ore.) - We are happy to announce that I will have the honor of joining a group of Oregon Guard soldiers from 2-641 Aviation who are deploying to Iraq to work in the aviation sector at Balad. The soldiers were officially mobilized this week.

This will be my second opportunity to be embedded with an Oregon Guard unit at war. I spent the winter of 2006/2007 embedded with the Oregon Guard in Afghanistan.

Medical Marijuana: A Surprising Solution to Severe Morning Sickness

Marijuana can bring relief to the nausea and discomfort of pregnancy's most well known side effect, morning sickness.

(SALEM, Ore.) - As is the case for many young women, my indulgence in recreational drugs, including alcohol and caffeine, came to an abrupt halt when my husband and I discovered we were pregnant with our first child.

To say we were ecstatic is an understatement. Doctors had told me we might never conceive, yet here we were, expecting our first miracle. I closely followed my doctor’s recommendations. When I began to experience severe morning sickness, I went to him for help. He ran all of the standard tests, then sent me home with the first of many prescription medicines.

Multiple Sclerosis, Marijuana and Hijacked Medical Articles

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

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - I knew when I started helping severely disabled patients get medical marijuana permits that I was entering a cesspool of resistance and below-the-belt savagery not only against me but also my disabled sick patients.

I’m accused of being a drug peddler and quack and my patients are just a bunch of lying, faking potheads who just want to get “high”.

These are some of the sickest most disabled patients I have ever seen and worst they have been rejected and abandoned by most doctors who still believe this Reefer Madness crap and the garbage coming from Walters, McCafferty and a another bunch of numbskulls even in the face of thousands of supporting medical articles and prestigious medical associations.

TCE Expert Talks With Former El Toro Marine About Toxic Waste (VIDEO)

This is the fifth video in a continuing series about a deadly chemical dumped into the groundwater by Marines at El Toro that is moving in the water tables beneath neighborhoods in Irvine, California.

(IRVINE, Calif.) - Lethally toxic chemicals were dumped into the groundwater over the decades at the now closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine, California. Marines and their family members have become sick over the years and the health problems can be passed on generationally. TCE, (Trichloroethylene) is known to cause liver failure, several types of cancer, mutations and intestinal disorders.

In this interview, Dr. Phil Leveque, a highly regarded toxicologist in Oregon, talks about this chemical manufactured by Dow Chemical, TCE, that was used to clean jet fighters at the El Toro Marine Air Station, and ultimately dumped into the water system.

Contaminated Marine Base in Irvine Slated for Public Park and Community Development (VIDEO REPORT)

This is part four in a continuing video news report series on TCE chemical waste stemming from the now-closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

(IRVINE, Calif.) - A veil of secrecy seems to cloud and obscure the real facts behind the closure of the El Toro Marine air base. Documents from the Navy confirm that El Toro is a hazardous waste zone. It is not new information, an environmental cleanup project has been underway for some time, but the extent of the problem and the distance the toxic contamination has traveled from the base is a serious issue, particularly for the Irvine community of Woodbridge.

For years, aviation crews at the base used a chemical degreaser on jet fighters called TCE that was disposed of hap hazardously, often poured straight onto the ground after use. In spite of this public information, city officials in Irvine, California, say the air station that was closed in 1999, will be a great location for a new park and housing development.

Memories of the El Toro Marine Air Base: a Modern Day Ghost Town

This feature is part of a series report on contamination at the El Toro Marine base; it includes a special slideshow presentation.

(IRVINE, Calif.) - The sound of afterburners from fighter jets soaring into the California sky over the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station have been silent for almost a decade. They are replaced by an eerie silence that envelopes the looming buildings and hangars.

I have many memories of my time as a Marine at this place and they have been flooding back over the last several days as I've spent time here investigating a massive hazardous waste situation created when the Marines dumped massive amounts of TCE- Trichloroethylene, into the groundwater. Contact with the potent chemical degreaser can quickly turn fatal.

Irvine, California Threatened by Contaminated Water From El Toro Marine Base (VIDEO REPORT)

What happens when wealthy Republicans suddenly find out that the home they invested so much in, could be sitting on top of one of the most dangerous, polluted places in the nation?

(IRVINE, Calif.) - A number of government agencies deny that the city of Irvine has big, big problems from TCE, Trichloroethylene; a toxic chemical used in the maintenance of Marine Corps jet fighters at the former at the Marine Corps Air Station. They reject the notion that the TCE has penetrated the groundwater here and as a result, is a serious health hazard for residents in Irvine, California.

But large amounts of evidence tell another story.

Reports from the U.S. Navy indicate that TCE contamination stemming from the Marine base at El Toro is in fact a huge issue in this part of Orange County.

Benny and Sid`s Your Public Service Announcements #8

(Salem) - This week's announcements include a look at His Highness George Bush's spiritual bonding with America's Best, the ever credible Jerome Corsi's take on John McCain, and guess who's joining Republicans for Obama? See you there!