Salem-News.com Op Ed articles Page 21

Op Ed: Oregon’s Corporate Contributions
Now Open to Public View;
Corrupting Consequences
No Longer Hidden

An online resource is open to any citizen to see the most essential record in State of Oregon files: “Where that political money comes from, who it goes to, and in what large chunks!”

(SALEM) - In Oregon, corporate “campaign contributions” cannot continue as the chosen canny cover-up once consummately carried on for often-concealed corrupting consequences.

Op Ed: Free Speech Has Costs:
Democratic Dialog Demands
Care and Responsible Usage
As Internet Matures

“Open ID” Necessary For Full Credibilities On Net

(SALEM) - One great and shining opportunity for all, in our democracy, is under open attack, with protracted and pernicious new damage: “Anonymous” now screams-and-runs, sometimes with cutting invective, on our most-open Internet channels.

Op Ed:
Growing Income Inequality in Oregon
Forcing Millions To Seek
Economic, Political Change

“Pursuit of Happiness” Cut Off at Dollar Sign for Many.

(SALEM) - "What goes around, comes around”: it's an old cliche in politics and economics, reflected in revivals --and even some revolutions-- throughout history.

In this nation we’re now engaged deeply in a remarkable example of that inevitable cycle, thirty years in fundamental formation, finally answering to frustrations felt by millions.

It heralds further ongoing collapse of the contrived conservative ideology paramount for nearly thirty years and the “return to the sense of connectedness" that prevailed before that political debacle descended on us.

Op Ed: Learning Is Still Essential
For Any Possible
Pursuit of Happiness
In Oregon

Early and Continuing Education Is The Foundation for Democracy

(SALEM) - Every rational person in ANY civilized society today knows full well the essential, demanding necessities of learning from earliest age on to senility.

The multitudinous, heavily-pressing demands of all modern societies --in this, the 21st Century!-- make that fact one of the surely-shaping situations with surely-solid full findings in both research for centuries --and the human experience NOW.

Op Ed: Right Time Has Come
For Universal Solution
On Oregon Healthcare Rights

623,000 Oregonians have no health insurance coverage; 780,000 have no prescription drug coverage...and the numbers are growing.

(SALEM) - Every strong concept finally finds its own time for full and defining application in our American culture --if, indeed, events prove both its real strength and its demanding essentiality.

Legislators Hear it From a Former Addict: Gambling Treatment Works

This guest opinion is by Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services.

(SALEM) - The scene was an afternoon public hearing this spring before a committee of the Oregon Legislature. The 50-ish man at the witness table was articulate and was dressed professionally. But his personal story of battling a gambling problem was one legislative committees don't often hear.

"I wasn't a person who was stealing your car stereos," he told the committee, "but that's where I was headed. Through treatment I got the tools necessary so I could get on my feet."

Op Ed:
Will Oregon Re-Join
Twenty-First Century
OR Continue In Reverse?

Legislature Cult-Conflict Continuance Threatens Realistic Progress

(SALEM) - Both so-called political parties still active in Oregon promised their constituent remnants --and all other Oregonians-- that this would be the session at which cult-driven political confrontation would assuredly be abandoned.

Salem`s RR Span: Troubled Waters Amid the Snafu

The soon-to-be-rebuilt RR Span can become the Capital City Causeway to permit rush hour bus or minivan service.

(SALEM) - The City of Salem last year plunked down exactly one dollar to purchase the Union St. Railroad Bridge. That's only the nominal down payment, however.

That railroad span, inoperative since the late 80's, has been proposed for cyclists and pedestrians only. The reality along side is that the Marion St. Bridge is badly overcrowded and getting worse each year.

While the original peak traffic during rush hour was 65,000, according to a city traffic engineer, the current overwhelming peak load is approaching 100,000. Is saying "ouch" adequate?

Op Ed:
Tell It True in Oregon
OR Lose Credibility:
Radical Transparency Demanded

Internet Enforcing Open Dialog as Cultural Shift Impact Multiplies

(SALEM) - Technology transmutes the total culture inevitably, as so many historical examples show us even without detailed discussion. One only has to mention “fire”, “the wheel”, “the steam boiler”, “the railroad” --and finally the “flying machine”-- to make the point.

Cooperative activities demanding communication-change, involving broad segments of humanity, invariably have followed; inevitably based on continuing constant developments of ideas-and-values at all levels, in every possible form and format.

That’s the great strength of democratic dialog --fundamental to the processes of democracy if it is to be workable and efficient.

As Maryland Goes, So Should Oregon

Because Oregon’s legislature is considering proposals to change Oregon’s $10 minimum corporate tax on those corporations with no tax liability, this is a crucial time for Oregon to follow Maryland’s lead.

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - If we lived in Maryland we’d have the same state drink (milk) and state dance (square) as Oregon. But unfortunately the important similarities would end there.

For example, if we lived in Maryland we would have important information from our state about which large companies are not paying state income taxes. Here in Oregon, policy makers are operating more in the dark.